Chiefs Whitlock: Chiefs’ All-Pro guard Waters wants out of Kansas City - Page 36

**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.

htismaqe · 02-27-2009, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chiefzilla1501

I hope you're kidding. Because this team lost because of poor leadership on his part? This team lost because they didn't have talent and because they were too young and inexperienced. Not to mention that Waters is a locker room leader; he doesn't play a big-impact position.

So Waters mentoring Branden Albert and Tony Gonzalez going out of his way to hold off-practice meetings with Thigpen, these are guys that deserve the blame for the Chiefs' problems?

C'mon. Those two were one of the few bright spots last year.

This team won 6 games in 2 years. Lack of talent alone doesn't accomplish that. Losing that many games requires work. That much losing is mental and emotional, not just physical.

Being a locker room leader is NOT a plus for Waters. Not at all.

htismaqe · 02-27-2009, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chiefzilla1501

What Waters did was in the wrong, based on what we know. The way that Haley responded, if true, was also wrong.

The problem is, Haley is in charge. Waters isn't.

Might makes right in any corporation. That's just the way it is.

chiefzilla1501 · 02-27-2009, 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by htismaqe

This team won 6 games in 2 years. Lack of talent alone doesn't accomplish that. Losing that many games requires work. That much losing is mental and emotional, not just physical.

Being a locker room leader is NOT a plus for Waters. Not at all.

You're kidding, right?

The Chiefs lost games last year. But every single person annd their mother will point out that for a team that was losing games, they still came out every game intense, aggressive, and focused.

They lost because of poor talent. And because of poor second half coaching decisions. They did NOT lose because of character.

There is only so much one man can do when the rest of the team doesn't have any talent. Waters did his job well and he mentored Branden Albert, a guy who also played well. And regardless of who led who, this team had a very good attitude the second half of the season. Waters is a terrific leader. I just don't know what more you would expect him to do.

chiefzilla1501 · 02-27-2009, 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by htismaqe

The problem is, Haley is in charge. Waters isn't.

Might makes right in any corporation. That's just the way it is.

Then you obviously know nothing about how corporations or organizations work.

The best leaders are those who assert their authority and can motivate those beneath them to do a good job. You cannot lead if those you lead are unwillling to be led. Why do you think companies invest millions upon millions of dollars on incentives and human resource departments intended to keep their employees happy? Why do you think every top MBA program now has a strong leadership component to their program?

Leadership is not about who screams the loudest. It's about what gets the best out of the people underneath you.

orange · 02-27-2009, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by htismaqe

Leadership is ONLY important when said "middle manager" is saying and doing the things that the REAL leadership wants.

Toe the line.

Well then, maybe the REAL leadership should TALK to that "middle manager" and tell him what "the line" is.

FAX · 02-27-2009, 02:17 PM

That KK guy just said that Waters did, indeed, show up unannounced.

FAX

htismaqe · 02-27-2009, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chiefzilla1501

Waters is a terrific leader. I just don't know what more you would expect him to do.

He could start by not talking to the media every chance he gets.

htismaqe · 02-27-2009, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chiefzilla1501

Leadership is not about who screams the loudest. It's about what gets the best out of the people underneath you.

Absolutely. For the most part, the ONLY thing Waters has done since Willie Roaf retired is scream the loudest.

htismaqe · 02-27-2009, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by orange

Well then, maybe the REAL leadership should TALK to that "middle manager" and tell him what "the line" is.

Not at all if they don't intend for him to be a "middle manager" much longer.

MOhillbilly · 02-27-2009, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chiefzilla1501

They lost because of poor talent. And because of poor second half coaching decisions. They did NOT lose because of character.

this team has talent in spades.

PastorMikH · 02-27-2009, 03:07 PM

I hope Pioli takes the same path he's taken with LJ thus far

"Listen Brian, you're under contract here - for a long time in fact - so, SHUT UP AND PLAY!"

**SAUTO** · 02-27-2009, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by htismaqe

He could start by not talking to the media every chance he gets.

Quote:

Originally Posted by htismaqe

Absolutely. For the most part, the ONLY thing Waters has done since Willie Roaf retired is scream the loudest.

Quote:

Originally Posted by htismaqe

Not at all if they don't intend for him to be a "middle manager" much longer.

damn man where have you been? good takes

soundmind · 02-27-2009, 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MOhillbilly

this team has talent in spades.

You mean like shovels?......used to collect dung?

Sweet Daddy Hate · 02-27-2009, 03:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaWolf

If he runs a Parcells-like camp, expect to hear even more crying from some of the babies on this team. There is going to be a major weeding out process this year...

I love it, lord how I love it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by soundmind

You mean like shovels?......used to collect dung?

Exactly. This team has talent you can count on two hands, and that's being generous.

Now; off to kick the Curry supporters in the ass! Exciting news while I was away, yes?

CanadaKC · 02-27-2009, 03:32 PM

better to be a Curry supporter than a Sanchez blower...

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.
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02-27-2009, 02:17 PM	#531
FAX testing ... 1, 2, 3 Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Tennessee Casino cash: $6753759	That KK guy just said that Waters did, indeed, show up unannounced. FAX
Posts: 44,492

02-27-2009, 03:07 PM	#536
PastorMikH Will KC ever be better? Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Land of Red Dirt & Necks Casino cash: $9905087	I hope Pioli takes the same path he's taken with LJ thus far "Listen Brian, you're under contract here - for a long time in fact - so, SHUT UP AND PLAY!" __________________
Posts: 20,454

02-27-2009, 03:32 PM	#540
CanadaKC Lord of the SB Rings Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Vancouver, B.C. Canada Casino cash: $5998668	better to be a Curry supporter than a Sanchez blower...
Posts: 1,515