Chiefs spokesman: "Priest NOT retiring" - Page 2

Kerberos · 11-09-2005, 12:58 PM

http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/13123314.htm

Chiefs spokesman: Holmes is not retiring

By ELIZABETH MERRILL The Kansas City Star

As speculation continued to swirl about Priest Holmes’ future, the Chiefs said Wednesday that their career rushing leader has no plans to leave football because of a mystery injury that has taken him to three doctors.

“I would say this — Priest Holmes is not retiring,” Bob Moore, a team spokesman, said Wednesday morning. “That I do know.”

Moore said there was no news conference planned on Holmes’ status. The Star reported Sunday that Holmes, a three-time Pro Bowl running back, was seeing a spine specialist and could be sidelined for an extended period of time. On Tuesday, Holmes was in Miami to see another doctor, prompting speculation in Kansas City that the 32-year-old may end his football career.

Holmes has suffered two neurological injuries this season — he was involved in a helmet-to-helmet collision Oct. 30 at San Diego and suffered a shoulder injury in September at Oakland.

Coach Dick Vermeil waited until the late hours Tuesday night to hear word on Holmes’ status. Moore declined to comment early Wednesday on whether the Chiefs had spoken to Holmes.

The Chiefs were scheduled to practice Wednesday afternoon.

Chiefs Pantalones · 11-09-2005, 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HemiEd

Because we need a second running back if we are going to make legitimate run IMO. As I have stated in other threads, I agee it is time to turn over the main load to LJ, but we need a RB to spell him. We could not ask for anyone better than Holmes to do that if he is able IMO.

DV wouldn't do it, his ego wouldn't allow it. Unless Priest says, "I want LJ to start, and I spell him," there won't be no change. Priest will start when he comes back, or if he comes back.

If he's out for the year, it will be interesting to see what they do about RB.

tk13 · 11-09-2005, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Laz

nah ... that statement leaves a gaping hole to sneak out of

Moore didn't say anything about Priest's health ... he said he would retire.

well you know what ... with his new contract the chiefs will prolly ask Holmes to not officially retire for the maximum amount of time allowed by the league to spare them the salary cap hit.

we still don't know anything about Holme's health

I was referring to the story that Priest was going to retire today or tomorrow...

Seek · 11-09-2005, 01:40 PM

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/5068124

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) - A spokesman for the Kansas City Chiefs denied a report Wednesday that running back Priest Holmes may retire because of a spinal injury.

"We won't have anything until later today," said Bob Moore, the director of public relations. "I don't think it's career-ending."
Holmes, 32, a three-time Pro Bowler whose 66 touchdowns between 2002-2004 are an NFL record for any three-year span, was injured on a helmet-to-helmet hit against San Diego on Oct. 30.

He missed last week's game against Oakland and in the past two weeks has seen spinal-injury specialists in California and Florida. Speculation has been rampant that he would be out for an extended period, although the Chiefs have said they were hopeful he would soon return to the lineup.

KSHB reported Wednesday that doctors had found a lump on Holmes' spine and were concerned about possible paralysis should he take a direct hit. Citing a highly-placed source it didn't identify, the station said Holmes could announce his retirement as soon as Thursday.

Holmes' agent, Todd France, was traveling Wednesday and not immediately available. An employee of France's agency, who asked not to be named, disputed the report and said suggestions that Holmes was about to retire were inaccurate.

But no one was discounting the possibility Wednesday that the Chiefs' career rushing leader could be out an extended period, perhaps the rest of the year.

Injuries have caused Holmes to cut short two of his last three seasons. But he has shown flashes of his old self while rushing for 451 yards and six touchdowns on 119 carries. He also has 21 catches for 197 yards, including a 60-yard catch-and-run for a touchdown in a victory over Washington on Oct. 16.

If he is out for a long period, the Chiefs would turn to Holmes' backup, Larry Johnson, who has averaged 5.2 yards per carry, with 506 yards on 97 attempts. Johnson had two touchdowns in the 27-23 victory Sunday over Oakland, including a 1-yard vault on the final play of the game. He has frequently complained that he was not being given enough carries.

"I don't have any information," coach Dick Vermeil said Tuesday. "In fact, sometimes I get upset because I don't have more information. But the information and communication system is in the right hands."

When the three-time Pro Bowl running back is cleared to play again, it will be as the Chiefs' starter — even though Johnson has both of Kansas City's 100-yard rushing games this year.

For all that, though, Vermeil wants Holmes back as soon as possible — especially with the Chiefs (5-3) suiting up three backs against the Raiders. Two —Tony Richardson and Ronnie Cruz — are fullbacks.

Although the Chiefs could go with Johnson as their halfback again Sunday against Buffalo, Vermeil said, "I'm hoping that doesn't happen. We know how talented he is, but we know we need two good running backs."

Vermeil, who had been using Holmes in two of every three offensive rotations, left no doubt as to his preference for the veteran.

"If you want to base it on merit, you have to look at everything Priest Holmes has done," Vermeil said. "His numbers have been the best in the NFL."

chiefs4me · 11-09-2005, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vanilla Thunder

Why?

Happy to see him set LJ back even more? Priest goes about half a season every year, and gets hurt. He's not the same RB. He should spell LJ if we keep him. Priest would've been caught at about the 25 yardline last week. TJ can live happily...because Priest has finally lost his burst. I love what he did for the Chiefs, but he can't do anything now.

.........yea, actually I am...lost his burst, what games have you been watching......

**Dartgod** · 11-09-2005, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vanilla Thunder

Why?

Happy to see him set LJ back even more? Priest goes about half a season every year, and gets hurt. He's not the same RB. He should spell LJ if we keep him. Priest would've been caught at about the 25 yardline last week. TJ can live happily...because Priest has finally lost his burst. I love what he did for the Chiefs, but he can't do anything now.

You can't be serious.

Chiefs Pantalones · 11-09-2005, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dartgod

You can't be serious.

He spends more time on IR than David Boston. That's sad.

**BigRedChief** · 11-09-2005, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HemiEd

Dude, He only said he's not retiring, not that he's not through playing football. There could be settlement issues being worked on. Maybe Priest wants to see if it gets better in the off season, try a comeback. Who knows? But Moore is the publicity spinner for King Carl. He lacks credibility but he didn't deny anything but that priest isn't retiring. Well he's got a frigging loop hole to drive that lie through.

Chiefs Pantalones · 11-09-2005, 01:45 PM

I'm not saying kill the guy and wash away his records and achievements with the KC. I'm just saying it's time that he's the backup, if he comes back this year, which is doubtful.

ferrarispider95 · 11-09-2005, 01:46 PM

My a$$ Priest lost his burst. He has a more methodical way of running than LJ, he just doesnt pound it up the middle. Thats why it was great to have both, a change of pace.

Believe me, switching the backs on the defense helped LJ. Dont get me wrong, LJ is a great back, but it is joke to say Priest has lost his burst.

**HemiEd** · 11-09-2005, 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vanilla Thunder

DV wouldn't do it, his ego wouldn't allow it. Unless Priest says, "I want LJ to start, and I spell him," there won't be no change. Priest will start when he comes back, or if he comes back.

If he's out for the year, it will be interesting to see what they do about RB.

You make good points, but I would suggest that things have been headed that way lately. 1) Recently Priest told LJ to stay in. 2) The Health situation may dictate to Dick not to give Priest the primary load. I think DV does what he does for good reason, but should back off from it once in a while when it makes sense.

Chiefs Pantalones · 11-09-2005, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ferrarispider95

My a$$ Priest lost his burst. He has a more methodical way of running than LJ, he just doesnt pound it up the middle. Thats why it was great to have both, a change of pace.

Believe me, switching the backs on the defense helped LJ. Dont get me wrong, LJ is a great back, but it is joke to say Priest has lost his burst.

I would love to have them both, too, but he gets injured all the time. Older=more injuries, usually. He's not the same RB as he was in 03. 03 was his peak year, and he has fallen.

**Dartgod** · 11-09-2005, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vanilla Thunder

He spends more time on IR than David Boston. That's sad.

Oh, so now he's on IR? Talk about exaggerating the situation. I'm not saying that Priest should be the starter, but you go from "lost his burst" to having him on IR. Did you even watch the Redskins game?

Hammock Parties · 11-09-2005, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vanilla Thunder

I would love to have them both, too, but he gets injured all the time. Older=more injuries, usually. He's not the same RB as he was in 03. 03 was his peak year, and he has fallen.

02 was his peak year, IMO.

He wasn't the same after that hip injury.

**HemiEd** · 11-09-2005, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigRedChief

Dude, He only said he's not retiring, not that he's not through playing football. There could be settlement issues being worked on. Maybe Priest wants to see if it gets better in the off season, try a comeback. Who knows? But Moore is the publicity spinner for King Carl. He lacks credibility but he didn't deny anything but that priest isn't retiring. Well he's got a frigging loop hole to drive that lie through.

Yep, I probably jumped the gun but am glad to have some good news on this. You are right, the other shoe may drop yet but I hope not.

Chiefs Pantalones · 11-09-2005, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dartgod

Oh, so now he's in IR? Talk about exaggerating the situation. I'm not saying that Priest should be the starter, but you go from "lost his burst" to having him on IR. Did you even watch the Redskins game?

I watched the Redskins game. I just think his time is done as starter. He'll break some now and then, but he's usually fighting the injury bug now. Dude is small, we can't forget that. He's built like a brick, but he's still a small guy and at 32 I doubt his body is recovering faster than 25-26.

I hope he doesn't go on IR. I hope he comes back this season, but I doubt it.

11-09-2005, 12:58 PM
Kerberos Chiefs Baby Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Henderson, NV Casino cash: $10000632	Chiefs spokesman: "Priest NOT retiring" http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/13123314.htm Chiefs spokesman: Holmes is not retiring By ELIZABETH MERRILL The Kansas City Star As speculation continued to swirl about Priest Holmes’ future, the Chiefs said Wednesday that their career rushing leader has no plans to leave football because of a mystery injury that has taken him to three doctors. “I would say this — Priest Holmes is not retiring,” Bob Moore, a team spokesman, said Wednesday morning. “That I do know.” Moore said there was no news conference planned on Holmes’ status. The Star reported Sunday that Holmes, a three-time Pro Bowl running back, was seeing a spine specialist and could be sidelined for an extended period of time. On Tuesday, Holmes was in Miami to see another doctor, prompting speculation in Kansas City that the 32-year-old may end his football career. Holmes has suffered two neurological injuries this season — he was involved in a helmet-to-helmet collision Oct. 30 at San Diego and suffered a shoulder injury in September at Oakland. Coach Dick Vermeil waited until the late hours Tuesday night to hear word on Holmes’ status. Moore declined to comment early Wednesday on whether the Chiefs had spoken to Holmes. The Chiefs were scheduled to practice Wednesday afternoon.
Posts: 5,638

11-09-2005, 01:40 PM	#18
Seek Pikabitch Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Work! Casino cash: $10004900	http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/5068124 KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) - A spokesman for the Kansas City Chiefs denied a report Wednesday that running back Priest Holmes may retire because of a spinal injury. "We won't have anything until later today," said Bob Moore, the director of public relations. "I don't think it's career-ending." Holmes, 32, a three-time Pro Bowler whose 66 touchdowns between 2002-2004 are an NFL record for any three-year span, was injured on a helmet-to-helmet hit against San Diego on Oct. 30. He missed last week's game against Oakland and in the past two weeks has seen spinal-injury specialists in California and Florida. Speculation has been rampant that he would be out for an extended period, although the Chiefs have said they were hopeful he would soon return to the lineup. KSHB reported Wednesday that doctors had found a lump on Holmes' spine and were concerned about possible paralysis should he take a direct hit. Citing a highly-placed source it didn't identify, the station said Holmes could announce his retirement as soon as Thursday. Holmes' agent, Todd France, was traveling Wednesday and not immediately available. An employee of France's agency, who asked not to be named, disputed the report and said suggestions that Holmes was about to retire were inaccurate. But no one was discounting the possibility Wednesday that the Chiefs' career rushing leader could be out an extended period, perhaps the rest of the year. Injuries have caused Holmes to cut short two of his last three seasons. But he has shown flashes of his old self while rushing for 451 yards and six touchdowns on 119 carries. He also has 21 catches for 197 yards, including a 60-yard catch-and-run for a touchdown in a victory over Washington on Oct. 16. If he is out for a long period, the Chiefs would turn to Holmes' backup, Larry Johnson, who has averaged 5.2 yards per carry, with 506 yards on 97 attempts. Johnson had two touchdowns in the 27-23 victory Sunday over Oakland, including a 1-yard vault on the final play of the game. He has frequently complained that he was not being given enough carries. "I don't have any information," coach Dick Vermeil said Tuesday. "In fact, sometimes I get upset because I don't have more information. But the information and communication system is in the right hands." When the three-time Pro Bowl running back is cleared to play again, it will be as the Chiefs' starter — even though Johnson has both of Kansas City's 100-yard rushing games this year. For all that, though, Vermeil wants Holmes back as soon as possible — especially with the Chiefs (5-3) suiting up three backs against the Raiders. Two —Tony Richardson and Ronnie Cruz — are fullbacks. Although the Chiefs could go with Johnson as their halfback again Sunday against Buffalo, Vermeil said, "I'm hoping that doesn't happen. We know how talented he is, but we know we need two good running backs." Vermeil, who had been using Holmes in two of every three offensive rotations, left no doubt as to his preference for the veteran. "If you want to base it on merit, you have to look at everything Priest Holmes has done," Vermeil said. "His numbers have been the best in the NFL." __________________ Good Morning! Good Morning to this
Posts: 560

11-09-2005, 01:45 PM	#23
Chiefs Pantalones GO CHIEFS!!!!!! Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Kansas City Casino cash: $6868717	I'm not saying kill the guy and wash away his records and achievements with the KC. I'm just saying it's time that he's the backup, if he comes back this year, which is doubtful. __________________ Don't be fooled by my username, I'm white.
Posts: 26,653

11-09-2005, 01:46 PM	#24
ferrarispider95 She reads at a sophomore level Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: KANSAS Casino cash: $10004945	My a$$ Priest lost his burst. He has a more methodical way of running than LJ, he just doesnt pound it up the middle. Thats why it was great to have both, a change of pace. Believe me, switching the backs on the defense helped LJ. Dont get me wrong, LJ is a great back, but it is joke to say Priest has lost his burst.
Posts: 1,493