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

[Tribal Warfare]

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.

[chiefzilla1501]

Originally Posted by Mark M

Totally understand. And don't necessarily disagree that a bit of respect is needed both directions.

But until (or, rather, if) more info comes out, I'm guessing that BW said something that led to the alleged crackback (2-14 comment).



And you know this ... how? Seems like you are speculating along with the rest of us.

Whitlock can say "sources said ... " and "Waters couldn't be reached for comment ... " all he wants. I don't buy it.

No one in that organization is talking about anything to anyone at any time. So I completely and totally refuse to believe that a head coaching search goes on in super-duper-double secrecy with practically zero leaks, while an argument between a player and coach makes the media in less than 48 hours ... unless the coach or player involved is the source.

Sorry, but there's simply no other logical explanation. Waters whined to Whitlock, and Whitlock is covering for him by saying BW couldn't be reached for comment. Happens a lot more in the media than you think.

MM
~~

I don't know for sure. But if Whitlock says that Waters could not be reached for comment when in fact he was, that's lying. And that is a major breach in the professional code for journalists. Much as we may rip on Whitlock, he's experienced enough to know how the game works. I would agree with you if he didn't say "Waters could not be reached for comment" later in the piece--that's a biiiigggg no-no in the journalism world.

[htismaqe]

Originally Posted by chiefzilla1501

I don't understand why Haley would dig into a player like that

Maybe Waters insulted his mother?

Without knowing both sides of the story, there's really nothing to understand about what was said.

What we DO know is that Waters showed up, unannounced, during one of THE key times in the offseason, and EXPECTED a seat at the big table. He was wrong. Regardless of what was said.

[chiefzilla1501]

Originally Posted by htismaqe

Maybe Waters insulted his mother?

Without knowing both sides of the story, there's really nothing to understand about what was said.

What we DO know is that Waters showed up, unannounced, during one of THE key times in the offseason, and EXPECTED a seat at the big table. He was wrong. Regardless of what was said.

Good point.

[Sweet Daddy Hate]

Originally Posted by htismaqe

Maybe Waters insulted his mother?

Without knowing both sides of the story, there's really nothing to understand about what was said.

What we DO know is that Waters showed up, unannounced, during one of THE key times in the offseason, and EXPECTED a seat at the big table. He was wrong. Regardless of what was said.

Now that's great off season entertainment!

[Mecca]

This thread got alot bigger...did I miss anything good?

[Sweet Daddy Hate]

Originally Posted by Mecca

This thread got alot bigger...did I miss anything good?

No. Not a damn thing.

[dallaschiefsfan]

Originally Posted by htismaqe

Maybe Waters insulted his mother?

Without knowing both sides of the story, there's really nothing to understand about what was said.

What we DO know is that Waters showed up, unannounced, during one of THE key times in the offseason, and EXPECTED a seat at the big table. He was wrong. Regardless of what was said.

Yeah...even thought Waters is generally a classy act...even the best of people lose it and say dumb shi** sometimes. I'm guessing he said something in anger that he'll eventually regret. Haley probably replied in kind. I'm suspicious of Fatlock and his "Waters-version" of the story. I'm 100% confident that Waters contributed beyond the unannounced visit...which was bad in and of itself.

[Hammock Parties]

Has anyone seen Waters and Whitlock in the same room at the same time? Just saying.

[orange]

Originally Posted by Mecca

This thread got alot bigger...did I miss anything good?

Not much. Same old revolving argument.

If you want to see some brilliant takes, though, just Search for MY comments on the thread.

[Spott]

What a freaking pansy if this is true. The dude makes millions of dollars a year to work part time playing football and he's whining because his boss might be a big meanie.