WHITLOCK - Time to get over Priest

Hammock Parties · 07-07-2007, 11:57 PM

The bastard beat me to it.

http://www.kansascity.com/sports/chi...ry/181461.html

The interview and subsequent column series I did with and about Larry Johnson sparked the typical feedback: People bashed Carl Peterson; people questioned Larry’s grammar and contract demands.

The interview/columns also ignited a steady stream of Priest Holmes questions.

Chiefs football fans are extremely reluctant to let go of Priest Holmes. He’s like Jimmy Hoffa’s body — everybody wants to see it again, dead or alive. Chiefs fans want a definitive “No, I’m never playing again” statement from Priest Holmes, and they’re not going to quit asking me and others about Holmes until they get one.

Priest Holmes has no intention of playing tackle football again. Matter of fact, Priest probably has no intention of playing flag football again. Let me take it a step further: Priest won’t play Xbox football again.

Not without a new contract, something that is highly unlikely for a running back who will be 34 in October and has a history of getting injured almost every football season.

That’s all just opinion. Priest never told me that. It’s just my read of the situation. That’s been my read since Holmes was spotted in a suite munching nachos during a 2005 game. Priest is done with football. The game gave him all he ever wanted — a free trip to the University of Texas, a Super Bowl ring and $15 million to $20 million. Game over.

The constant medical evaluations of his neck and spine are simply steps in a dance he must do with the Chiefs to protect the signing bonus he received before the 2003 season. Had Holmes announced his retirement after the 2005 season, Peterson probably would’ve asked for a prorated portion of Holmes’ $10 million signing bonus. So Holmes got a doctor’s note, and his absence is excused. Oh, it’s also frustrating.

It’s my contention that many NFL running backs/players (fullback Mike Alstott being a prime example) play with similar or worse spine/neck conditions than the one that is keeping Holmes off the field.

It’s also my belief that most NFL players are foolish and continue to play with dangerous injuries because their biggest fear is getting a real job and losing the spotlight.

I respect Holmes’ decision to walk away. He never had a real interest in hogging the limelight. He didn’t let his ego or a desire to make the Hall of Fame keep him in the game. He weighed the risks, spotted Larry Johnson approaching in the rearview mirror and exited the highway. Smart move.

Holmes executed a plan to land a large contract. The plan wasn’t totally honorable — it included an agent switch and a public-relations ploy/T-shirt vending company (Team Priest) initially disguised as a charity organization — but Holmes gave everything he had on the field.

He didn’t cheat Lamar Hunt or Chiefs fans, scoring 83 touchdowns in 61 games.

In retrospect, Priest Holmes was a bargain. Let’s see whether the Arizona Cardinals get 83 touchdowns out of Edgerrin James, who will earn $25 million in three seasons with the Cardinals.

The lone complaint about Holmes is that he never pretended to love Kansas City. It was always just business with Holmes. After he was injured against San Diego, he never rejoined the team and supported his teammates from the sideline or in practice. Holmes disappeared and went on with his life.

He was the original Roger Clemens of football, a reminder that big business interferes with the tradition of teamwork. Holmes was a mercenary, a contract runner.

Rather than worry about Holmes’ football plans, we should wish him well in retirement and hope that financial concerns never force him to consider a comeback. He put on a great show and earned every penny Lamar Hunt gave him.

**Smed1065** · 07-08-2007, 12:11 AM

Thanks Priest but even the best face reality.

Hootie · 07-08-2007, 12:12 AM

Good read.

KCFalcon59 · 07-08-2007, 12:17 AM

I agree for the most part. I do miss watching him play though.

**Mr. Kotter** · 07-08-2007, 12:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smed1065

Thanks Priest but even the best face reality.

Ditto

StcChief · 07-08-2007, 06:31 AM

That Says it all. You can munch nachos in own crib now.

JBucc · 07-08-2007, 07:32 AM

Who the hell hasn't gotten over Preist? Those dumbasses on that FF board maybe. I haven't seen anyone talk about him on here.

htismaqe · 07-08-2007, 07:35 AM

Whitlock absolutely nails it.

htismaqe · 07-08-2007, 07:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JBucc

Who the hell hasn't gotten over Preist? Those dumbasses on that FF board maybe. I haven't seen anyone talk about him on here.

Actually alot of people here still talk about Priest as if he's coming back...

**Lzen** · 07-08-2007, 07:41 AM

Whitlock has been writing some really good columns lately (past year or so). I agree with pretty much everything he said.

**Lzen** · 07-08-2007, 07:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by htismaqe

Actually alot of people here still talk about Priest as if he's coming back...

I have a buddy at work who is a Cowboys fan. Every so often, he asks me about Priest's situation. He just asked about him again on Friday. I told him what I have been telling him since the extent of his injury was first announced. I said that I still think Holmes is done.

Now, if by some miracle he did make it back, he would be nothing more than a backup. And a very expensive one at that. 33 years old (will be 34 on October 7th) is old for a running back in the NFL.

Braincase · 07-08-2007, 08:29 AM

Priest is chillin' at the club...

58-4ever · 07-08-2007, 08:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Braincase

Priest is chillin' at the club...

with a bottle full of bub...

**Buehler445** · 07-08-2007, 09:07 AM

This was a pretty good article. If he comes back, I will be wildly surprised.

siberian khatru · 07-08-2007, 09:11 AM

GREAT column.

07-07-2007, 11:57 PM
Hammock Parties I'll be back. Join Date: Nov 2002 Casino cash: $860478	WHITLOCK - Time to get over Priest The bastard beat me to it. http://www.kansascity.com/sports/chi...ry/181461.html The interview and subsequent column series I did with and about Larry Johnson sparked the typical feedback: People bashed Carl Peterson; people questioned Larry’s grammar and contract demands. The interview/columns also ignited a steady stream of Priest Holmes questions. Chiefs football fans are extremely reluctant to let go of Priest Holmes. He’s like Jimmy Hoffa’s body — everybody wants to see it again, dead or alive. Chiefs fans want a definitive “No, I’m never playing again” statement from Priest Holmes, and they’re not going to quit asking me and others about Holmes until they get one. Priest Holmes has no intention of playing tackle football again. Matter of fact, Priest probably has no intention of playing flag football again. Let me take it a step further: Priest won’t play Xbox football again. Not without a new contract, something that is highly unlikely for a running back who will be 34 in October and has a history of getting injured almost every football season. That’s all just opinion. Priest never told me that. It’s just my read of the situation. That’s been my read since Holmes was spotted in a suite munching nachos during a 2005 game. Priest is done with football. The game gave him all he ever wanted — a free trip to the University of Texas, a Super Bowl ring and $15 million to $20 million. Game over. The constant medical evaluations of his neck and spine are simply steps in a dance he must do with the Chiefs to protect the signing bonus he received before the 2003 season. Had Holmes announced his retirement after the 2005 season, Peterson probably would’ve asked for a prorated portion of Holmes’ $10 million signing bonus. So Holmes got a doctor’s note, and his absence is excused. Oh, it’s also frustrating. It’s my contention that many NFL running backs/players (fullback Mike Alstott being a prime example) play with similar or worse spine/neck conditions than the one that is keeping Holmes off the field. It’s also my belief that most NFL players are foolish and continue to play with dangerous injuries because their biggest fear is getting a real job and losing the spotlight. I respect Holmes’ decision to walk away. He never had a real interest in hogging the limelight. He didn’t let his ego or a desire to make the Hall of Fame keep him in the game. He weighed the risks, spotted Larry Johnson approaching in the rearview mirror and exited the highway. Smart move. Holmes executed a plan to land a large contract. The plan wasn’t totally honorable — it included an agent switch and a public-relations ploy/T-shirt vending company (Team Priest) initially disguised as a charity organization — but Holmes gave everything he had on the field. He didn’t cheat Lamar Hunt or Chiefs fans, scoring 83 touchdowns in 61 games. In retrospect, Priest Holmes was a bargain. Let’s see whether the Arizona Cardinals get 83 touchdowns out of Edgerrin James, who will earn $25 million in three seasons with the Cardinals. The lone complaint about Holmes is that he never pretended to love Kansas City. It was always just business with Holmes. After he was injured against San Diego, he never rejoined the team and supported his teammates from the sideline or in practice. Holmes disappeared and went on with his life. He was the original Roger Clemens of football, a reminder that big business interferes with the tradition of teamwork. Holmes was a mercenary, a contract runner. Rather than worry about Holmes’ football plans, we should wish him well in retirement and hope that financial concerns never force him to consider a comeback. He put on a great show and earned every penny Lamar Hunt gave him.
Posts: 297,229

07-08-2007, 12:11 AM	#2
Smed1065 Supporter Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Returning From Hell Casino cash: $4833673	Thanks Priest but even the best face reality.
Posts: 10,201

07-08-2007, 12:12 AM	#3
Hootie Banned Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Dallas, Texas Casino cash: $10004900	Good read.
Posts: 56,356

07-08-2007, 12:17 AM	#4
KCFalcon59 MVP Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Topeka, Kansas Casino cash: $-380000	I agree for the most part. I do miss watching him play though.
Posts: 6,797

07-08-2007, 06:31 AM	#6
StcChief Playing for #1 Draft Pick Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Just West of Lambs land Casino cash: $10004900	That Says it all. You can munch nachos in own crib now.
Posts: 25,901

07-08-2007, 07:32 AM	#7
JBucc MVP Join Date: Oct 2005 Casino cash: $10004952	Who the hell hasn't gotten over Preist? Those dumbasses on that FF board maybe. I haven't seen anyone talk about him on here.
Posts: 12,016

07-08-2007, 07:35 AM	#8
htismaqe 'Tis my eye! Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Chiefsplanet Casino cash: $8149900	Whitlock absolutely nails it.
Posts: 104,304

07-08-2007, 07:41 AM	#10
Lzen Banded Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Oz Casino cash: $-619308	Whitlock has been writing some really good columns lately (past year or so). I agree with pretty much everything he said. __________________ Conversation would be vastly improved by the constant use of four simple words: I do not know.
Posts: 42,476

07-08-2007, 08:29 AM	#12
Braincase Banned Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Pond> Me <Barn Casino cash: $11298284	Priest is chillin' at the club... __________________ BrainCase
Posts: 15,429

07-08-2007, 09:07 AM	#14
Buehler445 Supporter Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Scott City KS Casino cash: $-1535266	This was a pretty good article. If he comes back, I will be wildly surprised.
Posts: 59,981

07-08-2007, 09:11 AM	#15
siberian khatru 21st Century Schizoid Fan Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: The Gates of Delirium Casino cash: $-1305050	GREAT column.
Posts: 71,902