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.

[Coogs]

Didn't Haley say at his initial press conference that he would meet with the players when the time was right, but that he had many other issues that needed dealing with first? First he needed to get a staff together... which may or may not be completed. Then they needed to breakdown the roster on player evaluations. Since the staff is just been put together this past week, and the free agency period started today, I would think Haley and Pioli may not have the time to sit down with any player right now to discuss what the plan is going to be.

I don't see this as an issue. I see Whitlock as being way out of line trying to portray the coach and GM as being the bad guys in all of this. And Waters should have known better than to have asked for valuable time right before the start of the free agent period.

[htismaqe]

Originally Posted by Hootie

and Pioli can't meet with him for an hour out of his day to tell him something similar to this?

"Hey Brian, we think you're a hell of player. I'm paid to make this team a winner, and that's what I am going to do. If you buy into me and Coach Haley, you'll be playing meaningful games again in no time."

Not that tough.

Sure, he could. But remember we're only hearing one side of the story. According to Waters, Pioli refused to meet with him. We don't have any idea why.

If I flew to Sacramento and wanted to meet with my VP unannounced, I guarantee you he wouldn't drop everything to talk with me. For any reason.

[Hootie]

Originally Posted by wild1

why do you breathlessly hold on to the second half of the Carl era?

A) Who the **** are you?

and

B) I don't. I am so glad Pioli is the new GM. I'm ecstatic Herm Edwards and his awful gameday coaching is a thing of the past...

I am simply being reasonable. This entire thread is full of Mecca in full reerun mode bashing Waters for being a Herm Edwards supporter.

Who gives a shit? Is the guy going to suddenly stop playing hard because Herm was fired? No, he isn't. Waters is a team player, a good player, and seems like a respectable guy.

He is giving credit to Herm for starting the rebuilding process...something that Herm should have started three years ago...(although the fan base would have immediately called for his head)...he's crediting Herm for the young talent he's brought into the organization...why is this a crime?

Even the "drafturbators" like Mecca and Hamas were THRILLED with the 2008 draft...

So pardon Brian Waters for wanting a little respect in return from the new regime...I don't think it's too much to ask to meet with an all-pro player for one ****ing hour to answer a few friggin' questions.

[raybec 4]

Originally Posted by Jerm

Agreed and the fact that Waters immediately went to Whitlock and gave him all of this information which quite frankly should be confidential looks really bad on his part IMO.

Doesn't the timing also look bad to anyone? The day before free agency, right after the combine I would hope to God that Pioli was too busy to explain the clubs decision making process with Waters.

Also, given the fact that they hold a premium on information and Waters ran to Whitlock with this shit, doesn't it seem like they did the right thing by not telling him their future plans?

[Hootie]

Originally Posted by htismaqe

Sure, he could. But remember we're only hearing one side of the story. According to Waters, Pioli refused to meet with him. We don't have any idea why.

If I flew to Sacramento and wanted to meet with my VP unannounced, I guarantee you he wouldn't drop everything to talk with me. For any reason.

This is a little different. The only reason Pioli has a job is because of the product on the field...

And besides, we always hear about how important a positive locker room is...and Brian Waters, from what we've heard, is a tremendous locker room guy and a great team player.

You'd think keeping this guy happy and involved would be a good thing for the organization...

and know guys like Mecca seem to think anyone in their 30's is worthless and the only way to win is with 53 players between the ages of 22-25...but the Patriots have always won with veterans so he's going to have to get used to the fact half of the team are going to be veterans that don't necessarily run 4.3 40's with 45" vertical leeps...

[stevieray]

Originally Posted by htismaqe

Don't start with my stevie!

clarification..based on your comment about being leary of coming back..

[dirk digler]

Originally Posted by htismaqe

The problem with your quote from another site is this:

All I’m saying is, if you’re a smart boss having a one-on-one conversation with an employee that you respect and who’s produced for you, that conversation is held in an office, often behind closed doors.

Brian Waters hasn't earned Todd Haley's respect and he hasn't produced one thing for him. All Haley knows at this point is that Waters produced 6 wins for the previous coach, over a span of 32 games. Showing up unannounced and wanting a personal meeting with the GM to discuss the direction of the team sure as hell isn't a good way to earn respect either.

Fair enough but we don't know if it was unannounced and if it was it still doesn't mean he should get dressed down in a hallway. Take it behind closed doors.

Like I said I understand why Pioli didn't want to meet with him but Haley is the coach he should handle things differently.

Just my opinion.

[Coogs]

Originally Posted by raybec 4

Doesn't the timing also look bad to anyone? The day before free agency, right after the combine I would hope to God that Pioli was too busy to explain the clubs decision making process with Waters.

Also, given the fact that they hold a premium on information and Waters ran to Whitlock with this shit, doesn't it seem like they did the right thing by not telling him their future plans?

I very much agree with both parts.

[MOhillbilly]

Originally Posted by Hootie

Whining bitches?

Gonzalez and Waters have been Chiefs for quite some time...all-pro players...

I think they deserve to hear the plan...these two guys play their hearts out every Sunday...yet 26 (?) year old know-it-all Mecca who lives with his parents thinks they are whining bitches for wanting to be in the loop with the organization that employs them.

Disrespecting a guy like Waters because he was a part of a poorly run 2-14 team is just uncalled for...it isn't necessary...regardless of how much of a "waste of time" Pioli might consider a meeting with Waters...taking an hour out of his day to make Waters feel a part of the new regime isn't asking too much.

your parents shouldnt have let you think your opinion was valid as a child.

[Coogs]

Originally Posted by Tribal Warfare

[B][SIZE="5"]
22 players off the street could win two games

On a positive note, it looks like we are not going to be 2-14 next season!

[Chiefnj2]

Originally Posted by raybec 4

Doesn't the timing also look bad to anyone? The day before free agency, right after the combine I would hope to God that Pioli was too busy to explain the clubs decision making process with Waters.

Also, given the fact that they hold a premium on information and Waters ran to Whitlock with this shit, doesn't it seem like they did the right thing by not telling him their future plans?

I don't think the timing was bad. It was earlier this week when teams began cutting veteran players. Perhaps he wants to know if the team intends on replacing him in the draft and are just keeping him on the team as insurance at this point. I think he's entitled to know that and I wouldn't blame him for wanting to know and wanting to be released now if that was the teams intentions.

[Hootie]

Originally Posted by MOhillbilly

your parents shouldnt have let you think your opinion was valid as a child.

well at least I have an opinion...which is more that I can say about you...

It's cool to see you tag along with the majority and insert your clever posts to insult those that are capable of forming their own opinions, though. Keep up the good work.

[Mr. Plow]

Originally Posted by Whitlock

And when he was an assistant with the Cowboys, Haley had several run-ins with flamboyant receiver Terrell Owens.

Not sure if it's been mentioned or not....but I found the above pretty funny.

You're telling me TO had a problem with a coach? What is the world coming to?

[DaWolf]

Let's take these two scenarios and see which one is more likely:

BW: Coach, I just wanted to come in and let you know that I want to win as badly as you do and I'm going to be working hard this off-season to make sure I can give you a winning effort this upcoming year. If there's something you want me to do to help the team out, let me know.

TH: Whatever Waters. 22 players off the street could win 2 games.

OR

BW: Todd, I'm not too excited about the direction this team is headed in. I'll be honest with you, I liked Herm, I thought he was a good coach, and I want to make sure you understand how the locker room works and what guys expect. I'm a winner and I want to play on a winning team, and if you guys aren't planning on making some moves this offseason, I don't know that I want to stick around for an entire regime change.

TH: What the guys expect? Winner? We could bring in 22 players off the street and they would win two games. This team is what it is, a two win team, and a lot of stuff is going to change from how it was done here previously. You have a contract and you will honor your contract. End of discussion. Now if you will excuse me, I have some film to evaluate, free agents to discuss, and a draft to prepare for.

[MOhillbilly]

-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 -

Whits source could be a rubber duck for all we know. **** that 3rd & 4th hand info. bunch of BS.