The Rock Chalkboard

Hornets using s'mores to campaign for Devonte' Graham as NBA MIP
The package included the aforementioned ingredients, as well as a box with a cartoon version of Graham edited on the front. The packaging for "S'MORE GRAHAM" — a play on the former KU basketball star's last name — noted a "new and MOST-IMPROVED flavor," of course referencing the award that Graham could be up for.

2021 OT Christien Hawks thrilled by unexpected KU football offer
"That got me a little excited because I hadn't talked to him in a while," Hawks said. "We got on the phone and right off the bat he asked me, 'How are you doing? How's everything up there in Northwest Kansas?' And then we got on to the offer part. We discussed the whole offer and I got really excited."

Countdown to KU football (30): What will 'The Booth' look like?
If Kansas would average 30,000 or so fans in a normal year and you subtract those not comfortable going to games in the pandemic, you'd end up at about 50 percent capacity anyway. Then it would be more about making sure people space out and wear masks. KU could also implement temperature testing at the gate if indeed the goal was to create the safest environment.

ESPN releases newest projected NCAA Tournament bracket
We're almost into August, with some college basketball teams returning to campus and starting to work out together. And even without much additional roster information — a few more players have made their decisions before the Aug. 3, then Aug. 17 deadlines* to announce their intentions — ESPN bracketologist Joe Lunardi made some major changes in his most recent 2021 NCAA Tournament bracket.

ACC COVID-19 announcement affects 2020 KU football schedule
On Wednesday, the ACC announced it would be adopting a 10+1 model for the 2020 college football season, meaning member institutions are set to play 10 conference games and one additional non-conference opponent. That change alone would not necessarily affect KU's rematch with Boston College, set for Sept. 19 at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium in Lawrence, but such was not true for the rest of the announcement.

Bits o Chalk

How Year 2 of LeBron and the Lakers turned into a roller coaster
The 2016 NBA All-Star Game was the first and only international All-Star Game in NBA history. And with Bryant participating for the last time in his career, he shared a playful message with the officials surrounding them.

Chiefs RB Damien Williams opting out of 2020 season
"As an organization, we certainly understand and respect Damien's choice, knowing it was made in the best interest of his family,'' general manager Brett Veach said Wednesday. "He means a lot to our football team as a player and a person, and we're going to miss having him around this season.''

Dodgers' Joe Kelly suspended 8 games by MLB for incident with Astros
Los Angeles Dodgers reliever Joe Kelly was handed an eight-game suspension by Major League Baseball for his role in the benches-clearing incident that occurred at Minute Maid Park in Houston on Tuesday night. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was issued a one-game suspension and Houston Astros manager Dusty Baker was fined an undisclosed amount, MLB announced on Wednesday afternoon.

Sources: MLB requiring teams to add coronavirus protocol compliance officers
Following the coronavirus outbreak that infected nearly half of the Miami Marlins' roster and prompted the temporary suspension of the team's season, Major League Baseball is encouraging players not to leave hotels in road cities except for games, mandating the use of surgical masks instead of cloth masks during travel and requiring every team to travel with a compliance officer who ensures players and staff properly follow the league's protocol, sources told ESPN.

ACC sets 11-game fall football schedule, includes Notre Dame
The ACC board of directors voted Wednesday to proceed with an 11-game football season that begins the weekend of Sept. 12 -- and includes FBS independent Notre Dame playing a full league schedule -- but only if public health guidance allows.

Bits o Chalk

Flathead cherry orchards predict busy season | KECI
Flathead cherry season is here. Stands are propped up along Flathead Lake, and Hockaday U-pick Orchard will be opening on Friday.

Woman tests positive for COVID-19 at Kalispell assisted living facility | KECI
A senior living community in Kalispell confirmed a case of COVID-19 in one of its residents Wednesday afternoon. Immanuel Lutheran Communities received word that a woman in assisted living at Buffalo Hill Terrace tested positive and is in isolation. A press release says she is stable and resting comfortably.

Northwest Montana Fair Plans to Proceed Without Beer, Parade - Flathead Beacon
“It’s just not possible,” said fairgrounds manager Mark Campbell. “I can’t honestly tell the health department ‘yes, we’ll social distance in the beer garden.’ And it could drag down other components of the fair.”

Coronavirus stimulus: Trump, Congress struggle to reach deal on relief
"I'm not optimistic that we'll reach any kind of comprehensive deal," White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows told reporters on Capitol Hill Wednesday evening before another negotiation meeting with top Democrats.

Trump push for short-term coronavirus aid fix draws frosty GOP reception
resident Donald Trump, facing bleak prospects for a coronavirus aid deal, began pushing for a short-term patch Wednesday to protect renters and extend unemployment insurance.

Trump Plays on Racist Fears of Terrorized Suburbs to Court White Voters - The New York Times
President Trump painted a false picture of suburbs under siege, saying he was protecting them from low-income housing, as he seeks to win over white voters who were key to his 2016 victory.