Chiefs You knew this was coming!!!...Whitlock - Page 3

**BossChief** · 11-22-2009, 04:58 AM

http://www.kansascity.com/sports/col...y/1585560.html

Bowe a victim of the win-at-all-costs pressure
By JASON WHITLOCK
The Kansas City Star

This column is not intended as a rationalization of Dwayne Bowe’s mistake relating to performance-enhancing drugs. Nor is it intended to be a demonization of Chiefs head coach Todd Haley.

My perspective on the world is colored by my football-playing experience and my belief that most of the media tend to see the sports world from the perspective of coaches and executives.

As members of the media, we get more access to coaches and executives than we do the athletes. The typical sports columnist or broadcaster is closer in age to the head coach or general manager/athletics director than the athletes.

The most surprising thing about Bowe’s suspension for using a PED is that he is the only member of the Chiefs to get busted. Bowe claims he used a diuretic to lose weight. Haley spent the offseason demanding that the Chiefs lose weight.

I know many of you don’t care about what may have driven Bowe to skirt the rules. You believe if you were paid millions of dollars to play a game, you’d have little trouble staying in proper condition. You’d do everything the right way as long as you were paid a huge sum of money.

The truth is, you’d struggle with right-and-wrong decisions just as much as today’s athletes. Humans are flawed. We all react differently to pressure. It brings out the best in some of us and the worst in others.

The culture of football begs athletes to cheat. Not to single out Mark Mangino, but listen to the stories we’ve heard this week about the culture inside the Kansas football program. That culture — minus the mean-spirited personal attacks — exists throughout college and professional football.

Injured players are pressured to play. They’re treated poorly by the coaching staff. Players who get away with circumventing rules relating to PEDs and excel on the field are rewarded with accolades and huge contracts.

Dwayne Bowe did exactly what the NFL asked him to do. Football demands that an athlete heal as soon as possible and by any means necessary. Football demands that an athlete get leaner, faster and stronger as soon as possible and by any means necessary. Football doesn’t tolerate excuses.

When someone raises an objection to the unethical culture of football, fans object. They argue that society has become “too soft.” They complain that kids don’t keep score in soccer matches and everyone must play in little league.

Do football fans realize that society has become far more unethical, too? Maybe a softer society is preferable to a more unethical one?

It feels like most Americans will do just about anything for money these days. And we’re disappointed when athletes mirror the rest of society. Dwayne Bowe is a kid compared to the 40- and 50-year-olds who cut corners in corporate America.

I understand personal accountability. And I realize Bowe should’ve never put himself in a situation in which he needed to cut weight quickly.

We want 20-something athletes to be leaders and role models. They’re famous and make a lot of money. You can say the same about the coaches. But we don’t want to hold them to the same high standards as athletes. Coaches and executives create the win-at-all-cost environment.

There are a number of people who view Mark Mangino as a victim. Mangino’s defenders believe his coaching approach prepares young people for a cruel world. It also prepares them to be cruel.

In their desperation to hold onto their money and fame, coaches are becoming more ruthless. The athletes take the majority of the heat. It’s very rare that a situation arises like what we’re witnessing at Kansas. The culture of football rarely gets challenged publicly.

Chiefs fans are so desperate for victories that it’s difficult to discuss the “winning” culture Scott Pioli and Todd Haley are putting in place at Arrowhead Stadium. Bowe’s suspension for PEDs is a reflection of that culture. It is.

Respect is at the foundation of ethics. If there is no respect, there is even less adherence to ethical standards.

Haley’s coaching style is disrespectful. For all the celebration of Bill Belichick and the Patriots Way, I understand why some people believe the Patriots Way was tainted by “spygate.”

In terms of wins and losses this season, I had low expectations for Haley and Pioli in year one. What I expected were a few individual success stories. Bowe is another flop. Tamba Hali’s 3 1/2 sacks, a rookie kicker and Jamaal Charles’ long run against the Raiders are our signs of progress.

The “process” to a winning culture is a lot more confusing than I anticipated.

Marcellus · 11-22-2009, 09:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by |Zach|

He isn't stating things that can be backed up as empirical facts.

I can state as fact that that yesterday Mizzou beat Iowa St. by giving the score.

I can't state as fact that Pioli is arrogant.

I could try and use what I see about Pioli's job performance and my interactions with him, as well as the reactions other people have with Pioli. Which Whitlock has done time and again.

Not to mentioned the lock down outside looking in nature of this franchise.

Whitlock has had very little interaction with Pioli so he has very little to base that opinion on.

Job performance does not equal arrogance one way or another.

You can be good or bad at your job and be arrogant or not be arrogant.

**jAZ** · 11-22-2009, 09:54 AM

Holy shit.

jidar · 11-22-2009, 09:55 AM

Oh I get it, Bowe is the victim here.
Why didn't I see this before?
Thanks Whitlock!

... dumbass

jidar · 11-22-2009, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KcChiefsKing

People have a hate whitlock at all costs mind set too. I really didn't see anything wrong with the article except the part about haley. The other things are true. Plays do want to win at all costs. That's why they play when they shouldn't. That's why mike sellers said that he wouldn't tell the trainers if a teammate had signs of a concussion because he didn't want to be labled a snitch.
Posted via Mobile Device

Oh? You didn't see anything wrong with painting Bowe as the victim for taking banned substances?

Oxford · 11-22-2009, 10:00 AM

Whitlock = A two-star bigotted hack

**MahiMike** · 11-22-2009, 10:03 AM

Jason, I'll need the keys to your keyboard now please.

Marcellus · 11-22-2009, 10:04 AM

He makes a disclaimer in the first sentence then does everything in the article he says he is not intending to do.

Mr. Laz · 11-22-2009, 10:26 AM

Black guy is victim, white guy is entitled jerk /Whitlock

splatbass · 11-22-2009, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by |Zach|

He has talked about his run ins with Pioli. Even described a dinner he had with Pioli and Todd Haley. He bases things off his interactions with people.

Unless he is supposed to try and find some empirical way to prove arrogance. I am not sure what else can be done.

Just because Pioli didn't kiss his ass during the dinner it doesn't mean Pioli has a huge ego. It just means he doesn't think a GM should kiss the ass of reporters.

As far as this article, if the #1 WR comes in to training camp 30 lbs. overweight the head coach should let him have it. Haley is trying to change the lazy culture that Herm brought to the Chiefs. That is always a hard job, and it usually takes being a real hard ass for a while. I remember when Marty took over the Redskins. They had gotten soft and lazy under years of Norv Turner, he came in as a hard ass and the players revolted at first. By the end of the year they had come around and won the last 5 games. Of course the moron Snyder fired him anyway, but that is doesn't change my point. Usually when a team has gotten fat and lazy it takes a hard ass to get their attention.

rambleonthruthefog · 11-22-2009, 11:04 AM

didnt hate it like some. didn't like it like others. Nothin' to read here, move along.

Tactical Funky · 11-22-2009, 11:06 AM

**DeezNutz** · 11-22-2009, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by |Zach|

He isn't stating things that can be backed up as empirical facts.

I can state as fact that that yesterday Mizzou beat Iowa St. by giving the score.

I can't state as fact that Pioli is arrogant.

I could try and use what I see about Pioli's job performance and my interactions with him, as well as the reactions other people have with Pioli. Which Whitlock has done time and again.

Not to mentioned the lock down outside looking in nature of this franchise.

Wasting the key strokes.

Whitlock is a very talented columnist, but most on this site are resigned to dismiss everything that he writes. Not surprising.

Another Mecca thread should be up within the hour.

Hammock Parties · 11-22-2009, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KcChiefsKing

People have a hate whitlock at all costs mind set too.

Uh, not everyone. I'm one of his biggest fans.

He mailed this crap in. I'd rather read another e-mail exchange between Carl Peterson and Al Davis.

milkman · 11-22-2009, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by |Zach|

Little fact based on information?

What could he bring to the table? What fact could be brought to the table that hasn't been reported time and time again.

It is an opinion column. JFC.

The problem is, most of his opinions have as much relevence as an opinion I form that your girlfriend/wife has to be an ugly bitch because you're a dumbass.

To be clear, I'm not saying that is my opinion of you and and your GF/wife, only that is how I see Whitlock's opinions are presented for the most part.

Brock · 11-22-2009, 11:48 AM

Coaches are hired to be fired. The idea that the players are the ones under pressure is ridiculous.

11-22-2009, 04:58 AM
BossChief SuperBowl or bust Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: BF Iowa Casino cash: $1894088	You knew this was coming!!!...Whitlock http://www.kansascity.com/sports/col...y/1585560.html Bowe a victim of the win-at-all-costs pressure By JASON WHITLOCK The Kansas City Star This column is not intended as a rationalization of Dwayne Bowe’s mistake relating to performance-enhancing drugs. Nor is it intended to be a demonization of Chiefs head coach Todd Haley. My perspective on the world is colored by my football-playing experience and my belief that most of the media tend to see the sports world from the perspective of coaches and executives. As members of the media, we get more access to coaches and executives than we do the athletes. The typical sports columnist or broadcaster is closer in age to the head coach or general manager/athletics director than the athletes. The most surprising thing about Bowe’s suspension for using a PED is that he is the only member of the Chiefs to get busted. Bowe claims he used a diuretic to lose weight. Haley spent the offseason demanding that the Chiefs lose weight. I know many of you don’t care about what may have driven Bowe to skirt the rules. You believe if you were paid millions of dollars to play a game, you’d have little trouble staying in proper condition. You’d do everything the right way as long as you were paid a huge sum of money. The truth is, you’d struggle with right-and-wrong decisions just as much as today’s athletes. Humans are flawed. We all react differently to pressure. It brings out the best in some of us and the worst in others. The culture of football begs athletes to cheat. Not to single out Mark Mangino, but listen to the stories we’ve heard this week about the culture inside the Kansas football program. That culture — minus the mean-spirited personal attacks — exists throughout college and professional football. Injured players are pressured to play. They’re treated poorly by the coaching staff. Players who get away with circumventing rules relating to PEDs and excel on the field are rewarded with accolades and huge contracts. Dwayne Bowe did exactly what the NFL asked him to do. Football demands that an athlete heal as soon as possible and by any means necessary. Football demands that an athlete get leaner, faster and stronger as soon as possible and by any means necessary. Football doesn’t tolerate excuses. When someone raises an objection to the unethical culture of football, fans object. They argue that society has become “too soft.” They complain that kids don’t keep score in soccer matches and everyone must play in little league. Do football fans realize that society has become far more unethical, too? Maybe a softer society is preferable to a more unethical one? It feels like most Americans will do just about anything for money these days. And we’re disappointed when athletes mirror the rest of society. Dwayne Bowe is a kid compared to the 40- and 50-year-olds who cut corners in corporate America. I understand personal accountability. And I realize Bowe should’ve never put himself in a situation in which he needed to cut weight quickly. We want 20-something athletes to be leaders and role models. They’re famous and make a lot of money. You can say the same about the coaches. But we don’t want to hold them to the same high standards as athletes. Coaches and executives create the win-at-all-cost environment. There are a number of people who view Mark Mangino as a victim. Mangino’s defenders believe his coaching approach prepares young people for a cruel world. It also prepares them to be cruel. In their desperation to hold onto their money and fame, coaches are becoming more ruthless. The athletes take the majority of the heat. It’s very rare that a situation arises like what we’re witnessing at Kansas. The culture of football rarely gets challenged publicly. Chiefs fans are so desperate for victories that it’s difficult to discuss the “winning” culture Scott Pioli and Todd Haley are putting in place at Arrowhead Stadium. Bowe’s suspension for PEDs is a reflection of that culture. It is. Respect is at the foundation of ethics. If there is no respect, there is even less adherence to ethical standards. Haley’s coaching style is disrespectful. For all the celebration of Bill Belichick and the Patriots Way, I understand why some people believe the Patriots Way was tainted by “spygate.” In terms of wins and losses this season, I had low expectations for Haley and Pioli in year one. What I expected were a few individual success stories. Bowe is another flop. Tamba Hali’s 3 1/2 sacks, a rookie kicker and Jamaal Charles’ long run against the Raiders are our signs of progress. The “process” to a winning culture is a lot more confusing than I anticipated.
Posts: 47,124

11-22-2009, 09:54 AM	#32
jAZ Supporter Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Tucson, AZ Casino cash: $9847493	Holy shit.
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11-22-2009, 09:55 AM	#33
jidar MVP Join Date: May 2005 Location: a Casino cash: $10004900	Oh I get it, Bowe is the victim here. Why didn't I see this before? Thanks Whitlock! ... dumbass
Posts: 5,502

11-22-2009, 10:00 AM	#35
Oxford Regular Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Springfield,MO Casino cash: $9625535	Whitlock = A two-star bigotted hack __________________ I summon the IRON , Cookin up a whoopin for YOU YOU YOU!
Posts: 1,416

11-22-2009, 10:03 AM	#36
MahiMike He's Mahomie! Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Jax, FL Casino cash: $10023443	Jason, I'll need the keys to your keyboard now please. __________________ 99.9%
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11-22-2009, 10:04 AM	#37
Marcellus Diablo Negro Join Date: Sep 2003 Casino cash: $3102662	He makes a disclaimer in the first sentence then does everything in the article he says he is not intending to do.
Posts: 69,208

11-22-2009, 10:26 AM	#38
Mr. Laz Don't Tease Me Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: KS Casino cash: $11047037	Black guy is victim, white guy is entitled jerk /Whitlock __________________
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11-22-2009, 11:04 AM	#40
rambleonthruthefog Veteran Join Date: May 2008 Location: Austin, Texas Casino cash: $5645026	didnt hate it like some. didn't like it like others. Nothin' to read here, move along.
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11-22-2009, 11:06 AM	#41
Tactical Funky Funkmeister Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Jacksonville, FL Casino cash: $10005525	Meh. __________________ This is my signature.
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11-22-2009, 11:48 AM	#45
Brock Say hello to my little friend Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Larryville Casino cash: $9598422	Coaches are hired to be fired. The idea that the players are the ones under pressure is ridiculous.
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