Chiefs Whitlock:Haley shows some courage - Page 32

**Tribal Warfare** · 09-22-2009, 10:05 PM

Haley shows some courage
JASON WHITLOCK COMMENTARY

Rookie head coach Todd Haley has a big pair.

You could see that Tuesday afternoon when he opened his news conference with a brief apology to the media for a postgame inconvenience orchestrated by Chiefs general manager Scott Egoli.

“Apologize for after the game, being out there late,” Haley said. “Rookie head coach here, rookie mistake. Unaware of the time limit and how that makes it harder for you guys to do your job after the game.”

And you could really see Haley’s courage when he talked about the play of his quarterbacks, The Sixty Million Dollar Man and Brokie Croyle.

Despite Matt Cassel’s hefty price tag and the stake Egoli has in Cassel’s success, Haley appears quite determined to make Cassel earn untouchable-franchise-QB status.

“You gotta ultimately do what you think gives your team the best chance to win,” Haley responded to a question about his QB philosophy. “If that means another quarterback being in there other than Matt Cassel, then sign me up.”

That was the money quote. Haley set it up by reminding reporters that as an NFL assistant in New York, Dallas and Arizona, he participated in the process of Glenn Foley, Drew Bledsoe and Matt Leinart getting demoted in favor of Vinny Testaverde, Tony Romo and Kurt Warner.

Haley’s Tuesday news conference was absolutely fascinating. It was Bill Parcells-esque, not Bill Belichick-esque.

You understand the difference? In dealing with the media, Parcells is real, honest, straightforward. Belichick is intentionally bland, mysterious and worthless. Haley was groomed by Parcells. Egoli was groomed by Belichick.

Parcells has been successful everywhere he’s coached. Belichick built a dynasty in New England after flopping in Cleveland.

We’re two weeks into the Haley-Egoli regular-season marriage, and I believe we’ve just seen our first public sign these guys might be unequally yoked. There are definite signals they disagree about Egoli’s Sixty Million Dollar Man.

Monday afternoon, I was mesmerized listening to 610 Sports as former Chiefs player and NFL broadcaster Bill Maas explained his opinion that Haley wanted to start Brodie Croyle against the Raiders and that Egoli objected.

I thought Maas was crazy, but he sounded very convincing.

Tuesday, as I listened to Haley discuss his QBs, I had to admit Billy Bob knew something.

Haley was asked if he could envision Cassel not being the starting quarterback this season.

“I wouldn’t speculate on that,” Haley said. “There were a lot of positives in Matt’s performance.”

Haley then added that in a typical football game, there are seven critical plays a quarterback can make that will be the difference between winning and losing.

“There were clearly seven in (the Raiders) game where we’d probably like to do something different,” Haley said.

In case you missed the connection, dude just said Cassel went zero for seven on game-deciding plays. That pretty much answers how Haley feels about the end-of-half debacle, the sack Cassel took on third and 1 at the end of the game and an assortment of other offensive calamities.

As for Croyle, Herm Edwards’ quarterback of the future, Haley had nothing but good things to say about Kansas City’s opening-day starter.

“I’m excited about Brodie’s progress,” Haley said. “I think Brodie getting to play in the first game, got his feet under him a little bit, started to gain some confidence, and I think that was clear in last week’s practices.”

Haley later relived Kansas City’s close loss at Baltimore: “I thought Brodie Croyle went into a very difficult situation, hostile environment, against a very good defense, and he looked like an NFL quarterback. He gave us a legitimate chance to win. He executed the game plan the way he was asked to execute it.”

So what do I think?

Croyle’s too injury-prone to be my starter. And Cassel was way too unproven to be anybody’s Sixty Million Dollar Man. Haley is in a tough position. I’m impressed with the way he’s handling it. He’s attempting to be true to the message he’s delivered to his players — every position is open to competition.

I haven’t made up my mind about Haley. I’ve had only one opportunity to really talk with him, and that sitdown was ruined by Egoli. He talked over the top of Haley the whole night (a three-hour dinner). Seriously, questions were asked directly to Haley, and Egoli drowned out the rookie head coach with fury, arrogance and rants about championship teams being built by playing secrecy games with the local media.

I was embarrassed for Haley and in awe of Pioli’s ego. I’ve covered professional sports for 16 years, wrestled with King Carl Peterson, stood toe to toe with drunken, delusional, hostile millionaire athletes, battled Mike Lupica and irritated billionaire owners.

None of them can touch Scott Egoli.

I like the fact Kansas City has a football coach with a pair big enough to try.

Marcellus · 09-23-2009, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chiefzilla1501

People may hate Whitlock.

But he's the only writer in KC that doesn't kiss ass.

Informed or uninformed, he was the only one to dare say a negative thing about Carl Peterson. Don't we need someone like that? I'd rather read his crap than the kiss-ass crap from other KC Star writers.

He is just trying to draw attention to himself by being controversial. He takes a fairly extreme stance in 90% of his articles.

There is a reason JoPo was picked up by SI and Whitlock was canned by Fox and ESPN after little time working for them.

Hammock Parties · 09-23-2009, 08:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marcellus

He is just trying to draw attention to himself by being controversial. He takes a fairly extreme stance in 90% of his articles.

There is a reason JoPo was picked up by SI and Whitlock was canned by Fox and ESPN after little time working for them.

Jason still writes for FOX.

ESPN can't handle him. They can't handle the J-Dub. He's a loose cannon. He can't be controlled. ESPN wants milquetoast writers.

soundmind · 09-23-2009, 08:49 PM

I remember about 2, maybe 3, years ago or so The Star's Black Jabba was sitting in for Jim Rome. I listen pretty regularly to Rome's show, it's a good listen for entertainment purposes (especially when Jay Mohr is filling in, that guy should have his own gig).

Whitlock takes to the airwaves like the crashing zeppelin he is, and my immediate reaction is oh shit...please don't say Kansas City. I'm ashamed to be in the same general location as this man. In any event, he's not 20 minutes into the show before he's turned the entire show around on him, and explains that he pretty much doesn't care what he has to say or do or write, he's gonna do whatever brings the money in. Said he "stopped caring about that stuff a long time ago." He hasn't been on Rome since to my knowledge, and I thank the Premier Radio Networks or Van Smack for making it that way (if they had any role).

He's more worthless than a turd sandwich.

DaWolf · 09-23-2009, 09:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chiefzilla1501

People may hate Whitlock.

But he's the only writer in KC that doesn't kiss ass.

Informed or uninformed, he was the only one to dare say a negative thing about Carl Peterson. Don't we need someone like that? I'd rather read his crap than the kiss-ass crap from other KC Star writers.

Why does everyone either have to kiss ass or rip apart someone? Neither is a trustworthy source if information IMO. I'll pay attention to the person who gives a fair assessment of any situation.

Now I'll agree, and Pioli and Haley already mentioned this, until they win something here, they will not have earned anyone's respect. But I have a suspicion that even if in a couple of years we win the Super Bowl, Whitlock will find something to try to tear down, because that's the only way he can bring attention to himself. It certainly isn't with substance...

CaliforniaChief · 09-23-2009, 09:27 PM

Why can't everyone be like the Poz? He's an epic writer.

Still my favorite line ever, regarding Bill Belichick being a jerk:
"He probably giggled through the last 5 minutes of Brian's Song."

chiefzilla1501 · 09-23-2009, 11:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaWolf

Why does everyone either have to kiss ass or rip apart someone? Neither is a trustworthy source if information IMO. I'll pay attention to the person who gives a fair assessment of any situation.

Now I'll agree, and Pioli and Haley already mentioned this, until they win something here, they will not have earned anyone's respect. But I have a suspicion that even if in a couple of years we win the Super Bowl, Whitlock will find something to try to tear down, because that's the only way he can bring attention to himself. It certainly isn't with substance...

Point being...
If nobody's going to hold anyone in KC's front office accountable, somebody has to do it.

I don't care for Whitlock's being controversial for the sake of being controversial. But something tells me if there were more Whitlocks in the KC media, Peterson would have been ousted a very long time ago.

Whitlock isn't even that bad. Compared to New York writers, he's a puppy dog.

Misplaced_Chiefs_Fan · 09-23-2009, 11:08 PM

Doubt it.

You have to be taken seriously for your columns to have any effect.

Jason has no credibility outside of a very small section of KC readers. His columns are seldom (if ever) mentioned by any news outlets I read (WashPo, WashTimes, NYT, LAT, WSJ, BaltSun) and I don't see his stuff syndicated anywhere.

I doubt he'd last more than a few months most anywhere else before they brought in a new columnist (who would probably run up a smaller expense account on food and beverages).

Sweet Daddy Hate · 09-23-2009, 11:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chiefzilla1501

Point being...
If nobody's going to hold anyone in KC's front office accountable, somebody has to do it.

I don't care for Whitlock's being controversial for the sake of being controversial. But something tells me if there were more Whitlocks in the KC media, Peterson would have been ousted a very long time ago.

Whitlock isn't even that bad. Compared to New York writers, he's a puppy dog.

QFT. And the radio guys will completely shank your team's taint and make no bones about it.

**KcMizzou** · 09-23-2009, 11:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Misplaced_Chiefs_Fan

Doubt it.

You have to be taken seriously for your columns to have any effect.

Jason has no credibility outside of a very small section of KC readers. His columns are seldom (if ever) mentioned by any news outlets I read (WashPo, WashTimes, NYT, LAT, WSJ, BaltSun) and I don't see his stuff syndicated anywhere.

I doubt he'd last more than a few months most anywhere else before they brought in a new columnist (who would probably run up a smaller expense account on food and beverages).

Here's where they tell you about his ESPN gig... guest host on the Jim Rome sow, etc.

**Dylan** · 09-24-2009, 02:43 AM

I got to go to bed --- To answer one question. the Freedom of Information Act also applies to you, the citizens of the US. In addition, to journalists and activists.

A number of watchdog organizations give citizens the tools and education on how to document media accountability.

I'll post the sites. There's also a sports watch site --

I googled the link below in 2 seconds -- it may not apply and I'll change the link tomorrow.

http://www.socialbrite.org/2009/08/0...-for-everyone/

I'll have to admit, I don't think I've run across a more passionate fanbase, who were more anxious to teach an organization -- either remove the dead weight or else-- Your voices were heard loud and clear -- newsorthy. In spite of little to no help from your hometown newspaper.

Perks always get in the way --without a strong company policy on ethics in journalism -- -------------- I recommend reading the company's sports ethics guidlines -- it's there. Now compare it to one of the top three newspaper of record's guildlines --Bingo!

Journalist steps over the line? Voice it. Oh, and make note of the Web site's advertisers -- and get them included in your campaign -- or else...

'Hamas' Jenkins · 09-24-2009, 03:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Misplaced_Chiefs_Fan

Doubt it.

You have to be taken seriously for your columns to have any effect.

Jason has no credibility outside of a very small section of KC readers. His columns are seldom (if ever) mentioned by any news outlets I read (WashPo, WashTimes, NYT, LAT, WSJ, BaltSun) and I don't see his stuff syndicated anywhere.

I doubt he'd last more than a few months most anywhere else before they brought in a new columnist (who would probably run up a smaller expense account on food and beverages).

Bill Simmons, who probably has a bigger platform than any sports writer currently going, specifically mentioned his column about Haley's coaching job on Tuesday, said that he watched the game, and agreed with his premise, telling his podcast guest that it was a really good column.

Listen to Tuesday's BS report.

**Rausch** · 09-24-2009, 03:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dylan

I got to go to bed --- To answer one question. the Freedom of Information Act also applies to you, the citizens of the US. In addition, to journalists and activists.

A number of watchdog organizations give citizens the tools and education on how to document media accountability.

I'll post the sites. There's also a sports watch site --

I googled the link below in 2 seconds -- it may not apply and I'll change the link tomorrow.

http://www.socialbrite.org/2009/08/0...-for-everyone/

I'll have to admit, I don't think I've run across a more passionate fanbase, who were more anxious to teach an organization -- either remove the dead weight or else-- Your voices were heard loud and clear -- newsorthy. In spite of little to no help from your hometown newspaper.

Perks always get in the way --without a strong company policy on ethics in journalism -- -------------- In fact, look it up and scroll down to sports -- it's there.

Journalist steps over the line? Voice it.

So...............why do I feel like some guy flipped me a .50 at the shoe-shine booth?...

keg in kc · 09-24-2009, 10:12 AM

So Petro on his show this morning, when asked about the possibility of a Haley/Pioli rift over Cassel and Croyle said the following (I paraphrase):

Sure it's possible. I mean, it's possible that Scott Pioli ran naked down the Arrowhead hallways yesterday, too. It's not very likely, but, sure, it's possible.

He also went on to discuss how difficult it was to get any information out of the team these days - and he works for them, remember, running the red zone podcast - and then asked whether it really made sense that there'd be a leak to the media regarding any private conversations between Haley and Pioli. It would have to come from one of the two of them, he surmised, and the likelihood of that is nigh on zero. So he clearly thinks there it's much to it, or to the whole story.

And I'd say if we're going to talk about who has more of a handle on the inner workings of the Chiefs at this point in time, my vote would definitely go to Petro over Whitlock...

htismaqe · 09-24-2009, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 'Hamas' Jenkins

Bill Simmons, who probably has a bigger platform than any sports writer currently going, specifically mentioned his column about Haley's coaching job on Tuesday, said that he watched the game, and agreed with his premise, telling his podcast guest that it was a really good column.

Listen to Tuesday's BS report.

Michael Lombardi also wrote a story about Haley - http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/...composure.html.

The problem with guys like that are that they aren't there all the time. They're watching the games on TV, like the rest of us, and drawing conclusions from that. There's absolutely NO credit being given to Haley for the times when he's NOT yelling and screaming (and they're numerous).

Heck, look at the picture that actually appears in Lombardi's story. It doesn't AT ALL show a Haley that has no control or composure.

**The Bad Guy** · 09-24-2009, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 'Hamas' Jenkins

Bill Simmons, who probably has a bigger platform than any sports writer currently going, specifically mentioned his column about Haley's coaching job on Tuesday, said that he watched the game, and agreed with his premise, telling his podcast guest that it was a really good column.

Listen to Tuesday's BS report.

Bill Simmons knows absolutely nothing except for the NBA. His football and baseball takes are just awful.

09-22-2009, 10:05 PM
Tribal Warfare Man of Culture Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Far Beyond Comprehension Casino cash: $-2797187	Whitlock:Haley shows some courage Haley shows some courage JASON WHITLOCK COMMENTARY Rookie head coach Todd Haley has a big pair. You could see that Tuesday afternoon when he opened his news conference with a brief apology to the media for a postgame inconvenience orchestrated by Chiefs general manager Scott Egoli. “Apologize for after the game, being out there late,” Haley said. “Rookie head coach here, rookie mistake. Unaware of the time limit and how that makes it harder for you guys to do your job after the game.” And you could really see Haley’s courage when he talked about the play of his quarterbacks, The Sixty Million Dollar Man and Brokie Croyle. Despite Matt Cassel’s hefty price tag and the stake Egoli has in Cassel’s success, Haley appears quite determined to make Cassel earn untouchable-franchise-QB status. “You gotta ultimately do what you think gives your team the best chance to win,” Haley responded to a question about his QB philosophy. “If that means another quarterback being in there other than Matt Cassel, then sign me up.” That was the money quote. Haley set it up by reminding reporters that as an NFL assistant in New York, Dallas and Arizona, he participated in the process of Glenn Foley, Drew Bledsoe and Matt Leinart getting demoted in favor of Vinny Testaverde, Tony Romo and Kurt Warner. Haley’s Tuesday news conference was absolutely fascinating. It was Bill Parcells-esque, not Bill Belichick-esque. You understand the difference? In dealing with the media, Parcells is real, honest, straightforward. Belichick is intentionally bland, mysterious and worthless. Haley was groomed by Parcells. Egoli was groomed by Belichick. Parcells has been successful everywhere he’s coached. Belichick built a dynasty in New England after flopping in Cleveland. We’re two weeks into the Haley-Egoli regular-season marriage, and I believe we’ve just seen our first public sign these guys might be unequally yoked. There are definite signals they disagree about Egoli’s Sixty Million Dollar Man. Monday afternoon, I was mesmerized listening to 610 Sports as former Chiefs player and NFL broadcaster Bill Maas explained his opinion that Haley wanted to start Brodie Croyle against the Raiders and that Egoli objected. I thought Maas was crazy, but he sounded very convincing. Tuesday, as I listened to Haley discuss his QBs, I had to admit Billy Bob knew something. Haley was asked if he could envision Cassel not being the starting quarterback this season. “I wouldn’t speculate on that,” Haley said. “There were a lot of positives in Matt’s performance.” Haley then added that in a typical football game, there are seven critical plays a quarterback can make that will be the difference between winning and losing. “There were clearly seven in (the Raiders) game where we’d probably like to do something different,” Haley said. In case you missed the connection, dude just said Cassel went zero for seven on game-deciding plays. That pretty much answers how Haley feels about the end-of-half debacle, the sack Cassel took on third and 1 at the end of the game and an assortment of other offensive calamities. As for Croyle, Herm Edwards’ quarterback of the future, Haley had nothing but good things to say about Kansas City’s opening-day starter. “I’m excited about Brodie’s progress,” Haley said. “I think Brodie getting to play in the first game, got his feet under him a little bit, started to gain some confidence, and I think that was clear in last week’s practices.” Haley later relived Kansas City’s close loss at Baltimore: “I thought Brodie Croyle went into a very difficult situation, hostile environment, against a very good defense, and he looked like an NFL quarterback. He gave us a legitimate chance to win. He executed the game plan the way he was asked to execute it.” So what do I think? Croyle’s too injury-prone to be my starter. And Cassel was way too unproven to be anybody’s Sixty Million Dollar Man. Haley is in a tough position. I’m impressed with the way he’s handling it. He’s attempting to be true to the message he’s delivered to his players — every position is open to competition. I haven’t made up my mind about Haley. I’ve had only one opportunity to really talk with him, and that sitdown was ruined by Egoli. He talked over the top of Haley the whole night (a three-hour dinner). Seriously, questions were asked directly to Haley, and Egoli drowned out the rookie head coach with fury, arrogance and rants about championship teams being built by playing secrecy games with the local media. I was embarrassed for Haley and in awe of Pioli’s ego. I’ve covered professional sports for 16 years, wrestled with King Carl Peterson, stood toe to toe with drunken, delusional, hostile millionaire athletes, battled Mike Lupica and irritated billionaire owners. None of them can touch Scott Egoli. I like the fact Kansas City has a football coach with a pair big enough to try.
Posts: 43,424

09-23-2009, 08:49 PM	#468
soundmind EB:29 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Kansas City, MO Casino cash: $10004900	I remember about 2, maybe 3, years ago or so The Star's Black Jabba was sitting in for Jim Rome. I listen pretty regularly to Rome's show, it's a good listen for entertainment purposes (especially when Jay Mohr is filling in, that guy should have his own gig). Whitlock takes to the airwaves like the crashing zeppelin he is, and my immediate reaction is oh shit...please don't say Kansas City. I'm ashamed to be in the same general location as this man. In any event, he's not 20 minutes into the show before he's turned the entire show around on him, and explains that he pretty much doesn't care what he has to say or do or write, he's gonna do whatever brings the money in. Said he "stopped caring about that stuff a long time ago." He hasn't been on Rome since to my knowledge, and I thank the Premier Radio Networks or Van Smack for making it that way (if they had any role). He's more worthless than a turd sandwich.
Posts: 1,042

09-23-2009, 09:27 PM	#470
CaliforniaChief #RIPAce Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: So Cal Casino cash: $10675899	Why can't everyone be like the Poz? He's an epic writer. Still my favorite line ever, regarding Bill Belichick being a jerk: "He probably giggled through the last 5 minutes of Brian's Song."
Posts: 17,444

09-23-2009, 11:08 PM	#472
Misplaced_Chiefs_Fan I am Number Six Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Columbia, MD, USA Casino cash: $-1350000	Doubt it. You have to be taken seriously for your columns to have any effect. Jason has no credibility outside of a very small section of KC readers. His columns are seldom (if ever) mentioned by any news outlets I read (WashPo, WashTimes, NYT, LAT, WSJ, BaltSun) and I don't see his stuff syndicated anywhere. I doubt he'd last more than a few months most anywhere else before they brought in a new columnist (who would probably run up a smaller expense account on food and beverages). __________________ One of the lowest PPD of any of the original members of the Planet . . . and proud of it. My web site My writer's page
Posts: 6,716

09-24-2009, 02:43 AM	#475
Dylan The Lede Join Date: Aug 2007 Casino cash: $10016591	I got to go to bed --- To answer one question. the Freedom of Information Act also applies to you, the citizens of the US. In addition, to journalists and activists. A number of watchdog organizations give citizens the tools and education on how to document media accountability. I'll post the sites. There's also a sports watch site -- I googled the link below in 2 seconds -- it may not apply and I'll change the link tomorrow. http://www.socialbrite.org/2009/08/0...-for-everyone/ I'll have to admit, I don't think I've run across a more passionate fanbase, who were more anxious to teach an organization -- either remove the dead weight or else-- Your voices were heard loud and clear -- newsorthy. In spite of little to no help from your hometown newspaper. Perks always get in the way --without a strong company policy on ethics in journalism -- -------------- I recommend reading the company's sports ethics guidlines -- it's there. Now compare it to one of the top three newspaper of record's guildlines --Bingo! Journalist steps over the line? Voice it. Oh, and make note of the Web site's advertisers -- and get them included in your campaign -- or else... __________________ Last edited by Dylan; 09-24-2009 at 07:50 AM..
Posts: 33,643

09-24-2009, 10:12 AM	#478
keg in kc oxymoron Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: OP/KC/Whatever Casino cash: $9556299	So Petro on his show this morning, when asked about the possibility of a Haley/Pioli rift over Cassel and Croyle said the following (I paraphrase): Sure it's possible. I mean, it's possible that Scott Pioli ran naked down the Arrowhead hallways yesterday, too. It's not very likely, but, sure, it's possible. He also went on to discuss how difficult it was to get any information out of the team these days - and he works for them, remember, running the red zone podcast - and then asked whether it really made sense that there'd be a leak to the media regarding any private conversations between Haley and Pioli. It would have to come from one of the two of them, he surmised, and the likelihood of that is nigh on zero. So he clearly thinks there it's much to it, or to the whole story. And I'd say if we're going to talk about who has more of a handle on the inner workings of the Chiefs at this point in time, my vote would definitely go to Petro over Whitlock...
Posts: 58,682

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode