Chiefs Whitlock: Chiefs’ All-Pro guard Waters wants out of Kansas City - Page 16

**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, 07:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the Talking Can

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?

Waters is probably the closest to Whitlock of any Chiefs player so that would not surprise me at all if the "source" was indeed Waters.

jettio · 02-27-2009, 07:50 AM

If the article were completely true, I would have to say that Waters ought to make an appointment with the person he plans to meet with, if he travels interstate for the sole purpose of meeting with someone. I could see you travelling a long ways to visit family and expect to be greeted unannounced, but it seems like an oversight to plan a trip without telling the person you want to meet that you will be showing up for a meeting.

Aside from that, Waters may not be the one trying to get this story out. He apparently did not comment for the story.

Also, Waters is his own agent, and because of that he should be able to make an appointment with the GM, and the GM should be willing to make time to meet with him given reasonable notice. I am sure that Pioli takes time to talk to player agents, as a routine course of business.

As for Haley, the jury is still out. If he fails because of the way he deals with players, Pioli will send his azz packing. I do not know if that is a legit criticism of Haley, but I am certain that we will find out in the next 2-3 years.

philfree · 02-27-2009, 07:55 AM

New GM and HC who are running behind as free agency is starting and Waters wants to force his own interview with Pioli so they can talk about the direction of the team? These guys don't even have it all mapped out yet so a meeting with Waters is a huge waste of time. Sorrry Brian but there will be no more butt rubs to make you feel special.

PhilFree

**BigRedChief** · 02-27-2009, 07:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FringeNC

Didn't Waters make some bizarre comment along the lines that any future success the Chiefs had would be because of Herm Edwards?

Yes, he did.

Does anyone remember the story that Tony G told about how Bellicheck treated him at the Pro Bowl?

Tony G came to the sideline and Bellicheck made a comment about giving more effort out there.

Next time he came to the sidelines Bellicheck yelled at him to finish his route correctly.

Next time he came off the field after making a great catch for a TD bellicheck said nice catch gonzalez.

You remember how there was a whole thread on how we wish we had someone like Bellicheck as our head coach? If he's that intense at the Pro Bowl whats he like during the season?

Jerm · 02-27-2009, 07:56 AM

LOL love Whitlock and his "sources familiar with the organization"...what friggin' sources? He has NONE. The news has been ZILCH coming out of Arrowhead since Pioli and Haley arrived but suddenly Whitlock has the scoop? Ok whatever.

Waters is just using him as a mouthpiece to get his whining out into the public.

Whitlock took full advantage to print it and also to turn it into an anti Pioli/Haley article so he could take shots at them while in the context of the story.

It's pathetic but I'd expect nothing less from him.

keg in kc · 02-27-2009, 07:57 AM

At the risk of trying to interject a little logic to the discussion, when it's the first day of free agency and there's an article citing an "anonymous source" that rails on the franchise and states that a player "wants out of Kansas City", common sense would indicate that said there's a contract issue, the agent (in this case, wouldn't that be Waters himself? for some reason I have it in my head that he acts as his own agent, but I'm not sure about that) is using the media as a microphone, and you probably shouldn't take anything you hear without a grain of salt...

Just to throw another log on that fire, Waters is a 32-year old guard entering the fourth year of an extension he signed in 2006, and according to reports at the time, he's due $3.6 million in base salary this year.

On a personal note, with all due respect to Waters, he isn't Will Shields. So if he really wants to go, then best of luck with his future endeavors.

Mecca · 02-27-2009, 07:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jerm

LOL love Whitlock and his "sources familiar with the organization"...what friggin' sources? He has NONE. The news has been ZILCH coming out of Arrowhead since Pioli and Haley arrived but suddenly Whitlock has the scoop? Ok whatever.

Waters is just using him as a mouthpiece to get his whining out into the public.

Whitlock took full advantage to print it and also to turn it into an anti Pioli/Haley article so he could take shots at them while in the context of the story.

It's pathetic but I'd expect nothing less from him.

Jason Whitlock is paid to write negative articles..I know that he knows Waters so this is an easy story for him to right. But for him to continue to do his piece in the paper successfully he needs fans to agree with him an easy way to do that is to consistently talk about players like Waters and Gonzalez because this is a market where fans are easily attached to players.

Micjones · 02-27-2009, 08:02 AM

I love the fan sentiment that Waters just marched into the stadium, with his ass on his shoulders, demanding to be seen by the GM and Head Coach.

He's been a class act throughout his Chiefs tenure.
That's out of character for a player of his stature.

Something tells me there's more to the story.

I'm not suggesting that he be apprised of everything the organization plans to do, but to say that Chiefs brass doesn't need to have a rapport with veteran players is ridiculous.

I think there's a way to handle situations like these.
From the sounds of it... I'm not sure Haley had the best idea.

Jerm · 02-27-2009, 08:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mecca

Jason Whitlock is paid to write negative articles..I know that he knows Waters so this is an easy story for him to right. But for him to continue to do his piece in the paper successfully he needs fans to agree with him an easy way to do that is to consistently talk about players like Waters and Gonzalez because this is a market where fans are easily attached to players.

Yeah I know what you're saying but I just don't think Whitlock's shtick is going to work with the new regime in place...he's probably dead to them now after this article lol.

I'm sure all we'll get from him is the negative BS because he's not getting anything from them after this IMO.

Mecca · 02-27-2009, 08:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jerm

Yeah I know what you're saying but I just don't think Whitlock's shtick is going to work with the new regime in place...he's probably dead to them now after this article lol.

I'm sure all we'll get from him is the negative BS because he's not getting anything from them after this IMO.

He's going to do his me against the front office stuff unless they win and win big...his job is to be negative Pos is the positive guy and Teicher is the "news guy" even though he sucks at it.

He's already set it up with articles about Gonzalez and now Waters, if the Chiefs were to get rid of either or both of those players he could talk about how stupid the new front office is and casual fans would agree with him.

**dirk digler** · 02-27-2009, 08:09 AM

This story could have some implications in regards to FA. Alot of FA's might have had the Chiefs on their radar but now they see this story and think if this is how they treat a loyal veteran respected Pro Bowl player why would I want to go there.

Second this isn't really about football or the NFL this is just like the majority of us that have real jobs. If you went to your immediate boss and he told you that some scrub could come off the street and do your job better, well in Mecca's case that is true, but for the rest of us we would probably be pissed off and felt disrespected. It is really all about treating people with respect.

Brian Waters isn't LJ the guy has been a loyal soldier and yes he supported Herm just like he supported DV and Gunther before him. He has always been a team player.

Also just curious how does it make sense for the HC and GM to have an adversarial relationship with players? Belichick doesn't even have that his player love him.

Just my .02 cents.

Mecca · 02-27-2009, 08:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dirk digler

This story could have some implications in regards to FA. Alot of FA's might have had the Chiefs on their radar but now they see this story and think if this is how they treat a loyal veteran respected Pro Bowl player why would I want to go there.

Second this isn't really about football or the NFL this is just like the majority of us that have real jobs. If you went to your immediate boss and he told you that some scrub could come off the street and do your job better, well in Mecca's case that is true, but for the rest of us we would probably be pissed off and felt disrespected. It is really all about treating people with respect.

Brian Waters isn't LJ the guy has been a loyal soldier and yes he supported Herm just like he supported DV and Gunther before him. He has always been a team player.

Also just curious how does it make sense for the HC and GM to have an adversarial relationship with players? Belichick doesn't even have that his player love him.

Just my .02 cents.

Go up to the guy who runs your company during the busiest time of the year...and ask him for a sit down meeting pertaining to the future of the company and watch the reaction you are given.

**Rausch** · 02-27-2009, 08:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mecca

Go up to the guy who runs your company during the busiest time of the year...and ask him for a sit down meeting pertaining to the future of the company and watch the reaction you are given.

That's true.

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

**MahiMike** · 02-27-2009, 08:14 AM

This is awesome. There's a new Sheriff in town and he and his deputy are laying down the new law. I think it sets the perfect tone. Telling even their veterans aren't gonna get special treatment. You can bet the other guys have their ears pinned back right now. Training camp will be a brutal competition.

**dirk digler** · 02-27-2009, 08:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mecca

Go up to the guy who runs your company during the busiest time of the year...and ask him for a sit down meeting pertaining to the future of the company and watch the reaction you are given.

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.

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, 07:50 AM	#227
jettio MVP Join Date: Sep 2002 Casino cash: $4504930	If the article were completely true, I would have to say that Waters ought to make an appointment with the person he plans to meet with, if he travels interstate for the sole purpose of meeting with someone. I could see you travelling a long ways to visit family and expect to be greeted unannounced, but it seems like an oversight to plan a trip without telling the person you want to meet that you will be showing up for a meeting. Aside from that, Waters may not be the one trying to get this story out. He apparently did not comment for the story. Also, Waters is his own agent, and because of that he should be able to make an appointment with the GM, and the GM should be willing to make time to meet with him given reasonable notice. I am sure that Pioli takes time to talk to player agents, as a routine course of business. As for Haley, the jury is still out. If he fails because of the way he deals with players, Pioli will send his azz packing. I do not know if that is a legit criticism of Haley, but I am certain that we will find out in the next 2-3 years. __________________ Where Ignorance is Bliss, 'Tis Folly to be Wise. __
Posts: 11,043

02-27-2009, 07:55 AM	#228
philfree Indian Twitter Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Free Agency Casino cash: $-2123802	New GM and HC who are running behind as free agency is starting and Waters wants to force his own interview with Pioli so they can talk about the direction of the team? These guys don't even have it all mapped out yet so a meeting with Waters is a huge waste of time. Sorrry Brian but there will be no more butt rubs to make you feel special. PhilFree __________________ [/SIGPIC]
Posts: 16,142

02-27-2009, 07:56 AM	#230
Jerm Mahomes > God Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Clinton, MO Casino cash: $4458996	LOL love Whitlock and his "sources familiar with the organization"...what friggin' sources? He has NONE. The news has been ZILCH coming out of Arrowhead since Pioli and Haley arrived but suddenly Whitlock has the scoop? Ok whatever. Waters is just using him as a mouthpiece to get his whining out into the public. Whitlock took full advantage to print it and also to turn it into an anti Pioli/Haley article so he could take shots at them while in the context of the story. It's pathetic but I'd expect nothing less from him.
Posts: 10,214

02-27-2009, 07:57 AM	#231
keg in kc oxymoron Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: OP/KC/Whatever Casino cash: $9556299	At the risk of trying to interject a little logic to the discussion, when it's the first day of free agency and there's an article citing an "anonymous source" that rails on the franchise and states that a player "wants out of Kansas City", common sense would indicate that said there's a contract issue, the agent (in this case, wouldn't that be Waters himself? for some reason I have it in my head that he acts as his own agent, but I'm not sure about that) is using the media as a microphone, and you probably shouldn't take anything you hear without a grain of salt... Just to throw another log on that fire, Waters is a 32-year old guard entering the fourth year of an extension he signed in 2006, and according to reports at the time, he's due $3.6 million in base salary this year. On a personal note, with all due respect to Waters, he isn't Will Shields. So if he really wants to go, then best of luck with his future endeavors.
Posts: 58,682

02-27-2009, 08:02 AM	#233
Micjones Whose house? Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: KCMO Casino cash: $10005180	I love the fan sentiment that Waters just marched into the stadium, with his ass on his shoulders, demanding to be seen by the GM and Head Coach. He's been a class act throughout his Chiefs tenure. That's out of character for a player of his stature. Something tells me there's more to the story. I'm not suggesting that he be apprised of everything the organization plans to do, but to say that Chiefs brass doesn't need to have a rapport with veteran players is ridiculous. I think there's a way to handle situations like these. From the sounds of it... I'm not sure Haley had the best idea. __________________ It's like when I'm right I'm right, when I'm wrong I could been right, so I'm still right cause I coulda been wrong.
Posts: 15,344

02-27-2009, 08:09 AM	#236
dirk digler Please squeeze Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Clinton, MO Casino cash: $204644	This story could have some implications in regards to FA. Alot of FA's might have had the Chiefs on their radar but now they see this story and think if this is how they treat a loyal veteran respected Pro Bowl player why would I want to go there. Second this isn't really about football or the NFL this is just like the majority of us that have real jobs. If you went to your immediate boss and he told you that some scrub could come off the street and do your job better, well in Mecca's case that is true, but for the rest of us we would probably be pissed off and felt disrespected. It is really all about treating people with respect. Brian Waters isn't LJ the guy has been a loyal soldier and yes he supported Herm just like he supported DV and Gunther before him. He has always been a team player. Also just curious how does it make sense for the HC and GM to have an adversarial relationship with players? Belichick doesn't even have that his player love him. Just my .02 cents.
Posts: 67,108

02-27-2009, 08:14 AM	#239
MahiMike He's Mahomie! Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Jax, FL Casino cash: $10023443	This is awesome. There's a new Sheriff in town and he and his deputy are laying down the new law. I think it sets the perfect tone. Telling even their veterans aren't gonna get special treatment. You can bet the other guys have their ears pinned back right now. Training camp will be a brutal competition.
Posts: 17,387