Chiefs Gretz: Glad To See L.T. Gone … Tuesday Cup O’Chiefs

**Tribal Warfare** · 02-23-2010, 07:50 AM

Glad To See L.T. Gone … Tuesday Cup O’Chiefs
February 23, 2010 - Bob Gretz |

The marriage between the San Diego Chargers and LaDainian Tomlinson is over.

That should be cause for celebration throughout the Chiefs Nation on this Tuesday. Although Tomlinson plans to continue his career and hopes to do it with a Super Bowl contender, it’s unlikely that he will pop up twice a year on the Chiefs radar screen.

And that’s a good thing for the Kansas City defense. L.T. got a shot at the Chiefs 17 times during his nine seasons (2001-09) with the Chargers and he made the most of those opportunities. Tomlinson ran for 1,488 yards, or more rushing yards against the Texans/Chiefs than any running back piled up in 50 years.

There’s a basket of impressive numbers that he collected against the Chiefs; we’ll get to those in a minute because they are historic.

This is a football breakup similar to any relationship where one party loses interest in the other. Despite Tomlinson’s remarkable career with 12,490 rushing yards, 3,955 receiving yards and 153 total touchdowns, the Chargers offense has moved on. Head coach Norv Turner has fallen hard for QB Phillip Rivers and wants the scheme to roll through him. General Manager A.J. Smith doesn’t want to pay Tomlinson his scheduled $2 million roster bonus on March 1. No money for the past; only for future production.

It all qualifies under the category of it’s not what have you done lately, but what are you going to do next?

“It was a longtime coming, but I knew it was coming,” Tomlinson told SI.com on Monday. “Now that it’s official I can kind of look to the next step in my career and playing football for someone else … the next team I go to has to have a chance of winning a title. I can think of a few teams off the top of my head, but that’s what my agent (Tom Condon) is for. I’m sure he’s going to do some research, talk to some teams and present some options to me.

“I do know that I would have to go to a team that has a (proven) quarterback, a place where you know you have a chance to win because of the quarterback.”

A Super Bowl has eluded Tomlinson and like all players who can see the end of their career on the horizon, he craves a chance to play in the final game. And like so many Hall of Fame quality runners in the past – Emmitt Smith, Tony Dorsett, Franco Harris, O.J. Simpson – his pride does not allow him to believe that it’s time to finish his career. The last two seasons have been the lowest in production over nine seasons with 1,110 rushing yards in ‘08 and just 730 rushing yards in 14 games last year. Nagging injuries have bothered him for the last few seasons, evidence that his work load of 24 touches per game in the regular season and playoffs had worn him down. He had seven straight seasons with 375 touches or more.

If Tomlinson is willing to play for less money, then he might find some contenders interested in his services. Teams like New England, Philadelphia, Green Bay, Indianapolis and Minnesota could all be landing spots. His desire to play for a contender with a proven quarterback would take him out of the AFC West, as Matt Cassel, Kyle "Pro Bowl" Orton and JaMarcus Russell have not yet proven they are capable of taking their team on a successful post-season run.

And that brings us back to Tomlinson and his history against the red and gold. Tomlinson was the biggest opposing thorn in the side of the Chiefs in their first 50 years:

* His 1,488 rushing yards was significantly more than the No. 2 rusher, Marcus Allen with 961 yards while playing with the Raiders.
* His 1,965 total offensive yards is eclipsed only by former Raiders WR Tim Brown, who had 2,056 total yards against the Chiefs. Tomlinson did his in 17 games, or 115.6 yards per game. Brown got his yards in 30 games.
* No offensive player has scored more touchdowns against the Chiefs than L.T., with 14 (13 rushing/1 receiving).
* No opposing running back had more big runs against the K.C. defense with 38 at 10 yards or more.
* In 2006, his 85-yard run was the longest rushing play against the Chiefs in their history.
* His 756 rushing yards at Arrowhead is tops among all visiting running backs and more than any visiting back has gained in Kansas City in 47 seasons of Chiefs football.

No, the Chiefs will not be unhappy that LaDainian Tomlinson has to find a new home. Somewhere in the NFC would be preferable.

TEAR DOWN OF THE CARL PETERSON CHIEFS CONTINUES

If you are an employee of the Chiefs and you were around before 2009, the clock is apparently ticking on further employment.

More changes have come down in the organization as last Friday the team’s executive director of player development Lamonte Winston was told he would not be offered a new contract. Winston had been with the football operation for 17 years, starting as a scout and working his way in the player development field. Several years ago, the Chiefs player development programs were honored as one of the league’s best. Winston served many roles in his position, as he was the man players called when they had problems, or wanted to finalize their college education, or just joined the team and needed help in housing and family matters. It was a sensitive position that Winston handled well.

Among the front office employees at the end of the 2008 season, there are 39 that are no longer employed or working in the same job. Sports teams generally can have high turnover, but 37 people in 13 months is a remarkable number..

And those still standing at the team’s offices think the purge is not over.

SAY A PRAYER FOR KARM

Former Chiefs defensive line coach Bob Karmelowicz was admitted to a Detroit hospital critical care unit last week and remains there as of Monday. Coach Karm has been battling health problems for the last decade and is in very serious condition.

Karmelowicz spent nine years as a defensive line coach with the Chiefs (1997-2005), working for Marty Schottenheimer, Gunther Cunningham and Dick Vermeil. He spent three years with the Houston Texans and then went to Detroit last year to work on head coach Jim Schwartz’s staff with the Lions.

SIGNINGS, DEALS, DESIGNATIONS AND OTHER MOVEMENT AROUND THE LEAGUE

* BEARS – signed TE Richard Angulo and WR Eric Peterman.
* CARDINALS – named Donnie Henderson as defensive backs coach.
* JAGUARS – re-signed TE Ernest Wilford.
* PANTHERS – ESPN was reporting Monday evening that Carolina will not place the franchise player tag on DE Julius Peppers. The deadline for using the franchise tag is Thursday. Peppers will become an unrestricted free agent, able to sign with any team in the league and there will be no compensation due to the Panthers.
* PATRIOTS – announced they were putting a non-exclusive franchise tag on DT Vince Wilfork. This means Wilfork can negotiate with other teams, but it would force any team that wanted him to cough up two first-round draft choices in compensation.
* RAMS – announced they would lower ticket prices on 67 percent of the seats in the Edwards Jones Dome for the 2010 season. Upper deck seats dropped in price from $44 to $25, the same price as when the Rams arrived in St. Louis from Los Angeles in 1995.

SAY HAPPY BIRTHDAY … TO AN OLD NEMISIS

Born on February 23, 1942 in Erie, Pennsylvania was Hall of Fame WR Fred Biletnikoff. He was selected by the Oakland Raiders in the second round of the 1965 AFL Draft out of Florida State University. At 6-1, 190 pounds, Biletnikoff played 14 seasons with the Raiders (1965-78), catching 589 passes for 8,974 yards and 76 touchdowns. He was a six-time AFL All-Star/Pro Bowl player and he was named MVP of the Raiders victory in Super Bowl XI over Minnesota. Only former Raiders WR Tim Brown caught more passes against the Chiefs than Biletnikoff’s 78 catches for 1,304 yards and seven TDs in 23 games against Kansas City. That’s him above catching one against Chiefs CB James Marsalis. Biletnikoff went on to coach for 18 years with the Raiders, retiring after the 2006 season. He’s celebrating his 68th birthday.

Former Chiefs with February 23rd birthdays were RB John Stephens (1966), RB Greg Hill (1972) and QB Pat Barnes (1975).

**Gonzo** · 02-23-2010, 09:18 AM

I wouldn't be surprised to see him in Atlanta or Pittsburgh as a backup.
Posted via Mobile Device

-King- · 02-23-2010, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gonzo

I wouldn't be surprised to see him in Atlanta or Pittsburgh as a backup.
Posted via Mobile Device

Doubt it. Norwood and Moore are both better than him at this point. Unless he wants to be third string.
Posted via Mobile Device

siberian khatru · 02-23-2010, 09:31 AM

I dunno, he had some big games against us, but I never felt terrorized by him. We held him to under 100 yards 11 times. Nine times we held him under 4 ypc. It was kind of boom or bust for him vs. KC.

Frosty · 02-23-2010, 09:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by siberian khatru

I dunno, he had some big games against us, but I never felt terrorized by him. We held him to under 100 yards 11 times. Nine times we held him under 4 ypc. It was kind of boom or bust for him vs. KC.

Same here. Considering how bad the Chiefs' defenses have been during that time, you would think it would be worse.

**Easy 6** · 02-23-2010, 09:45 AM

The wiping of Carl Peterson from the Chiefs history books continues, he's the Queen Hatshepsut of Kansas City.

siberian khatru · 02-23-2010, 09:48 AM

I'll tell you a guy who DID terrorize me: Rod Smith. I looked up his stats and sure enough, he gouged us consistently -- 9 100-yard games, including 6 in a row at one point.

'Hamas' Jenkins · 02-23-2010, 09:58 AM

TEAR DOWN OF THE CARL PETERSON CHIEFS CONTINUES

If you are an employee of the Chiefs and you were around before 2009, the clock is apparently ticking on further employment.

More changes have come down in the organization as last Friday the team’s executive director of player development Lamonte Winston was told he would not be offered a new contract. Winston had been with the football operation for 17 years, starting as a scout and working his way in the player development field. Several years ago, the Chiefs player development programs were honored as one of the league’s best. Winston served many roles in his position, as he was the man players called when they had problems, or wanted to finalize their college education, or just joined the team and needed help in housing and family matters. It was a sensitive position that Winston handled well.

Among the front office employees at the end of the 2008 season, there are 39 that are no longer employed or working in the same job. Sports teams generally can have high turnover, but 37 people in 13 months is a remarkable number..

And those still standing at the team’s offices think the purge is not over.

I wonder why they'd fire this guy?

**Rain Man** · 02-23-2010, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 'Hamas' Jenkins

I wonder why they'd fire this guy?

Haley's going to be handling that now.

Barret · 02-23-2010, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 'Hamas' Jenkins

I wonder why they'd fire this guy?

It seems as though he was the main contact point for all players for multiple issues. If he wasn't going to buy into the "system" then his attitude about it could impact the players he was in contact with.

Now I could be mean and ask which players have the Chiefs actually "Developed" over the past several years?

LaChapelle · 02-23-2010, 11:44 AM

Inside sources are falling like flies

CoMoChief · 02-23-2010, 11:55 AM

Tomlinson could go to Chicago

Mojo Jojo · 02-23-2010, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barret

It seems as though he was the main contact point for all players for multiple issues. If he wasn't going to buy into the "system" then his attitude about it could impact the players he was in contact with.

Now I could be mean and ask which players have the Chiefs actually "Developed" over the past several years?

You have it all wrong. There is a total house cleaning going on at Arrowhead. If you are an inherited employee you are out or will be out soon. The admin side has seen a lot of people fired over the last month...people that have nothing to do with the product on the field.

You also misunderstand the use of "development" in this case. He is in charge of developing these young men into responsible adults as well as provide off the field services...finding homes/apartments, setting up grad school, getting players internships. Winston was preparing these guys for a life after football.

Chief Chief · 02-23-2010, 12:31 PM

As usual, Gretz has it all wrong.

It would be cause to rejoice had SD retained LT. It's quite obvious that he's accumulated alot of wear and tear, and isn't the threat that he once was. Therefore, it would have been much better if SD had thrown the $$$ at LT and kept it away from Sproles or any RB-of-the-future.

What a dumb#&%@!!

DBOSHO · 02-23-2010, 12:41 PM

God i hope we get peppers. Bring some star power to the city. We got plenty of bank, just pay the man.

02-23-2010, 07:50 AM
Tribal Warfare Man of Culture Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Far Beyond Comprehension Casino cash: $-2907187	Gretz: Glad To See L.T. Gone … Tuesday Cup O’Chiefs Glad To See L.T. Gone … Tuesday Cup O’Chiefs February 23, 2010 - Bob Gretz \| The marriage between the San Diego Chargers and LaDainian Tomlinson is over. That should be cause for celebration throughout the Chiefs Nation on this Tuesday. Although Tomlinson plans to continue his career and hopes to do it with a Super Bowl contender, it’s unlikely that he will pop up twice a year on the Chiefs radar screen. And that’s a good thing for the Kansas City defense. L.T. got a shot at the Chiefs 17 times during his nine seasons (2001-09) with the Chargers and he made the most of those opportunities. Tomlinson ran for 1,488 yards, or more rushing yards against the Texans/Chiefs than any running back piled up in 50 years. There’s a basket of impressive numbers that he collected against the Chiefs; we’ll get to those in a minute because they are historic. This is a football breakup similar to any relationship where one party loses interest in the other. Despite Tomlinson’s remarkable career with 12,490 rushing yards, 3,955 receiving yards and 153 total touchdowns, the Chargers offense has moved on. Head coach Norv Turner has fallen hard for QB Phillip Rivers and wants the scheme to roll through him. General Manager A.J. Smith doesn’t want to pay Tomlinson his scheduled $2 million roster bonus on March 1. No money for the past; only for future production. It all qualifies under the category of it’s not what have you done lately, but what are you going to do next? “It was a longtime coming, but I knew it was coming,” Tomlinson told SI.com on Monday. “Now that it’s official I can kind of look to the next step in my career and playing football for someone else … the next team I go to has to have a chance of winning a title. I can think of a few teams off the top of my head, but that’s what my agent (Tom Condon) is for. I’m sure he’s going to do some research, talk to some teams and present some options to me. “I do know that I would have to go to a team that has a (proven) quarterback, a place where you know you have a chance to win because of the quarterback.” A Super Bowl has eluded Tomlinson and like all players who can see the end of their career on the horizon, he craves a chance to play in the final game. And like so many Hall of Fame quality runners in the past – Emmitt Smith, Tony Dorsett, Franco Harris, O.J. Simpson – his pride does not allow him to believe that it’s time to finish his career. The last two seasons have been the lowest in production over nine seasons with 1,110 rushing yards in ‘08 and just 730 rushing yards in 14 games last year. Nagging injuries have bothered him for the last few seasons, evidence that his work load of 24 touches per game in the regular season and playoffs had worn him down. He had seven straight seasons with 375 touches or more. If Tomlinson is willing to play for less money, then he might find some contenders interested in his services. Teams like New England, Philadelphia, Green Bay, Indianapolis and Minnesota could all be landing spots. His desire to play for a contender with a proven quarterback would take him out of the AFC West, as Matt Cassel, Kyle "Pro Bowl" Orton and JaMarcus Russell have not yet proven they are capable of taking their team on a successful post-season run. And that brings us back to Tomlinson and his history against the red and gold. Tomlinson was the biggest opposing thorn in the side of the Chiefs in their first 50 years: * His 1,488 rushing yards was significantly more than the No. 2 rusher, Marcus Allen with 961 yards while playing with the Raiders. * His 1,965 total offensive yards is eclipsed only by former Raiders WR Tim Brown, who had 2,056 total yards against the Chiefs. Tomlinson did his in 17 games, or 115.6 yards per game. Brown got his yards in 30 games. * No offensive player has scored more touchdowns against the Chiefs than L.T., with 14 (13 rushing/1 receiving). * No opposing running back had more big runs against the K.C. defense with 38 at 10 yards or more. * In 2006, his 85-yard run was the longest rushing play against the Chiefs in their history. * His 756 rushing yards at Arrowhead is tops among all visiting running backs and more than any visiting back has gained in Kansas City in 47 seasons of Chiefs football. No, the Chiefs will not be unhappy that LaDainian Tomlinson has to find a new home. Somewhere in the NFC would be preferable. TEAR DOWN OF THE CARL PETERSON CHIEFS CONTINUES If you are an employee of the Chiefs and you were around before 2009, the clock is apparently ticking on further employment. More changes have come down in the organization as last Friday the team’s executive director of player development Lamonte Winston was told he would not be offered a new contract. Winston had been with the football operation for 17 years, starting as a scout and working his way in the player development field. Several years ago, the Chiefs player development programs were honored as one of the league’s best. Winston served many roles in his position, as he was the man players called when they had problems, or wanted to finalize their college education, or just joined the team and needed help in housing and family matters. It was a sensitive position that Winston handled well. Among the front office employees at the end of the 2008 season, there are 39 that are no longer employed or working in the same job. Sports teams generally can have high turnover, but 37 people in 13 months is a remarkable number.. And those still standing at the team’s offices think the purge is not over. SAY A PRAYER FOR KARM Former Chiefs defensive line coach Bob Karmelowicz was admitted to a Detroit hospital critical care unit last week and remains there as of Monday. Coach Karm has been battling health problems for the last decade and is in very serious condition. Karmelowicz spent nine years as a defensive line coach with the Chiefs (1997-2005), working for Marty Schottenheimer, Gunther Cunningham and Dick Vermeil. He spent three years with the Houston Texans and then went to Detroit last year to work on head coach Jim Schwartz’s staff with the Lions. *SIGNINGS, DEALS, DESIGNATIONS AND OTHER MOVEMENT AROUND THE LEAGUE* * BEARS – signed TE Richard Angulo and WR Eric Peterman. * CARDINALS – named Donnie Henderson as defensive backs coach. * JAGUARS – re-signed TE Ernest Wilford. * PANTHERS – ESPN was reporting Monday evening that Carolina will not place the franchise player tag on DE Julius Peppers. The deadline for using the franchise tag is Thursday. Peppers will become an unrestricted free agent, able to sign with any team in the league and there will be no compensation due to the Panthers. * PATRIOTS – announced they were putting a non-exclusive franchise tag on DT Vince Wilfork. This means Wilfork can negotiate with other teams, but it would force any team that wanted him to cough up two first-round draft choices in compensation. * RAMS – announced they would lower ticket prices on 67 percent of the seats in the Edwards Jones Dome for the 2010 season. Upper deck seats dropped in price from $44 to $25, the same price as when the Rams arrived in St. Louis from Los Angeles in 1995. *SAY HAPPY BIRTHDAY … TO AN OLD NEMISIS* Born on February 23, 1942 in Erie, Pennsylvania was Hall of Fame WR Fred Biletnikoff. He was selected by the Oakland Raiders in the second round of the 1965 AFL Draft out of Florida State University. At 6-1, 190 pounds, Biletnikoff played 14 seasons with the Raiders (1965-78), catching 589 passes for 8,974 yards and 76 touchdowns. He was a six-time AFL All-Star/Pro Bowl player and he was named MVP of the Raiders victory in Super Bowl XI over Minnesota. Only former Raiders WR Tim Brown caught more passes against the Chiefs than Biletnikoff’s 78 catches for 1,304 yards and seven TDs in 23 games against Kansas City. That’s him above catching one against Chiefs CB James Marsalis. Biletnikoff went on to coach for 18 years with the Raiders, retiring after the 2006 season. He’s celebrating his 68th birthday. Former Chiefs with February 23rd birthdays were RB John Stephens (1966), RB Greg Hill (1972) and QB Pat Barnes (1975).
Posts: 43,443

02-23-2010, 09:18 AM	#2
Gonzo Stuff & Things Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: The Yukon Casino cash: $10126924	I wouldn't be surprised to see him in Atlanta or Pittsburgh as a backup. Posted via Mobile Device
Posts: 21,498

02-23-2010, 09:31 AM	#4
siberian khatru 21st Century Schizoid Fan Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: The Gates of Delirium Casino cash: $-1275050	I dunno, he had some big games against us, but I never felt terrorized by him. We held him to under 100 yards 11 times. Nine times we held him under 4 ypc. It was kind of boom or bust for him vs. KC.
Posts: 71,891

02-23-2010, 09:45 AM	#6
Easy 6 pie is never free Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: the drivers seat Casino cash: $-92225	The wiping of Carl Peterson from the Chiefs history books continues, he's the Queen Hatshepsut of Kansas City.
Posts: 98,402

02-23-2010, 09:48 AM	#7
siberian khatru 21st Century Schizoid Fan Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: The Gates of Delirium Casino cash: $-1275050	I'll tell you a guy who DID terrorize me: Rod Smith. I looked up his stats and sure enough, he gouged us consistently -- 9 100-yard games, including 6 in a row at one point.
Posts: 71,891

02-23-2010, 09:58 AM	#8
'Hamas' Jenkins Now you've pissed me off! Join Date: Jan 2006 Casino cash: $7179572	TEAR DOWN OF THE CARL PETERSON CHIEFS CONTINUES If you are an employee of the Chiefs and you were around before 2009, the clock is apparently ticking on further employment. More changes have come down in the organization as last Friday the team’s executive director of player development Lamonte Winston was told he would not be offered a new contract. Winston had been with the football operation for 17 years, starting as a scout and working his way in the player development field. Several years ago, the Chiefs player development programs were honored as one of the league’s best. Winston served many roles in his position, as he was the man players called when they had problems, or wanted to finalize their college education, or just joined the team and needed help in housing and family matters. It was a sensitive position that Winston handled well. Among the front office employees at the end of the 2008 season, there are 39 that are no longer employed or working in the same job. Sports teams generally can have high turnover, but 37 people in 13 months is a remarkable number.. And those still standing at the team’s offices think the purge is not over. I wonder why they'd fire this guy? __________________ "When the Know-Nothings get control, it will read 'all men are created equal, except negroes, and foreigners, and Catholics.' When it comes to this I should prefer emigrating to some country where they make no pretense of loving liberty – to Russia, for instance, where despotism can be taken pure, and without the base alloy of hypocrisy.”--Abraham Lincoln
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02-23-2010, 11:44 AM	#11
LaChapelle Banned Join Date: Mar 2009 Casino cash: $10004900	Inside sources are falling like flies
Posts: 8,588

02-23-2010, 11:55 AM	#12
CoMoChief Mahomes Dynasty Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Parts Unknown Casino cash: $7672254	Tomlinson could go to Chicago
Posts: 39,245

02-23-2010, 12:31 PM	#14
Chief Chief Veteran Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Kansas City MO Casino cash: $10004900	As usual, Gretz has it all wrong. It would be cause to rejoice had SD retained LT. It's quite obvious that he's accumulated alot of wear and tear, and isn't the threat that he once was. Therefore, it would have been much better if SD had thrown the $$$ at LT and kept it away from Sproles or any RB-of-the-future. What a dumb#&%@!!
Posts: 3,072

02-23-2010, 12:41 PM	#15
DBOSHO trap champ Join Date: Mar 2009 Casino cash: $10004900	God i hope we get peppers. Bring some star power to the city. We got plenty of bank, just pay the man. __________________ Orginator of the group repost
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