Chiefs Q&A with Scott Pioli &Todd Haley on Trade of Tony Gonzalez Apr 23, 2009

aturnis · 04-23-2009, 04:28 PM

Q&A with Scott Pioli &Todd Haley on Trade of Tony Gonzalez
Apr 23, 2009, 3:58:43 PM

SCOTT PIOLI: “As you all know, we traded Tony Gonzalez to the (Atlanta) Falcons today for a second round pick in the 2010 draft. As I mentioned in our statement, from an organizational standpoint and a personal standpoint there is a lot of mixed emotions here.

“I have tremendous personal and professional respect for Tony. He has had a Hall of Fame career on the football field as well as a Hall of Fame career here in the Kansas City community. The teams I was with played against Tony numerous times and he was always a handful. He is a tremendous player who you have to take a lot of time to prepare for. I am not going to get into specifics of our conversations with the Falcons other than to say we did not seek to trade Tony, however, there was an opportunity that came to us and after a lot of internal discussions in a short time we decided to make the trade.”

Q: How much did Tony want out to play somewhere else?

PIOLI: “I have no idea. Tony and I never had conversations, nor did Todd and I, about that and I want to try to stay away from characterizing Tony’s thoughts or comments. We didn’t get the sense that he wanted that.”

Q: Even though he wasn’t around for the mini-camp over the weekend?

PIOLI: “I’m not sure that was an indication of anything. I’m not certain he’s been here the last few years for a voluntary mini-camp. Again, I don’t know that for sure because I wasn’t here but that’s my understanding.”

Q: So, this was a case where neither you nor anyone else ever went to Tony and said, ‘are you okay with this – the trade?’ You just went ahead and made the trade.

PIOLI: “We did what was in the best interest of the Kansas City Chiefs in the short term and the long term.”

Q: It sounds like you didn’t pursue the trade but when a team offered a second round pick for a 12-year veteran that was what probably pushed you to make the move. Was it almost too good to pass up?

PIOLI: “They came to us on this and after we had internal discussions on what the opportunity was and what the pick was and the overall situation – and I’ve talked a couple of times about the picture of the organization now and in the future – we felt that a second round pick in 2010 was an acceptable value for the trade.”

Q: Did you push to get a pick in this year’s draft or was 2010 the only way it could get done?

PIOLI: “Again, out of respect for everyone involved in the trade I would prefer not to discuss what was involved in my conversations with Thomas. I think what the most important thing is what the end result of the trade is and that’s the second round pick.”

Q: Did Tony find out from you guys that he was getting traded?

PIOLI: “He found out from us once we were at the point of consummating the trade. I called Tony and had a conversation with Tony. Todd and I spoke with Tony.”

Q: You never talked to Tony personally or Todd never talked to Tony personally earlier?

PIOLI: “Todd and I both spoke to Tony here once the trade was going down. Now, the question you asked was had we had conversations with Tony and how he felt about being here. Let’s be sure we have that straight.”

Q: Let me clarify that one more time: at any discussions you ever had with Tony he never said, ‘I want out. I would like to be traded.” That goes for both of you guys.

PIOLI: “Without getting into details, I would say that’s fair. That’s accurate, but that being said I’m not going to get into any of the other details. We talked to Tony about a lot of different things since we’ve been here. We’ve talked to a lot of players about a lot of different things here including Tony.”

twitterQ: Matt Cassel just lost a valuable weapon obviously. What do you say to Chiefs fans who may think that trading Gonzalez means you’re really building towards 2010 and looking at this season as a rebuilding year?

TODD HALEY: “I would say it’s never easy when you lose a popular player, especially one that has had a career like Tony to this point. That’s always difficult. But after a lot of discussions this was the direction we decided to go and was best for the Chiefs now and in the future.”

PIOLI: “We don’t believe in the rebuilding term. This is something we really feel is in the best short term and long term interest of the Kansas City Chiefs and the program we’re moving forward with right now.”

Q: Why is it in the best short term interests?

PIOLI: “The pick that is the 2010 pick right now is, as we sit here, could very well be a pick that’s a second round in 2010 but that pick, as you all know can be used in a lot of different ways and can somehow end up being a pick that’s used in the draft this year. So, in terms of us continuing to bring in players and build a roster with players it may be that pick will be the Falcons pick next year or it may be a different pick this year or several picks.”

Q: How do you replace a guy like Tony who has been such an invaluable offensive weapon? What do you have here that gave you the confidence that in this first year with a new quarterback you could do it without a player like Tony?

HALEY: “It’s tough when you let go of a player that has put up the number he has. I don’t know that I have a direct answer for that right now. We felt that it was best for us right now, all things considered. We’re doing everything we can to give ourselves the best chance to win games in 2009.”

PIOLI: “There are a lot of things that need to be taken into consideration any time you make any player move, whether it’s a trade or a release or a signing. This is one move in a number of other moves that have been made this off-season in terms of acquiring players and acquiring picks. Again, it’s about the totality of the player moves, acquisitions and trades that complete the mosaic of building a football team.”

Q: Do you remember looking at Brad Cottam when he came out in the draft last year and what are your thoughts on him after watching video on him and also looking at him at the recent mini-camp?

HALEY: “I remember Brad coming out in the draft and he was a player that was of interest to us. Today is about Tony Gonzalez and what went on there. I don’t want to get into player specifics at this time.”

Q: But Brad’s your guy right now.

HALEY: “Brad’s been in here and working hard and doing all the things I’ve asked of him. Like all the other guys I’m encouraged about what he’s doing right now.”

Q: You said you talked to Tony and can you characterize how he felt?

PIOLI: “Again, with all due respect, I’m sure Tony is going to speak at some point in time and it was a private conversation. As we’ve said, private conversations that go on between us and players will remain private especially when I’m not going to characterize what Tony’s thoughts and feelings or beliefs were, just like I wouldn’t expect anyone to speak on behalf of what I was thinking or feeling.”

Q: Can you tell me was it necessary for Tony to have a deal with Atlanta before this deal for Tony became final?

PIOLI: “For Tony to have an agreement? I’m not sure what your understanding is. I don’t know that to be true or not. Tony had three years left on his contract and I know the Falcons had not had conversations with Tony or his representatives. I think that’s a question more for the Atlanta Falcons.”

Q: Would it be fair for someone to say that you guys have to get Matt Cassel some additional help this season for him to have some success? Is that fair?

PIOLI: “Here’s the deal: it’s April 23 and we play our first regular season game September 13 and there is a lot of time between now and then for us to continue to shape our roster. Like I’ve said time and time again, we’re going to continue to find ways to bring football players to this team that can help us win football games.”

HALEY: “In addition to developing the ones that are here right now.”

Q: How important is having a good tight end in building a football team?

HALEY: “Coaching comes down to utilizing the players you have in the best way possible. If that means you have the best guy at any position I still think it comes down to getting the most out of him and what he does best. A lot of teams have won in this league doing it a lot of different ways. There have been some teams that have won a lot of games that you would never say had the best tight end in the league, so to speak, and other positions included.”

aturnis · 04-23-2009, 04:31 PM

Teicher applies more pressure to the GM/Coach than I've ever head from the KC media. I must admit though, I never heard anything with Jack Harry.

Teicher is butt-hurt.

Mr. Krab · 04-23-2009, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aturnis

PIOLI: “I have no idea. Tony and I never had conversations, nor did Todd and I, about that and I want to try to stay away from characterizing Tony’s thoughts or comments. We didn’t get the sense that he wanted that.”

WTF, he didn't even talk to him?

Mecca · 04-23-2009, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Krab's

WTF, he didn't even talk to him?

So? He's doing the work as a business and not as "oh this is my personal friend" big deal.

oldandslow · 04-23-2009, 04:36 PM

Q: Why is it in the best short term interests?

PIOLI: “The pick that is the 2010 pick right now is, as we sit here, could very well be a pick that’s a second round in 2010 but that pick, as you all know can be used in a lot of different ways and can somehow end up being a pick that’s used in the draft this year. So, in terms of us continuing to bring in players and build a roster with players it may be that pick will be the Falcons pick next year or it may be a different pick this year or several picks.”

We aren't done.

Mecca · 04-23-2009, 04:38 PM

He's just giving scenarios he's not tipping anything.

Skyy God · 04-23-2009, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldandslow

We aren't done.

Welcome to Tradedownville, population us.

BigRock · 04-23-2009, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Krab's

WTF, he didn't even talk to him?

"Tony and I never had conversations, nor did Todd and I, about that".

He's saying Tony never said "trade me". He's not saying he never talked to Tony.

**DaneMcCloud** · 04-23-2009, 04:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aturnis

HALEY: "We’re doing everything we can to give ourselves the best chance to win games in 2009.”

I'm all for the trade but how can anyone state that trading Gonzalez will help the Chiefs win in 2009, when the compensation doesn't even occur until 2010?

That makes no sense.

LaChapelle · 04-23-2009, 04:44 PM

Pioli is going to make the reporters at least think before asking questions. They can't be liking the responses too well

Huffman83 · 04-23-2009, 04:45 PM

This just tells me this isn't personal...It's football.

Mr. Krab · 04-23-2009, 05:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigRock

"Tony and I never had conversations, nor did Todd and I, about that".

He's saying Tony never said "trade me". He's not saying he never talked to Tony.

Umm, If Tony never said "trade me" then why did they trade him? I call bullshit.

I'm not that upset about trading Tony, i understand the reasoning.

But for someone to tell me that a Gm just upped and traded a veteran player out of the blue with no discussion of "when,where,why etc" then i don't believe it. I mean what if Tony wanted to retire a Chiefs.

Did Pioli take the Media's word for it? Bullshit.

Micjones · 04-23-2009, 05:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LaChapelle

Pioli is going to make the reporters at least think before asking questions. They can't be liking the responses too well

That will honestly lead to better sports journalism.
They'll really have to think instead of having the table set for them.

Redrum_69 · 04-23-2009, 05:46 PM

So maybe the Chiefs will trade this years #3 pick back to Atlanta for Tony Gonzalez and throw in Larry Johnson for a third round pick in 2011.

WhitiE · 04-23-2009, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

I'm all for the trade but how can anyone state that trading Gonzalez will help the Chiefs win in 2009, when the compensation doesn't even occur until 2010?

That makes no sense.

you can use that pick in a trade in this years draft....

04-23-2009, 04:28 PM
aturnis MVP Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Iowa Casino cash: $9975811	Q&A with Scott Pioli &Todd Haley on Trade of Tony Gonzalez Apr 23, 2009 Q&A with Scott Pioli &Todd Haley on Trade of Tony Gonzalez Apr 23, 2009, 3:58:43 PM SCOTT PIOLI: “As you all know, we traded Tony Gonzalez to the (Atlanta) Falcons today for a second round pick in the 2010 draft. As I mentioned in our statement, from an organizational standpoint and a personal standpoint there is a lot of mixed emotions here. “I have tremendous personal and professional respect for Tony. He has had a Hall of Fame career on the football field as well as a Hall of Fame career here in the Kansas City community. The teams I was with played against Tony numerous times and he was always a handful. He is a tremendous player who you have to take a lot of time to prepare for. I am not going to get into specifics of our conversations with the Falcons other than to say we did not seek to trade Tony, however, there was an opportunity that came to us and after a lot of internal discussions in a short time we decided to make the trade.” Q: How much did Tony want out to play somewhere else? PIOLI: “I have no idea. Tony and I never had conversations, nor did Todd and I, about that and I want to try to stay away from characterizing Tony’s thoughts or comments. We didn’t get the sense that he wanted that.” Q: Even though he wasn’t around for the mini-camp over the weekend? PIOLI: “I’m not sure that was an indication of anything. I’m not certain he’s been here the last few years for a voluntary mini-camp. Again, I don’t know that for sure because I wasn’t here but that’s my understanding.” Q: So, this was a case where neither you nor anyone else ever went to Tony and said, ‘are you okay with this – the trade?’ You just went ahead and made the trade. PIOLI: “We did what was in the best interest of the Kansas City Chiefs in the short term and the long term.” Q: It sounds like you didn’t pursue the trade but when a team offered a second round pick for a 12-year veteran that was what probably pushed you to make the move. Was it almost too good to pass up? PIOLI: “They came to us on this and after we had internal discussions on what the opportunity was and what the pick was and the overall situation – and I’ve talked a couple of times about the picture of the organization now and in the future – we felt that a second round pick in 2010 was an acceptable value for the trade.” Q: Did you push to get a pick in this year’s draft or was 2010 the only way it could get done? PIOLI: “Again, out of respect for everyone involved in the trade I would prefer not to discuss what was involved in my conversations with Thomas. I think what the most important thing is what the end result of the trade is and that’s the second round pick.” Q: Did Tony find out from you guys that he was getting traded? PIOLI: “He found out from us once we were at the point of consummating the trade. I called Tony and had a conversation with Tony. Todd and I spoke with Tony.” Q: You never talked to Tony personally or Todd never talked to Tony personally earlier? PIOLI: “Todd and I both spoke to Tony here once the trade was going down. Now, the question you asked was had we had conversations with Tony and how he felt about being here. Let’s be sure we have that straight.” Q: Let me clarify that one more time: at any discussions you ever had with Tony he never said, ‘I want out. I would like to be traded.” That goes for both of you guys. PIOLI: “Without getting into details, I would say that’s fair. That’s accurate, but that being said I’m not going to get into any of the other details. We talked to Tony about a lot of different things since we’ve been here. We’ve talked to a lot of players about a lot of different things here including Tony.” twitterQ: Matt Cassel just lost a valuable weapon obviously. What do you say to Chiefs fans who may think that trading Gonzalez means you’re really building towards 2010 and looking at this season as a rebuilding year? TODD HALEY: “I would say it’s never easy when you lose a popular player, especially one that has had a career like Tony to this point. That’s always difficult. But after a lot of discussions this was the direction we decided to go and was best for the Chiefs now and in the future.” PIOLI: “We don’t believe in the rebuilding term. This is something we really feel is in the best short term and long term interest of the Kansas City Chiefs and the program we’re moving forward with right now.” Q: Why is it in the best short term interests? PIOLI: “The pick that is the 2010 pick right now is, as we sit here, could very well be a pick that’s a second round in 2010 but that pick, as you all know can be used in a lot of different ways and can somehow end up being a pick that’s used in the draft this year. So, in terms of us continuing to bring in players and build a roster with players it may be that pick will be the Falcons pick next year or it may be a different pick this year or several picks.” Q: How do you replace a guy like Tony who has been such an invaluable offensive weapon? What do you have here that gave you the confidence that in this first year with a new quarterback you could do it without a player like Tony? HALEY: “It’s tough when you let go of a player that has put up the number he has. I don’t know that I have a direct answer for that right now. We felt that it was best for us right now, all things considered. We’re doing everything we can to give ourselves the best chance to win games in 2009.” PIOLI: “There are a lot of things that need to be taken into consideration any time you make any player move, whether it’s a trade or a release or a signing. This is one move in a number of other moves that have been made this off-season in terms of acquiring players and acquiring picks. Again, it’s about the totality of the player moves, acquisitions and trades that complete the mosaic of building a football team.” Q: Do you remember looking at Brad Cottam when he came out in the draft last year and what are your thoughts on him after watching video on him and also looking at him at the recent mini-camp? HALEY: “I remember Brad coming out in the draft and he was a player that was of interest to us. Today is about Tony Gonzalez and what went on there. I don’t want to get into player specifics at this time.” Q: But Brad’s your guy right now. HALEY: “Brad’s been in here and working hard and doing all the things I’ve asked of him. Like all the other guys I’m encouraged about what he’s doing right now.” Q: You said you talked to Tony and can you characterize how he felt? PIOLI: “Again, with all due respect, I’m sure Tony is going to speak at some point in time and it was a private conversation. As we’ve said, private conversations that go on between us and players will remain private especially when I’m not going to characterize what Tony’s thoughts and feelings or beliefs were, just like I wouldn’t expect anyone to speak on behalf of what I was thinking or feeling.” Q: Can you tell me was it necessary for Tony to have a deal with Atlanta before this deal for Tony became final? PIOLI: “For Tony to have an agreement? I’m not sure what your understanding is. I don’t know that to be true or not. Tony had three years left on his contract and I know the Falcons had not had conversations with Tony or his representatives. I think that’s a question more for the Atlanta Falcons.” Q: Would it be fair for someone to say that you guys have to get Matt Cassel some additional help this season for him to have some success? Is that fair? PIOLI: “Here’s the deal: it’s April 23 and we play our first regular season game September 13 and there is a lot of time between now and then for us to continue to shape our roster. Like I’ve said time and time again, we’re going to continue to find ways to bring football players to this team that can help us win football games.” HALEY: “In addition to developing the ones that are here right now.” Q: How important is having a good tight end in building a football team? HALEY: “Coaching comes down to utilizing the players you have in the best way possible. If that means you have the best guy at any position I still think it comes down to getting the most out of him and what he does best. A lot of teams have won in this league doing it a lot of different ways. There have been some teams that have won a lot of games that you would never say had the best tight end in the league, so to speak, and other positions included.”
Posts: 13,873

04-23-2009, 04:31 PM	#2
aturnis MVP Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Iowa Casino cash: $9975811	Teicher applies more pressure to the GM/Coach than I've ever head from the KC media. I must admit though, I never heard anything with Jack Harry. Teicher is butt-hurt.
Posts: 13,873

04-23-2009, 04:36 PM	#5
oldandslow Veteran Join Date: Apr 2004 Casino cash: $3723149	Q: Why is it in the best short term interests? PIOLI: “The pick that is the 2010 pick right now is, as we sit here, could very well be a pick that’s a second round in 2010 but that pick, as you all know can be used in a lot of different ways and can somehow end up being a pick that’s used in the draft this year. So, in terms of us continuing to bring in players and build a roster with players it may be that pick will be the Falcons pick next year or it may be a different pick this year or several picks.” We aren't done.
Posts: 4,621

04-23-2009, 04:38 PM	#6
Mecca Hockey Town Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Kansas City, Missouri Casino cash: $-782950	He's just giving scenarios he's not tipping anything.
Posts: 115,406

04-23-2009, 04:44 PM	#10
LaChapelle Banned Join Date: Mar 2009 Casino cash: $10004900	Pioli is going to make the reporters at least think before asking questions. They can't be liking the responses too well
Posts: 8,588

04-23-2009, 04:45 PM	#11
Huffman83 Veteran Join Date: Mar 2007 Casino cash: $10008077	This just tells me this isn't personal...It's football.
Posts: 2,240

04-23-2009, 05:46 PM	#14
Redrum_69 Banned Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: your nightmares Casino cash: $10004900	So maybe the Chiefs will trade this years #3 pick back to Atlanta for Tony Gonzalez and throw in Larry Johnson for a third round pick in 2011.
Posts: 6,358