Q&A with Carl Peterson

**dirk digler** · 11-07-2006, 06:54 PM

Q&A with CARL PETERSON - 11/7
Nov 07, 2006, 4:15:37 PM

GM Carl Peterson on Priest Holmes: Real | Windows | Audio

Priest Holmes’ Status
CARL PETERSON: “I’m not trying to be critical, but it was erroneously reported in the Kansas City Star this morning that, quote, ‘Priest Holmes was on physically unable to perform (and) will, by NFL rule, have his season officially end if he’s not on the practice field this week.’

“Totally inaccurate.

“I don’t know where they got that information but the NFL rule (states) today is the last day to start the three-week window for players who are on (the) physically unable to perform (list). In three weeks from today, on November 28, we will have to make a decision what we want to do with both of our physically unable to perform players: William Bartee and Priest Holmes.

“I mentioned at the beginning of the season that we were going to keep this window open as long as possible to the twelfth week. That’s why we’re doing this. I have had conversations with Priest and his agent specific to this and we’re all on the same page. I did confirm that last Friday Priest did have more medical examinations and we’re waiting on the results of those. We haven’t received those yet. Those doctors will speak to our doctors and we’ll see where we are.

“But the National Football League rule is you do not have to be here or on the practice field if you are on physically unable to perform and we have the right and the decision to make whether he remains on PUP or whether he goes on injured reserve or whether he’s activated. That’s what we’re going to do.

“I would like to think you would understand the reason for this. Just as Herm, everything we do, that I do, is for this team. Why would we close our options at this point specific to Priest Holmes or William Bartee who’s coming off an Achilles injury and surgery? Why we would do that? I don’t know any reason why any team would want to do that. If we can keep this window open through 12 weeks we’re benefiting. We don’t know what’s going to happen in the future. We do know this: injuries do happen in this league. We saw it on Sunday.

“So, we’re keeping our options open. Priest knows it. He’s working out; he’s had his latest medical exam and we might give him another one in a week or two. That’s where we are.”

Q: If you get the results back earlier your decision could be made before the 28th couldn’t it, depending on those results?

PETERSON: “Sure, we could do it earlier or we could take it right up to the 28th to make a decision. It’s always been my particular opinion that you keep your options open on players, their acquisitions, their ability to be activated, injured reserve, until the last possible moment. You’re foolish if you don’t do that because things change so quickly in this business.”

Q: Did he not have a previous checkup and what’s been the result? Obviously if it leads to another one it must be good.

PETERSON: “He’s had three or four medical examinations over the last nine to 12 months. I’m not going to discuss that aspect because it’s a patient-doctor privilege and we have federal laws that can create problems if you do. More generally, he’s making progress. That’s what I said before, but I don’t know the results of this latest one and when we do our head orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Jon Browne, gets that information from the specialists who have looked at him. But I have had this discussion with Priest and his agent.”

Q: Do you think his decision to play or not play is medical or that he is contemplating retirement?

PETERSON: “Oh, I think it’s medical. As I told you before, he indicated to me a couple of weeks ago that, yes, he still wants to play but there is obviously a lot that goes into that decision and ultimately it will be Priest Holmes’ decision.”

Q: Are you disappointed he’s not here?

PETERSON: “No, and for the exact reason of what’s happening right here. He doesn’t want to take anything from this football team. He knows if he’s here he’s creating a problem in regards to media attention. Priest, as I’ve said, is the ghost. He’s difficult to tackle on the football field and difficult to tackle off the football field. He does not want to be here and it’s a decision that we discussed and are in complete agreement with.”

Q: So he’s being examined by Chiefs physicians and his physicians and the two groups could have different opinions.

PETERSON: “The physicians are ones we’re all in accord with. They’re specialists around this country. There’s more than just one.”

Q: Is he still getting regular game checks and all?

PETERSON: “It’s a requirement of the National Football League. He and William get regular game checks every Tuesday. He’s got more years left on his contract.”

11-07-2006, 06:54 PM	Topic Starter
dirk digler Please squeeze Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Clinton, MO Casino cash: $3154644	Q&A with Carl Peterson Q&A with CARL PETERSON - 11/7 Nov 07, 2006, 4:15:37 PM GM Carl Peterson on Priest Holmes: Real \| Windows \| Audio Priest Holmes’ Status CARL PETERSON: “I’m not trying to be critical, but it was erroneously reported in the Kansas City Star this morning that, quote, ‘Priest Holmes was on physically unable to perform (and) will, by NFL rule, have his season officially end if he’s not on the practice field this week.’ “Totally inaccurate. “I don’t know where they got that information but the NFL rule (states) today is the last day to start the three-week window for players who are on (the) physically unable to perform (list). In three weeks from today, on November 28, we will have to make a decision what we want to do with both of our physically unable to perform players: William Bartee and Priest Holmes. “I mentioned at the beginning of the season that we were going to keep this window open as long as possible to the twelfth week. That’s why we’re doing this. I have had conversations with Priest and his agent specific to this and we’re all on the same page. I did confirm that last Friday Priest did have more medical examinations and we’re waiting on the results of those. We haven’t received those yet. Those doctors will speak to our doctors and we’ll see where we are. “But the National Football League rule is you do not have to be here or on the practice field if you are on physically unable to perform and we have the right and the decision to make whether he remains on PUP or whether he goes on injured reserve or whether he’s activated. That’s what we’re going to do. “I would like to think you would understand the reason for this. Just as Herm, everything we do, that I do, is for this team. Why would we close our options at this point specific to Priest Holmes or William Bartee who’s coming off an Achilles injury and surgery? Why we would do that? I don’t know any reason why any team would want to do that. If we can keep this window open through 12 weeks we’re benefiting. We don’t know what’s going to happen in the future. We do know this: injuries do happen in this league. We saw it on Sunday. “So, we’re keeping our options open. Priest knows it. He’s working out; he’s had his latest medical exam and we might give him another one in a week or two. That’s where we are.” Q: If you get the results back earlier your decision could be made before the 28th couldn’t it, depending on those results? PETERSON: “Sure, we could do it earlier or we could take it right up to the 28th to make a decision. It’s always been my particular opinion that you keep your options open on players, their acquisitions, their ability to be activated, injured reserve, until the last possible moment. You’re foolish if you don’t do that because things change so quickly in this business.” Q: Did he not have a previous checkup and what’s been the result? Obviously if it leads to another one it must be good. PETERSON: “He’s had three or four medical examinations over the last nine to 12 months. I’m not going to discuss that aspect because it’s a patient-doctor privilege and we have federal laws that can create problems if you do. More generally, he’s making progress. That’s what I said before, but I don’t know the results of this latest one and when we do our head orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Jon Browne, gets that information from the specialists who have looked at him. But I have had this discussion with Priest and his agent.” Q: Do you think his decision to play or not play is medical or that he is contemplating retirement? PETERSON: “Oh, I think it’s medical. As I told you before, he indicated to me a couple of weeks ago that, yes, he still wants to play but there is obviously a lot that goes into that decision and ultimately it will be Priest Holmes’ decision.” Q: Are you disappointed he’s not here? PETERSON: “No, and for the exact reason of what’s happening right here. He doesn’t want to take anything from this football team. He knows if he’s here he’s creating a problem in regards to media attention. Priest, as I’ve said, is the ghost. He’s difficult to tackle on the football field and difficult to tackle off the football field. He does not want to be here and it’s a decision that we discussed and are in complete agreement with.” Q: So he’s being examined by Chiefs physicians and his physicians and the two groups could have different opinions. PETERSON: “The physicians are ones we’re all in accord with. They’re specialists around this country. There’s more than just one.” Q: Is he still getting regular game checks and all? PETERSON: “It’s a requirement of the National Football League. He and William get regular game checks every Tuesday. He’s got more years left on his contract.”
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