Chiefs Whitlock: Chiefs’ All-Pro guard Waters wants out of Kansas City - Page 17

**Tribal Warfare** · 02-27-2009, 12:06 AM

Chiefs’ All-Pro guard Waters wants out of Kansas City
By JASON WHITLOCK
The Kansas City Star

Chiefs Pro Bowl guard Brian Waters asked the organization Thursday to release or trade him this offseason, according to a source with knowledge of the situation.

Waters asked for his release two days after a brief meeting with new head coach Todd Haley and after being told by first-time general manager Scott Pioli that he had no interest in meeting with Waters, the source said.

Waters, according to the source, was offended and shocked by the arrogance of Haley and Pioli. Waters’ meeting with Haley and follow-up phone conversations confirmed in the nine-year vet’s mind that the negative reports about Haley that he heard from Arizona Cardinals players while at the Pro Bowl were accurate, according to the source.

The Cardinals players told Waters and tight end Tony Gonzalez that Haley, Arizona’s offensive coordinator, was aloof, condescending and ignored by veterans, the source said. Anquan Boldin, Kurt Warner and Larry Fitzgerald Jr. — Arizona’s offensive stars — were all members of the NFC Pro Bowl team.

Haley could not be reached for comment Thursday night. Haley bickered with Boldin and Warner during the NFC championship game. And when he was an assistant with the Cowboys, Haley had several run-ins with flamboyant receiver Terrell Owens.

The source said when Waters informed Haley of his desire to relocate, Kansas City’s coach scolded Waters and indicated that the Chiefs would not release Waters from his contract. Waters signed a seven-year contract extension with the Chiefs in 2005. Waters, a four-time Pro Bowler, is 32 and would seemingly have decent trade value.

Waters declined public comment on Thursday.

He is the second high-priced Chiefs offensive star to ask for his release. Running back Larry Johnson has repeatedly asked to be let go. All-pro tight end Tony Gonzalez expressed disappointment when coach Herm Edwards was fired and has stated he will take a wait-and-see approach with the new regime.

Waters’ dissatisfaction is surprising given his reputation as a locker-room leader and his dedication to the organization. Waters is heavily involved in charitable activity in the Kansas City community and was a finalist for the NFL’s 2008 Man of the Year Award.

According to the source, Waters flew to Kansas City specifically to meet with Haley and Pioli and hear their plan for the direction of the organization. Pioli declined to meet with Waters, saying they had nothing to discuss, the source said. And Haley began his hallway conversation with Waters by proclaiming that 22 players off the street could win two games, the source said.

Waters considered his options Wednesday, flew to Dallas and then tried reaching owner Clark Hunt and Pioli before telling Haley on Thursday that he felt their differences were irreconcible, the source said.

Waters joined the Chiefs in 2000 and became a starter in 2001.

**dirk digler** · 02-27-2009, 08:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rausch

That's true.

But the reaction of your supervisor should be a helluva lot different.

Yep.

Mecca · 02-27-2009, 08:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dirk digler

I do and have and I work with him almost every day.

My point was more directed at Haley then Pioli because Pioli is running the company not Haley.

I'll say what I said earlier about Haley which was..

I think the point of that comment, if he did say it would be, "You're on a 2-14 team stop acting self important" alot of Chiefs players seem to have this attitude where they think they're something special and have accomplished all sorts of great things and deserved to be treated like they are hot shit.

keg in kc · 02-27-2009, 08:17 AM

Doesn't anybody remember the 2005 offseason, when Waters straight-up skipped several weeks of workouts because he wasn't happy with his contract. Nobody knew what was going on at the time, because he wasn't saying anything publicly, and as I recall after it was done he tried to sell it as "needing to spend time with his family". But he fired his agent and then signed a new deal during the next few months.

So, as good a guy as he is, he's got a bit of a history of wacky negotiating...

nychief · 02-27-2009, 08:18 AM

Listen to what Pioli said during his first presser.... he is going to build the best TEAM... You have to trust him, and trust that it is good news that our GM is not going over the off season plan with a freakin' Offensive Tackle...

Trade Waters for a 2nd... Let's light this roman candle.

Mecca · 02-27-2009, 08:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nychief

Listen to what Pioli said during his first presser.... he is going to build the best TEAM... You have to trust him, and trust that it is good news that our GM is not going over the off season plan with a freakin' Offensive Tackle...

Trade Waters for a 2nd... Let's light this roman candle.

He's a Guard which makes him actually more worthless than a tackle.

**dirk digler** · 02-27-2009, 08:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mecca

I'll say what I said earlier about Haley which was..

I think the point of that comment, if he did say it would be, "You're on a 2-14 team stop acting self important" alot of Chiefs players seem to have this attitude where they think they're something special and have accomplished all sorts of great things and deserved to be treated like they are hot shit.

If he said that would be appropriate.

But he said this supposedly, " by proclaiming that 22 players off the street could win two games", which is not appropriate.

You know you could take that quote and say that Haley was criticizing the players and absolving the coaching staff.

Chiefnj2 · 02-27-2009, 08:21 AM

Too many facts missing from the story.

It seems like KC is a NY Jets bizzaro world. The Jets had a Super Bowl winning coach who comes up short, next they bring in the young player friendly Herm (I'm skipping the one Groh season). Herm looks good at first. People like him, he wins some games. Then, the fans and media see the chinks in his armor and notice he's killing the team. Herm jumps ship and the Jets go in the opposite direction. They grab mini-Bilichick from NE. He rules with an iron fist, limits media info, etc., just like his old boss.

KC seems to have done the same thing. You have the Bradway/Peterson connection, the old Super Bowl winning coach to Herm and now to Pioli/Haley.

People are loving the tough ass style of Pioli just like NY liked Mangini at first. If the draft doesn't go as people like and the team is 2-6 at the half-way point this town is going to turn on these guys quickly. The dictator act gets old really fast if the team isn't winning.

keg in kc · 02-27-2009, 08:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dirk digler

You know you could take that quote and say that Haley was criticizing the players and absolving the coaching staff.

You could also take it to mean exactly the opposite.

StcChief · 02-27-2009, 08:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaliforniaChief

"And Haley began his hallway conversation with Waters by proclaiming that 22 players off the street could win two games, the source said."

Epic smack...

22 guys off the street couldn't win any NFL games.
that's just a stupid comment.... smack not so much.

**dirk digler** · 02-27-2009, 08:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by keg in kc

You could also take it to mean exactly the opposite.

I suppose but he said it to a player which in the context meant Herm is a great coach and the players are idiots.

I doubt that is what he meant though.

Red Beans · 02-27-2009, 08:27 AM

7.2% unemployment across the country. Brian makes 3.6 million this year. How about that for some perspective? You sign a contract, you honor it. I like this no bullshit attitude.

Mecca · 02-27-2009, 08:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StcChief

22 guys off the street couldn't win any NFL games.
that's just a stupid comment.... smack not so much.

I don't think he means regular joes I think he means players off the street....

**The Bad Guy** · 02-27-2009, 08:38 AM

Any of you defending Waters are ridiculous.

Waters was a big fan, much like LJ, of anyone who stroked his ego and kissed his ass.

What right does Waters have to know the direction of the team? Who is Brian Waters

Yeah, he made Pro Bowls. Big ****ing deal.

The whole attitude of this organization is changing.

I, for one, am thrilled.

**The Bad Guy** · 02-27-2009, 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StcChief

22 guys off the street couldn't win any NFL games.
that's just a stupid comment.... smack not so much.

22 street free agents likely could luck themselves into 2 wins.

I just find it hilarious that Waters felt that Herm was the guy to lead them to the promise land when they had 6 wins total the last 2 years, and he trusted everything Herm did.

But he wants to openly criticize a GM who has won 3 SBs and a coach who just coordinated a great SB against one of the best defenses I've ever seen.

Brock · 02-27-2009, 08:40 AM

Culture change is hard on some people.

02-27-2009, 12:06 AM
Tribal Warfare Man of Culture Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Far Beyond Comprehension Casino cash: $-2907187	Whitlock: Chiefs’ All-Pro guard Waters wants out of Kansas City Chiefs’ All-Pro guard Waters wants out of Kansas City By JASON WHITLOCK The Kansas City Star Chiefs Pro Bowl guard Brian Waters asked the organization Thursday to release or trade him this offseason, according to a source with knowledge of the situation. Waters asked for his release two days after a brief meeting with new head coach Todd Haley and after being told by first-time general manager Scott Pioli that he had no interest in meeting with Waters, the source said. Waters, according to the source, was offended and shocked by the arrogance of Haley and Pioli. Waters’ meeting with Haley and follow-up phone conversations confirmed in the nine-year vet’s mind that the negative reports about Haley that he heard from Arizona Cardinals players while at the Pro Bowl were accurate, according to the source. The Cardinals players told Waters and tight end Tony Gonzalez that Haley, Arizona’s offensive coordinator, was aloof, condescending and ignored by veterans, the source said. Anquan Boldin, Kurt Warner and Larry Fitzgerald Jr. — Arizona’s offensive stars — were all members of the NFC Pro Bowl team. Haley could not be reached for comment Thursday night. Haley bickered with Boldin and Warner during the NFC championship game. And when he was an assistant with the Cowboys, Haley had several run-ins with flamboyant receiver Terrell Owens. The source said when Waters informed Haley of his desire to relocate, Kansas City’s coach scolded Waters and indicated that the Chiefs would not release Waters from his contract. Waters signed a seven-year contract extension with the Chiefs in 2005. Waters, a four-time Pro Bowler, is 32 and would seemingly have decent trade value. Waters declined public comment on Thursday. He is the second high-priced Chiefs offensive star to ask for his release. Running back Larry Johnson has repeatedly asked to be let go. All-pro tight end Tony Gonzalez expressed disappointment when coach Herm Edwards was fired and has stated he will take a wait-and-see approach with the new regime. Waters’ dissatisfaction is surprising given his reputation as a locker-room leader and his dedication to the organization. Waters is heavily involved in charitable activity in the Kansas City community and was a finalist for the NFL’s 2008 Man of the Year Award. According to the source, Waters flew to Kansas City specifically to meet with Haley and Pioli and hear their plan for the direction of the organization. Pioli declined to meet with Waters, saying they had nothing to discuss, the source said. And Haley began his hallway conversation with Waters by proclaiming that 22 players off the street could win two games, the source said. Waters considered his options Wednesday, flew to Dallas and then tried reaching owner Clark Hunt and Pioli before telling Haley on Thursday that he felt their differences were irreconcible, the source said. Waters joined the Chiefs in 2000 and became a starter in 2001.
Posts: 43,444

02-27-2009, 08:17 AM	#243
keg in kc oxymoron Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: OP/KC/Whatever Casino cash: $9556299	Doesn't anybody remember the 2005 offseason, when Waters straight-up skipped several weeks of workouts because he wasn't happy with his contract. Nobody knew what was going on at the time, because he wasn't saying anything publicly, and as I recall after it was done he tried to sell it as "needing to spend time with his family". But he fired his agent and then signed a new deal during the next few months. So, as good a guy as he is, he's got a bit of a history of wacky negotiating...
Posts: 58,682

02-27-2009, 08:18 AM	#244
nychief MVP Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: NYC Casino cash: $5379466	Listen to what Pioli said during his first presser.... he is going to build the best TEAM... You have to trust him, and trust that it is good news that our GM is not going over the off season plan with a freakin' Offensive Tackle... Trade Waters for a 2nd... Let's light this roman candle. __________________ Good Time Charlie, Uncle Doobie and the Great Frisco Freakout.
Posts: 8,164

02-27-2009, 08:21 AM	#247
Chiefnj2 In Search of a Life Join Date: Mar 2007 Casino cash: $6664388	Too many facts missing from the story. It seems like KC is a NY Jets bizzaro world. The Jets had a Super Bowl winning coach who comes up short, next they bring in the young player friendly Herm (I'm skipping the one Groh season). Herm looks good at first. People like him, he wins some games. Then, the fans and media see the chinks in his armor and notice he's killing the team. Herm jumps ship and the Jets go in the opposite direction. They grab mini-Bilichick from NE. He rules with an iron fist, limits media info, etc., just like his old boss. KC seems to have done the same thing. You have the Bradway/Peterson connection, the old Super Bowl winning coach to Herm and now to Pioli/Haley. People are loving the tough ass style of Pioli just like NY liked Mangini at first. If the draft doesn't go as people like and the team is 2-6 at the half-way point this town is going to turn on these guys quickly. The dictator act gets old really fast if the team isn't winning. __________________ Mismanaging the clock.
Posts: 22,540

02-27-2009, 08:27 AM	#251
Red Beans Not dead yet... Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Indian Creek Casino cash: $1669903	7.2% unemployment across the country. Brian makes 3.6 million this year. How about that for some perspective? You sign a contract, you honor it. I like this no bullshit attitude.
Posts: 2,796

02-27-2009, 08:38 AM	#253
The Bad Guy Scott Pioli Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: The Copacobana Casino cash: $9283645	Any of you defending Waters are ridiculous. Waters was a big fan, much like LJ, of anyone who stroked his ego and kissed his ass. What right does Waters have to know the direction of the team? Who is Brian Waters Yeah, he made Pro Bowls. Big ****ing deal. The whole attitude of this organization is changing. I, for one, am thrilled. __________________
Posts: 23,216

02-27-2009, 08:40 AM	#255
Brock Say hello to my little friend Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Larryville Casino cash: $9598422	Culture change is hard on some people.
Posts: 47,314