Chiefs Whitlock: Chiefs’ All-Pro guard Waters wants out of Kansas City - Page 15

**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.

Mecca · 02-27-2009, 07:17 AM

Bill Parcells basically told Jason Taylor to **** off....this is what happens when you get people from this tree.

FringeNC · 02-27-2009, 07:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mecca

Yes he did, he was probably the biggest Herm supporter.

I don't understand what Waters wanted to meet about. From the reading of the article, it seems that the he was only interested in having a confrontation with Haley over innuendo he heard at the Pro Bowl.

**dirk digler** · 02-27-2009, 07:19 AM

Brian Waters has always been a class and team guy and if this is true I would be disappointed in how this was handled.

**Rausch** · 02-27-2009, 07:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kerberos

Sorry boys and girls but there is a NEW sherrif in town and he isn't here to be liked. He is here to win games..... PERIOD. i agree with this last post completely. Pioli is not going to be afraid to lose a vet or two that want to be cry babies.

This is true. I'd be fine with that.

If Waters was an UFA and asking for a bunch of money I'd agree we should let him move on, but that's not the case. Waters wanted to talk to his HC and his head coach is a tempermental d!ck.

Mecca · 02-27-2009, 07:21 AM

I'd like to know what a 32 year old guard is wanting to talk about the future of the team for anyway, unless he actually thinks Scott Pioli gives a shit what he thinks seeing as odds are he won't be here much longer either way.

Red Beans · 02-27-2009, 07:22 AM

Wow, talk about our organization doing an about face. No more favoritism, no more coddling, cuddling or stoking of egos. It appears that the Chiefs have brought some no nonsense people to the table. This is not something I'm real familiar with but I like it. You sign the damn deal you play out your contract. If Waters wanted out perhaps he shouldnt have signed a 7 yr extension. I mean, the guy negotiates his own contracts so man up! Honor the contract. I for one am tired of whiners and soft ass cry babies.

rad · 02-27-2009, 07:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by orange

An 0-0 head coach talking smack to a two-time All-Pro....hmmm.

That's a pretty dumb post.

Mecca · 02-27-2009, 07:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rad

That's a pretty dumb post.

Obviously a head coach should not have control over the players.

**BigRedChief** · 02-27-2009, 07:24 AM

Who cares if Pioli and Haley are arrogant and aloof if they win? Lombardi, Parcells, Bellicheck, Caughlin etc the list goes on and on. Their are many approaches to winning in the NFL other than being a players coach.

It's obvious that they are going to be about the team first and not individual players. If a player can't get onboard with team first approach then there is the door. And as long as they win we won't give a crap about whether they are nice to the players.

tomahawk kid · 02-27-2009, 07:27 AM

Me thinks maybe Mr Waters did this to stir up shit and force the organization to trade him.

Kerberos · 02-27-2009, 07:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rausch

This is true. I'd be fine with that.

If Waters was an UFA and asking for a bunch of money I'd agree we should let him move on, but that's not the case. Waters wanted to talk to his HC and his head coach is a tempermental d!ck.

Todd Haley and Vermeil/Edwards could NOT be more completely opposite in their approach to players.

Haley spoke to him in a way that he isn't used to. Waters needs to learn the ways of the organization all over again. He doesn't like it and is pouting IMO.

Just my thoughts on that.

**the Talking Can** · 02-27-2009, 07:31 AM

the real story here is that one of our "leaders" just leaked a story to Whitlock for the sole purpose of embarrassing our new coach and GM..

what does that tell you about Waters?

rad · 02-27-2009, 07:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sam Hall

My point is what you're saying would've been better than the "22 players off the street" comment.

It's not about the best 22 players, it's about the right 22 players.

**Rausch** · 02-27-2009, 07:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kerberos

Todd Haley and Vermeil/Edwards could NOT be more completely opposite in their approach to players.

Haley spoke to him in a way that he isn't used to. Waters needs to learn the ways of the organization all over again. He doesn't like it and is pouting IMO.

Just my thoughts on that.

I'd agree with Pioli. They really don't have anything to talk about right now. Pioli's job is to get talent on this team. That's what he's trying to do.

Haley's job is to get them to win. And there's a world of difference between someone saying there's nothing to dicscuss and "you won 2 games last year so you're a douchebag."

Mecca · 02-27-2009, 07:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rausch

I'd agree with Pioli. They really don't have anything to talk about right now. Pioli's job is to get talent on this team. That's what he's trying to do.

Haley's job is to get them to win. And there's a world of difference between someone saying there's nothing to dicscuss and "you won 2 games last year so you're a douchebag."

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.

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, 07:17 AM	#211
Mecca Hockey Town Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Kansas City, Missouri Casino cash: $-632950	Bill Parcells basically told Jason Taylor to **** off....this is what happens when you get people from this tree.
Posts: 115,325

02-27-2009, 07:19 AM	#213
dirk digler Please squeeze Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Clinton, MO Casino cash: $204644	Brian Waters has always been a class and team guy and if this is true I would be disappointed in how this was handled.
Posts: 67,108

02-27-2009, 07:21 AM	#215
Mecca Hockey Town Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Kansas City, Missouri Casino cash: $-632950	I'd like to know what a 32 year old guard is wanting to talk about the future of the team for anyway, unless he actually thinks Scott Pioli gives a shit what he thinks seeing as odds are he won't be here much longer either way.
Posts: 115,325

02-27-2009, 07:22 AM	#216
Red Beans Not dead yet... Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Indian Creek Casino cash: $1669903	Wow, talk about our organization doing an about face. No more favoritism, no more coddling, cuddling or stoking of egos. It appears that the Chiefs have brought some no nonsense people to the table. This is not something I'm real familiar with but I like it. You sign the damn deal you play out your contract. If Waters wanted out perhaps he shouldnt have signed a 7 yr extension. I mean, the guy negotiates his own contracts so man up! Honor the contract. I for one am tired of whiners and soft ass cry babies.
Posts: 2,796

02-27-2009, 07:24 AM	#219
BigRedChief Has a particular set of skills Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: On the water Casino cash: $-701038 VARSITY	Who cares if Pioli and Haley are arrogant and aloof if they win? Lombardi, Parcells, Bellicheck, Caughlin etc the list goes on and on. Their are many approaches to winning in the NFL other than being a players coach. It's obvious that they are going to be about the team first and not individual players. If a player can't get onboard with team first approach then there is the door. And as long as they win we won't give a crap about whether they are nice to the players. __________________ Mahomes is not a game manager. Release the Kraken.
Posts: 81,298

02-27-2009, 07:27 AM	#220
tomahawk kid Drunk in the Neighborhood Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Beating the War Drums Casino cash: $10001837	Me thinks maybe Mr Waters did this to stir up shit and force the organization to trade him.
Posts: 5,974

02-27-2009, 07:31 AM	#222
the Talking Can Supporter Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: street Casino cash: $9242208	the real story here is that one of our "leaders" just leaked a story to Whitlock for the sole purpose of embarrassing our new coach and GM.. what does that tell you about Waters? __________________ Clark Hunt: "Thank god for the Dominican pool boy"
Posts: 51,585