Angela Rae Harris's Blog, page 39

Broncos sign RB Deuce Vaughn to practice squad

A week after the Broncos worked out Deuce Vaughn, he was signed Tuesday to their practice squad.

Vaughn’s agent, Jovan Barnes, had told The Denver Gazette earlier on Tuesday that a deal had been reached on the 5-foot-6 running back. He takes the practice squad spot of quarterback Sam Ehlinger, signed last Saturday to the 53-man roster.

Vaughn was a sixth-round pick by Dallas in 2023 out of Kansas State after rushing for 1,404 and 1,558 yards in his final two seasons with the Wildcats. He carried 40 times for 110 yards in two seasons with the Cowboys before being waived late last month.

“He’s a hard worker,’’ Barnes said. “There could be a connection (with the Broncos). … I was excited when they expressed their interest and now it’s up to Deuce to do what he does. … He’s a great player and a great young man.”

Dallas Cowboys running back Deuce Vaughn (42) carries the ball during a preseason NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons on Friday, Aug. 22, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Matt Patterson)

Vaughn worked out with the Broncos on Sept. 2, but they elected then to sign wide receiver Thayer Thomas to the practice squad. However, Barnes remained confident the Denver would circle back with Vaughn.

“Deuce is going to do whatever it takes,’’ Barnes said. “He’s just that kind of kid. He’ll make himself an added value to the team.”

Vaughn becomes the fifth Denver running back available for practice. The Broncos have four on the 53-man roster in J.K. Dobbins, RJ Harvey, Tyler Badie and Jaleel McLaughlin.

Dobbins started in last Sunday’s 20-12 win over Tennessee in the opener and had 16 carries for 63 yards, while Harvey had six attempts for 70 yards. Badie had no carries and two catches for 16 yards.

McLaughlin was inactive for the game, with one reason perhaps being related to special teams. Badie was used for 14 snaps on special teams against the Titans, while McLaughlin, in his third season, had just three such snaps for all of 2024.

Broncos work out four

The Broncos on Tuesday worked out four players, but one is now off the board.

A source said defensive end K.J. Henry will sign with Cleveland’s practice squad. He has played in 14 NFL regular-season games.

The Broncos also worked out linebacker Kingsley Jonathan, who has played in 20 NFL games, linebacker Benton Whitley, who has appeared in six, and linebacker Mitchell Agude, who has played in four.

A source said Whitley plans to work out later this week with the Titans.

Surtain lauds Hufanga

In 2022, both cornerback Pat Surtain II and safety Talanoa Hufanga were named first-team All-Pro. Surtain is thrilled they are now on the same team.

Hufanga, who earned his All-Pro nod while with San Francisco, signed as a free agent with Denver last March after four years with the 49ers. In his Broncos debut against Tennessee, he had 10 tackles and forced a fumble.

“It was pretty cool to see him,’’ said Surtain, who last season earned his second career first-team All-Pro nod and was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year. “It was like he was running around with his hair on fire, making plays, flying around, creating turnovers, making impact plays. That’s what we brought him here for.”

Briefly

Head coach Sean Payton said Monday about linebacker Dre Greenlaw, who suffered a quad injury in a July 31 practice and sat out the Broncos’ three preseason games and their opener: “You’re going to see him sooner than later.’’ A source told The Denver Gazette last Saturday that Greenlaw would be out “not long” and “there’s a chance” he could play Sunday at Indianapolis. … After giving up just 133 yards to the Titans, the Broncos lead the NFL in defense but Jordan Jackson said there is still plenty of work to be done. “We had a good game, but there’s always room for improvement,’’ said Jackson, a defensive lineman who played at Air Force. “There’s some stuff to work on.” … The Broncos opened as a 3.5-point favorite over the Colts, coming off a 33-8 home win over Miami. But the line has dropped to 2.5 points.

After shaky outing in opener, Broncos QB Bo Nix vows to be ‘a lot better’ vs. Colts

ENGLEWOOD – When Broncos safety Talanoa Hufanga was about to head to the podium after last Sunday’s game to address the media, he was wearing a Bo Nix T-shirt. 

The Broncos quarterback saw it and joked with Hufanga. 

“I was like maybe after my performance, he didn’t want to wear it,’’ Nix said after Wednesday’s practice at Broncos Park. 

Nix, much hyped entering his second Denver season, had struggled in a 20-12 win over the lowly Tennessee Titans at Empower Field at Mile High. He completed 25 of 40 passes for 176 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions, and also lost a fumble. 

With Denver having won the game, at least Nix could offer a joke. As for now, he is determined to bounce back Sunday at Indianapolis. 

“I know that I can be a lot better,’’ he said. 

Nix reiterated that he was too aggressive at times against the Titans and didn’t necessarily have to be due to Denver having such a stout defense. The Broncos allowed just 133 yards in Week 1, which ranks them No. 1 in the NFL in total defense. 

“Just watching them, tough plays. … All three of them,’’ Nix said of the turnovers. “In the future, maybe not be so aggressive, but at the same time that’s what makes us quarterbacks good. It’s a fine line of being aggressive, but sometimes it just happens, and you just have to move on. I can definitely take a little bit more calculated attempts, and that’s what I’ll attempt to do in the future.” 

Nix said that after an uneven showing, he doesn’t necessarily watch more film or talk to additional people. However, Broncos wide receiver Troy Franklin, who played with Nix at Oregon from 2022-23, wouldn’t be surprised if he puts in some additional work heading into the game against the Colts, who walloped Miami 33-8 in Week 1. 

“He’s definitely going to prepare a little more now that that happened or whatever the case is,’’ Franklin said. “And then us too, we’re going to have his back and make those plays for him.” 

Veteran receiver Courtland Sutton echoed that. 

“I love being able to look at (Nix) and say, ‘Hey, we got you,’’ Sutton said. “Things could be going great and we could be winning 50-0, and I’m like, ‘Hey, we got you.’ He is a competitor. He challenges himself to be perfect. … That is something you love to see from your quarterback. … But it’s not just him. It’s all of us. We all need to be reminded now and again that the weight of the world is not on your shoulders, it is on all of us.” 

Nevertheless, Nix doesn’t mind having plenty of pressure on him. After all, he has been a regular starting quarterback at every level, including when he was an eighth grader in Alabama and playing high school football. 

“I think the ownership is a part of the job, it’s part of the pressure, that’s why I love the position,’’ Nix said. “But with (Broncos head coach Sean Payton) doing it, it’s kind of the same. The head coach and the quarterback get all the credit when you win and most of the blame when you lose. That’s how it’s always going to be.” 

Even though the Broncos won last Sunday, Nix still has faced a good amount of criticism. As for Payton, he said Monday he needed to “be better” in looking to establish the run early against the Titans. In the first quarter, the Broncos called 14 pass plays and just three running plays 

“I don’t know how many games I’ve called, but that’s one of them where I came away from it like, ‘I have to be a lot better,’’’ said Payton, in his 18th season as an NFL head coach, said Wednesday. “It was one of those games, especially early (in the season). In that self-check (Monday), if you’re not careful sometimes the game can be over and you’re on to the next opponent. … We have to be leading the way in all areas.” 

There were some highlights, though, for Nix against the Titans. He threw a 22-yard touchdown pass late in the first half to Sutton for a 10-6 Denver lead. He had an 18-yard completion to Franklin and a nifty 11-yard run. 

His last pass of the day came on a curious call from Payton. The Broncos were leading 20-12 with 1:05 left in the game and faced fourth-and-8 at the Titans 36. Payton elected not to punt or try a 54-yard field goal in favor of having Nix throw deep to Marvin Mims Jr. 

Nix overthrew the receiver. But at least he liked Payton having the confidence in him to make the play. 

“It’s not always my choice, sometimes you have to take the points, kick the field goal,’’ he said. “But I didn’t mind that we got another crack at it. Unfortunately, we missed it, but we were really close … to having an explosive play.” 

Thanks to their top-notch defense, the Broncos held for the win. And Hufanga, who had a team-high 10 tackles and forced a fumble, then showed up wearing the Nix T-shirt. 

“Obviously appreciate the shirt,’’ Nix said. “I know that was planned, I know he’s got my back, and obviously, me and the offense, we got his too. We’re just going to continue to play well together and just keep picking up each other, and I think it’ll do well as the season goes.” 

Marvin Mims vows ‘aggressive’ approach on special teams vs. Colts | Broncos notebook

ENGLEWOOD — All-Pro returner Marvin Mims Jr. said the mission on the Broncos’ special teams is simple.

“(Be) very aggressive,’’ the wide receiver told The Denver Gazette after Wednesday’s practice at Broncos Park.

A new NFL rule calls for touchbacks on kickoffs to come out to the 35-yard line rather than the 30 last season. But that hasn’t stopped Mims from going for a big return instead of having the Broncos simply take the ball at the 35.

Denver Broncos wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. (19) runs with the ball against the Tennessee Titans during an NFL football game, Sunday, Sep. 7, 2025 in Denver. (AP Photo/Bart Young)

In last Sunday’s 20-12 win over the Tennessee Titans, Mims had three kickoff returns for an average of 27.3 yards. He returned the first — from 1 yard deep in the end zone — 28 yards to the 27. He returned the second at the goal line, when the ball could have gone into the end zone, 23 yards to the 23. He caught the third one at the 1 and returned it 31 yards to the 32.

The Titans had five kickoffs in the game, the other two going for deep touchbacks. Mims was asked on his first two returns about not letting the ball go into the end zone.

“In the heat of battle, you can’t catch and look down,’’ Mims said. “You kind of feel how much like you’re going back. … Our special teams approach is very aggressive, so I don’t think there’s necessarily a wrong move of bringing it out and there’s other things within the return, some my fault, but also within the return of it not out or past the 35.”

Mims has a career average of 26.9 yards per kickoff return. He believes it’s often worth a shot for a return even if the conservative approach might be for the Broncos to start at the 35.

Mims last season led the NFL in punt-return average at 15.7 yards. He averaged 11.8 yards on his four returns against the Titans, but he lost a fumble in the fourth quarter on an attempted fair catch.

“Just slipped right through my hands,’’ he said. “It kind of happens. You just hate for that to happen in a game in that situation.”

Mims against the Titans also played 40 snaps at receiver and caught three passes for 12 yards. Entering Sunday’s game at Indianapolis, he said he is fine with the triple duty of returning kickoffs and punts and playing plenty at receiver.

Franklin-Myers, Greenlaw don’t practice

Two defensive starters did not practice for the Broncos on Wednesday in defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers and linebacker Dre Greenlaw.

Franklin-Myers sat out due to a knee injury apparently suffered against the Titans. Greenlaw suffered a quad injury July 31 and has not practiced or played since the start of the regular season.

The Broncos listed tight end Evan Engram as limited in the workout due to a calf injury suffered against Tennessee. He took part in individual drills before going to work on a side field.

Engram was joined on the side field by tight end Nate Adkins, who has been out for the past month with an ankle injury, and cornerback Reese Taylor, who is on the practice squad and has been recovering from a hamstring injury.

Greenlaw also did not play in any of Denver’s three preseason games. Broncos coach Sean Payton has provided few recent details on Greenlaw’s injury but has remained generally confident about him.

“Nothing to update you on,’’ Payton said after Wednesday’s practice. “Progress is going well.”

Surtain does his job

The ultimate compliment for a cornerback is for the opposing quarterback not to throw at time. Denver’s Pat Surtain II keeps getting compliments.

Titans quarterback Cam Ward only threw once at Surtain and it was an incompletion. That’s fine with Surtain, the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year.

“I’m prepared for whatever,’’ he said. “Whatever they throw at me, whether it’s one target or it’s multiple targets, I got to be sharp and ready for the situation. … Great corners, you don’t often see them fill the stat sheet. … I feel like as a cornerback the main job for you to do is eliminate opposing receivers from getting yards and getting completions.”

Even when quarterbacks aren’t throwing his way, Surtain said it’s important he remains “locked in.”

“I never go in with a mindset that I will never get tested,’’ he said. “When those opportunities come, I know I got to make the play.”

Asked what he would consider the perfect game for him, Surtain joked, “Maybe like three picks and three touchdowns or something like that.”

Briefly

Broncos rookie cornerback Jahdae Barron lauded the aggressiveness of safety Talanoa Hufanga. “He plays very fast and violent,’’ Barron said. “If somebody else is in on the tackle, you’re probably going to get friendly fire messing with him. So he’s just dangerous to be around. I’m glad I’m on his team.” … Broncos rookie wide receiver Pat Bryant got in for just four snaps against the Titans. “I just think in our groupings we can improve that,” Payton said of Bryant, who didn’t have a target. “That was part of the (evaluation Monday).” … The Broncos have listed running back Deuce Vaughn, who signed Tuesday to the practice squad, as being 5-foot-5, 185 pounds. When he played at Kansas State and with the Dallas Cowboys from 2023-23, he was listed at 5-6, 176 pounds.

Sean Payton reacts to Broncos’ plan to build new stadium at Burnham Yard

ENGLEWOOD — Sean Payton is feeling his age with the announcement of new Broncos’ stadium plans. 

The 61-year-old head coach was the New York Giants offensive coordinator in September 2001 on the visiting sideline of the new Mile High when it first opened 24 years ago. The team is now expected to move into a new stadium — with a “preferred site” at Burnham Yard — starting with the 2031 NFL season. 

The proposed Broncos stadium will be privately funded by the Walton-Penner ownership group, have a natural grass playing surface and retractable roof, and include a mixed-use entertainment district across more than 100 acres of land. 

“In the day and age when new stadiums are being built, rarely are they staying in the city and privately funded and with the (roof) flexibility,” Payton said after practice Wednesday at Broncos Park. “One thing I kept reading was, man, we’re used to the snow and the elements — and I’m not going to speak for Greg (Penner) and Carrie (Walton Penner) — but those will all exist. … I called them this morning, and I was a little late with it, but just to congratulate them.” Broncos players shared in that enthusiasm. 

“It’s exciting,” quarterback Bo Nix said. “Our ownership has a big vision for what this organization is going to be. I think everyone else is just going to follow along with their lead. I know the players are excited. It’s a big step for our team. A big step for our organization. I know there is a lot of work to be put into it.” 

Wide receiver Marvin Mims told The Denver Gazette: “I thought it was cool. … It’s going to be a really cool thing just for the city of Denver. Just to keep the Broncos downtown and kind of centralized to the state.” 

Former Broncos also shared their excitement on social media. 

Wide receiver Ed McCaffrey (1995-2003): “What a time to be part of Broncos Country! Our fans are the absolute best, and the Penners’ vision for a world-class stadium shows they get it. They raise the bar each and every season!! Excited for what’s ahead!” 

Linebacker Karl Mecklenburg (1983-94): “I’m so proud to be a Bronco today! The team and the stadium are staying in Denver. The Walton Penner Group never mentioned the possibility of leaving Colorado, but as owners of the franchise, they could have. Their commitment to Bronco Country, to the team, and to building the premier sports franchise in the country is inspiring.” 

Defensive back Steve Atwater (1989-98): “This is HUGE! Let’s GOOOO, Broncos!” 

Payton reiterated his trust in the Walton Penner ownership group on Wednesday as construction continued on the team’s $176 million practice and training facility that is planned to open in 2026. 

“Both of them think outside the box all of the time, and I kind of think that same way,” Payton said. “You appreciate him allowing and trusting you to do your job, and yet, you’re always still proving that: Hey, you’re doing it well. … But there are 20 or 21 other (NFL teams) where the late Vince Lombardi could go there and he may not have the career he had at some of these other organizations. It’s just the truth. I wasn’t looking to find the division with Mahomes and Reid. But what I was looking for was the right ownership group, and I felt like I had that in New Orleans as well as a young coach. You begin to appreciate and realize how much that can really dictate your trajectory and your team’s trajectory. It’s working very well.” 

Colorado courts starting new program to direct defendants to external care based on competency

In an attempt to reduce wait times for inpatient defendant competency restoration, Colorado courts are launching a new program to divert eligible people into a separate community care process.

The near-$1.5 million program, which uses money from the general fund and was spurred by the passage of House Bill 24-1355 last June, will create a process in each judicial district to identify certain individuals who are not competent enough to proceed in a trial process and refer them to a wraparound program that will connect them with external care, according to a news release from the Colorado Judicial Branch and the bill itself.

“This work is the result of years of collaboration, deep listening, and versatility,” said Gene Klivansky, Competency Programs supervisor, in the release. “Colorado is taking bold, creative, and person-centered steps to change how we respond to mental health needs in our courts and communities.”

Launching in three distinct phases, several judicial districts have already begun implementing the program, according to the release. Officials hope the program will be in place in all judicial districts by July of next year:

Launched April 1: 2nd, 17th, 18th, 20th Judicial DistrictsLaunching Oct. 1: 1st, 4th, 5th, 6th, 8th, 15th, 16th, 21st, 22nd Judicial DistrictsLaunching July 1, 2026: 3rd, 7th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th, 19th, 23rd Judicial Districts

A defendant will only be referred to the wraparound program if the district attorney and defense counsel agree that there is reasonable cause to believe that they cannot continue with the standard litigation process, according to the bill.

The evaluation process will include assessments of several outcomes, including recidivism rates, participant engagement, court efficiency and access to care, according to the release. After defendants are accepted into the program, they will be assessed by a care coordinator and will have to cooperate with their plan.

In compliance with the bill, the court will set a review hearing 182 days after appointing the care coordinator, during which it will be required to dismiss the charges against the defendant if they have satisfactory complied with their care plan, according to the release. If the defendant has not fully complied with the plan but remain engaged with it, the court may continue their case for an additional 91 days.

Evergreen High School gunman dead after shooting 2 students and himself, authorities say

The teen responsible for a shooting at Evergreen High School died from his own self-inflicted injuries Wednesday night, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office said.

The boy was one of three people critically wounded in the incident Wednesday afternoon.

Palpable feelings of anxiety and concern hung in the air, as parents and family members gathered to pick up their high school students from the reunification point at Bergen Meadow Elementary School.

Around 12:30 p.m., at least three students were critically injured and taken to the hospital after a shooting on high school property, according to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.

Parents comfort their children as they pick them up from a designated pick up point at Bergen Meadow Elementary after a shooting at Evergreen High School left at least three in critical condition at on Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025.(Stephen Swofford, Denver Gazette)

One of the three taken to the hospital was the gunman, said sheriff’s office spokesperson Jacki Kelley at a media briefing around 3 p.m.

“St. Anthony’s Hospital confirmed it received three patients from the shooting, all of whom are minors. They are in critical condition,” according to the hospital’s CEO Kevin Cullinan.

Kelley could not confirm other details, including the motive. She confirmed that the weapon was a handgun but could not say further about the make or model.

Authorities confirmed on Wednesday night that one person had died: “The male suspect responsible for the shootings at Evergreen High School today has died from his self-inflicted injuries.”

“This is the scariest thing that could happen. We always say, ‘Not again.’ But here we are,” Kelley said. “These parents are really frightened, so are the kids.”

That sentiment was echoed as families reunited with their children at the elementary school later in the afternoon. As they walked to their cars — many of which were parked on the side of the road, a practice that disrupted the flow of traffic in the area — students could be overheard recounting their harrowing experience from just a few hours prior.

Many parents and family members, who were waiting to pick up their children and standing in line on the right side of the elementary school’s driveway, embraced one another. Some wiped tears away. Others huddled together, sharing information about the shooting.

Parents comfort their children as they pick them up from a designated pick up point at Bergen Meadow Elementary after a shooting at Evergreen High School left at least three in critical condition at on Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025.(Stephen Swofford, Denver Gazette)

More than 100 officers from multiple jurisdictions responded, Kelley said, adding that authorities had evacuated everyone and cleared the school within an hour-and-a-half of the first call.

Kash Patel, director of the FBI, said on social media that agents were on the scene and “supporting local authorities.”

Kelley added that there was one more person who sustained minor injuries in the incident but did not give more details about their condition.

“I am closely monitoring the situation at Evergreen High School and am getting live updates,” Gov. Jared Polis said in a news release. “State Troopers are supporting local law enforcement in responding to this situation. Students should be able to attend school safely and without fear across our state and nation. We are all praying for the victims and the entire community.”

Parents pick up their high school students from a designated pick up point at Bergen Meadow Elementary after a shooting at Evergreen High School left at least three in critical condition at on Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025.(Stephen Swofford, Denver Gazette)

Jefferson County communications first reported the shooting just before 1 p.m. on social media, saying there were reports of an active shooter in the area of the school.

Jeffco Public Schools officials later confirmed the shooting happened outside the school and the building in an email to parents.

After initially listing the reunification point as Wilmot Elementary School, the account later changed it to Bergen Meadow Elementary School, located at 1928 Hiwan Dr.

Parents pick up their high school students from a designated pick up point at Bergen Meadow Elementary after a shooting at Evergreen High School left at least three in critical condition at on Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025.(Stephen Swofford, Denver Gazette)

Hundreds of parents began lining up at Bergen to pick up their students soon after.

Located on Buffalo Park Road southwest of the city, Evergreen High School opened in 1944. The school had 931 students in the 2023-2024 school year, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

There have been five school shootings in Colorado since Columbine High School in 1999.There was a hostage situation and shooting at Platte Canyon High School in 2006, when Duane Roger Morrison shot and killed Emily Keyes.

In 2010, Bruco Eastwood shot and injured two students at Deer Creek Middle School.

An 18-year-old student, Karl Pierson, entered Arapahoe High School in 2012 with Molotov cocktails and a shotgun. He shot one student before killing himself.

The most recent shooting was the 2019 STEM School shooting in Highlands Ranch, where nine students were shot and one was killed by Devon Erickson, a student who was later convicted on 46 counts, including first-degree murder.

Denver Gazette reporter Sage Kelley contributed to this report.

Republican state lawmaker Barb Kirkmeyer set to launch campaign for Colorado governor

Republican state Sen. Barb Kirkmeyer filed paperwork Monday to run to be Colorado’s next governor, making the Brighton lawmaker’s long-anticipated campaign official.

Kirkmeyer, who lost a close race for Congress in 2022, plans to make a formal announcement Tuesday evening in Fort Lupton, her campaign said in a release.

The 66-year-old dairy farmer and fourth-generation Coloradan joins a crowded field of Republicans hoping to take over after next year’s election from term-limited Democratic Gov. Jared Polis in a state that has only elected one Republican governor in the last 50 years.

Including Kirkmeyer, 16 Republican candidates have launched candidacies for governor, including former U.S. Rep. Greg Lopez, a former Parker mayor making his third run for the office; state Sen. Mark Baisley, R-Woodland Park; state Rep. Scott Bottoms, R-Colorado Springs; Teller County Sheriff Jason Mikesell; and former congressional hopeful Joshua Griffin.

The Democratic primary is shaping up to be a two-way race between three-term U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet and Attorney General Phil Weiser, who is term-limited in his current position.

Polis, a wealthy former five-term congressman from Boulder, won reelection to a second term in 2022 by a nearly 20-point margin over Republican nominee Heidi Ganahl, a former University of Colorado regent.

If elected, Kirkmeyer would be the first woman to serve as governor of Colorado in the state’s 150-year history.

A member of the powerful Joint Budget Committee, Kirkmeyer is in the middle of her second term representing Senate District 23, which covers parts of Weld and Larimer counties. Before her election to the legislature, Kirkmeyer served nearly two decades as a Weld County commissioner in non-consecutive terms, starting in 1993, and ran the Department of Local Affairs under Republican Gov. Bill Owens.

While on the county commission, Kirkmeyer backed an unsuccessful 2013 bid by Weld County and 12 other neighboring rural counties to secede from Colorado to form a new state. The next year, she mounted a brief campaign in the 4th Congressional District but didn’t make the primary ballot.

In 2022, however, Kirkmeyer won the GOP nomination in the newly created 8th Congressional District in a bruising, four-way primary. She went on to lose the general election by a narrow margin to Democrat Yadira Caraveo in one of the closest congressional races in the country that cycle.

National election analysts list next year’s Colorado gubernatorial race as solidly in the Democrats’ column, citing the party’s record of sweeping every statewide election since 2018.

Colorado justices tell Arapahoe County judge to reconsider disqualification of law firm from case

The Colorado Supreme Court on Monday directed an Arapahoe County judge to reconsider his prior decision to remove a law firm from a civil lawsuit due to a conflict of interest.

In an unsigned Sept. 8 order, the justices laid out specific issues the judge needed to examine before concluding that the work an attorney performed years ago for one set of litigants precluded his new law firm from representing the opposing litigants in a different lawsuit.

In 2016, the family of oil and gas executive Jack Grynberg filed suit over the ownership and control of his companies. Evidence indicated Grynberg’s cognitive decline resulted in him falling victim to scams. Grynberg, who died in 2021, lost the litigation.

In 2022, the administrator of his estate filed a malpractice suit against Dorsey & Whitney LLP, the law firm that represented Grynberg. The complaint alleged they “pursued scorched-earth litigation tactics” that isolated Grynberg from his family and prevented him from receiving medical care for his cognitive issues.

Two of Grynberg’s adult children moved to intervene and sought to remove the lawyers at Richards Carrington, LLP, who were representing Dorsey & Whitney. They argued one partner at the defense firm, Michael Mulvania, represented them in the prior litigation and there was a “substantial risk” he possessed confidential information that was relevant to the new lawsuit.

In an April 8 order, District Court Judge Don J. Toussaint agreed with the Grynberg siblings.

“Mulvania substantially participated in the 2016 lawsuit. Mulvania billed 812.5 hours for work, and he was privy to privileged and confidential information throughout his representation in that matter,” wrote Toussaint. “Based on the totality of the circumstances, disqualification is warranted.”

Richards Carrington turned to the Supreme Court. The attorneys argued any confidential information had already been disclosed publicly, that the firm had already implemented an “ethical screen” excluding Mulvania from the case and that Mulvania had “limited involvement” in the original litigation over Grynberg’s companies.

“To hold otherwise — in a case where nonparties have moved to disqualify counsel based upon the most attenuated and remote of circumstances — would dangerously expand the scope of permissible disqualifications, effectively prohibit ethical screens in any circumstance, and prejudice law firms of all sizes while incentivizing and proliferating the use of disqualification motions as litigation tactics,” wrote the attorneys.

gavel court law lawsuit

The Grynberg children, the estate administrator and Toussaint all responded to Richards Carrington’s petition to defend the decision. Generally, they argued Mulvania was potentially exposed to confidential information about the Grynberg children’s impressions of their father’s cognitive capacity. Mulvania’s new firm could use that knowledge to expose potential inconsistencies in the Grynberg children’s accounts to defend against the malpractice case.

“Mr. Mulvania’s duties to Rachel and Stephen (Grynberg) as his former clients would prevent him from revealing the confidential information that Rachel and Stephen disclosed to him (or didn’t), thereby compromising his duty to zealously represent the Dorsey Defendants. That is a textbook former-client conflict of interest,” wrote attorneys for the estate administrator.

Richards Carrington countered that there were no facts “or even plausible theories” that the Grynberg children would have disclosed relevant and confidential information to Mulvania during the short time he worked on the prior litigation. Moreover, the Grynbergs had already commented publicly on the complained-about details.

“Mulvania no doubt obtained information about the issues he worked on — that is, information relating to the corporate structure and formal control of the Grynberg companies. But there is no reason whatsoever to believe that he received client confidences relating to (Jack) Grynberg’s mental status,” wrote the law firm.

The Supreme Court’s order noted the rules of professional conduct do typically prohibit a lawyer in one case from going up against their former client in the “same or a substantially related manner.” But rather than rule on the disqualification issue, the justices ordered Toussaint to address additional relevant factors before he disqualified Richards Carrington.

The court returned the case to Toussaint to answer specific questions about why any information Mulvania obtained would affect the estate administrator’s case, whether the alleged confidential information was actually in the public domain already and why the ethical screen separating Mulvania from the current case was inadequate.

The case is McMinimee v. Dorsey & Whitney LLP et al.

Douglas County contributes $15 million to regional park projects in Parker, Lone Tree

Douglas County commissioners on Tuesday approved $7.5 million each to help fund two large regional park projects in the county’s northeast portion.

The move comes amid a countywide push for more parks, recreational athletic fields and open space amenities.

In addition to the proposed 500-acre Zebulon site in Sterling Ranch, or more trails in the 202-acre Wildcat Regional Park in Highlands Ranch – there are two other large park investments the county is prioritizing in both Parker and Lone Tree.

The county is equally supporting both the Salisbury Park North project in Parker and the High Note Regional Park project in Lone Tree. Both municipalities had originally requested around $8 million in county funding for respective projects. The projects expect to break ground soon and finish within the next three-to-four years.

“It’s the most significant investment in parks and open space in the history of Douglas County,” Commissioner Abe Laydon, who represents northeast Douglas County, said at Tuesday’s board meeting.

“This is not just funding, it is generational commitment to our people and to our land.” he said.

A rendering of the Salisbury Park North project in Parker, Colorado. (Courtesy photo, Town of Parker)

Salisbury Park North

For years, Parker officials have heard demands for more ball fields in the town located in northeast Douglas County.

Today, Salisbury Equestrian Park, located at 11920 Motsenbocker Road, currently has four baseball fields, one of them named after Colorado Rockies legend Todd Helton and Dale Farmer, one of Parker’s “founding fathers,” according to Parker Mayor Joshua Rivero, who spoke to commissioners on Tuesday.

Currently, the project’s first phase for new sports fields is estimated to cost $28 million, much lower than previously expected, according to a city spokesperson.

Last year, the county provided Parker $8.7 million in share back funds, meaning the county, in total, has contributed $17.7 million to the project’s first phase, the spokesperson said.

Parker is contributing $10.3 million toward the first phase, part of a .5% sales tax residents approved in the early 1990s to fund parks and open space projects, plus other dollars the town has saved for the past decade on this project, officials said.

At Tuesday’s meeting, Mayor Rivero called Salisbury Park North a “significant investment,” emphasizing a need for more sports recreation and amenities.

“These are incredible dollars going to an incredible park,” Rivero said. “This is truly our central park. It will be an incredible asset to our community.”

The project includes four more grass baseball/softball fields, two turf soccer fields, restrooms, biking trails, a cycle cross track, 21 pickleball courts, tennis courts and other amenities.

The mayor also called this an economic driver, noting further sports tournaments will drive in tax revenue.

A rendering of High note Regional Park interwoven regional park in Lone Tree, Colorado. (Courtesy photo, City of Lone Tree)

High Note Regional Park

Centered around the “Braid,” this Lone Tree project acts as a “unifying thread” running through the length of the park and surrounding neighborhood, city officials said.

More ball fields, playgrounds and trail amenities are in the works.

The Braid is an interwoven promenade of paths that all the programming elements align across. It also provides a linear connection between the north and south side of the park which is bisected by a future road along High Note Avenue.

The park is poised to feature more trails, five large sized multi-use fields, an accessible playground, a hiking hill, full sized basketball courts, gardens, a park cafe, an amphitheater stage, pickleball courts, a rock climbing wall, a dog park and a “bark bar.”

On Tuesday, Lone Tree Mayor Marissa Harmon told commissioners the project aligns with county needs for more park amenities, especially for the desire of its own citizens who called for more recreational options.

Lone Tree’s mayor called the High Note Regional Project a “signature project” in the city.

A rendering of High note Regional Park interwoven regional park in Lone Tree, Colorado. (Courtesy photo, City of Lone Tree)

In total, the project’s first phase is to cost $31 million. Lone Tree is contributing $9 million, while South Suburban Parks & Recreation contributed $13 million. And now, the county’s $7.5 million, according to a city spokesperson.

“These investments will shape the daily lives of families, athletes and adventurers for decades to come,” Laydon said.

Pat Surtain excited about foundation donation, Broncos’ plans for new stadium

ARVADA – It was a big day for the Broncos — and for star cornerback Pat Surtain II.

On Tuesday morning, the Broncos announced their preferred site for the construction of a new stadium is Burnham Yard in Denver. In the afternoon, Surtain showed up with much fanfare at Arvada High School for the unveiling of his foundation, having donated $50,000 for a complete renovation of a science Inspiration Room classroom and laboratory.

When Surtain showed up, he walked through a maze of students, throwing high-five highs and posing for selfies.

“I appreciate all the love and all the hospitality of Arvada High School,’’ said Denver’s shutdown corner.

Broncos star Patrick Surtain unveiled the ‘Pat Surtain Inspiration Room’ at Arvada High School on Tuesday. (Chris Tomasson/The Denver Gazette)

Surtain also was excited about the Broncos having targeted a move into a new stadium in 2031 with a retractable roof. That would follow the Broncos’ lease with Empower Field at Mile High expiring after the 2030 season.

“It’s pretty cool,’’ Surtain said. “It’s a testament to show our (Walton-Penner) ownership group always (is) pitching new levels, new heights, seeing what we could do to elevate the team and the organization. I think starting that up, bringing that up is huge for the team and the organization.”

Could Surtain, who is entering his fifth NFL season and is the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, end up playing in the new stadium?

“I can’t wait to see what it brings in the future,’’ he said. “I heard I’m going to be in year 11 (then), so obviously there’s some time before then. But I’m for sure looking forward to it.”

Surtain called it “pretty cool” that there is expected to be “a roof on it.” That would enable the Broncos to host a Super Bowl, a Final Four, a college football title game and other big events. The soonest a Super Bowl could held in Denver would appear to be February 2033 since the NFL usually waits until the second season a stadium is open before putting such a game there.

The cornerback was enthralled on Tuesday about the opening of the rooms at Arvada High for a pathophysiology class. That is a branch of study that focuses on disordered physiological processes associated with disease or injury.

On the wall of the classroom, it reads, “Pat Surtain II Inspiration Room,’’ alongside a number of medical charts. In the adjoining lab, there is a picture of Surtain in uniform on the wall and there are injured dummies on hand, some wearing a Surtain No. 2 jersey. There is new equipment in both rooms.

“It’s a surreal moment,’’ Surtain said. “When I look back at this, I think it’s going to be a moment I realize this is bigger than me. But this is for my mission and that’s giving back to the community. … I can’t wait to see to future doctors down the line from this school, so, with this room, we’re going to develop and build something special.”

Broncos star Patrick Surtain unveiled the ‘Pat Surtain Inspiration Room’ and met with students at Arvada High School on Tuesday. (Chris Tomasson/The Denver Gazette)

This is the third Inspiration Room that Surtain’s foundation has opened in Denver, the previous ones being at Manual High School and George Washington High School.

On Tuesday, Surtain cut a ribbon to officially open the rooms. He then posed for a number of photos, including with students from the class.

“The amount of help this grant has done for the health and science program just this year is amazing,’’ said student Lilyan Holcomb. “And coming from the (previous classroom), with our limited equipment and such an enclosed space, just seeing these two huge rooms and so many more amazing opportunities for Arvada’s future has just inspired me.”

There was plenty of fanfare surrounding Surtain’s visit. When he arrived, he was greeted outside by the school band playing and cheerleaders waving pompons.

When Surtain got inside, he walked down a long hallway while hearing big cheers. Some students held up signs reading, “THANK YOU PATRICK SURTAIN II.” Then he was greeted with applause by students in the pathophysiology class.

“It’s pretty special looking at all the kids’ faces and seeing this room everybody was telling me about and how much interested they are to be in this classroom and now knowing that they have all the resources and tools to succeed at the next level,’’ Surtain said.

It was a special day for both Surtain and the Broncos.