 Off
the Couch
by
Greg Hall
Landmark columnist |
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For more of Greg Hall, surf to www.kcconfidential.com
Haley drops F-bombs just to be dropping F-bombs
Posted
11-17-09
“It looks like (Chiefs assistant head coach) Maurice Carthon and Todd Haley had some words on the sideline.”
Gus Johnson, play-by-play voice, CBS
GH: It wasn’t much of a dialogue that took place between Haley and his assistant. It was more of a one-way conversation that has been all too common on the Chiefs sideline this season. Read on.
“Fuck you!”
Todd Haley, to his assistant head coach, Maurice Carthon, CBS
GH: Another assistant coach positioned himself in front of Haley after his outburst and walked him in the opposite direction from Carthon, who was not seen saying anything but was clearly the target of Haley’s f-you. I’m no purist and cursing on the athletic field has never bothered me. But cursing at your assistant head coach, in front of your players and staff, shows poor leadership on Haley’s part. Haley’s game-day conduct continues to make him look like an immature coach who is in over his head.
“What the fuck are you doing? Fuck! Fuck!”
Todd Haley, to Matt Cassel, after Cassel called a fourth-quarter time out, CBS
GH: Haley drops f-bombs sometimes just to drop f-bombs. He looked like he wanted to bite Cassel’s facemask as he snarled on the sideline. The two guys in the CBS booth were adamant in projecting Haley as anything but the crazed, out-of-control coach the cameras were telling viewers he appears to be. Read on.
“I can tell you, those two guys like each other a lot.”
Steve Tasker, after Haley’s f-bomb barrage toward Carton, CBS
GH: Why Tasker felt the need to make this comment confused and annoyed me. As the network analyst he should tell us why Haley is f-bombing his assistant coach, not that they double date.
“(Haley) has a very refreshing, easy-going, direct approach.”
Gus Johnson, play-by-play voice, CBS
GH: Say what? Refreshing? The guy looks like he showers monthly. Easy going? Compared to what, Hurricane Katrina? Direct he is – unless you ask about a player he doesn’t want to discuss. I want to root for Haley but he’s losing me. I am not a fan of bullies.
“I like (Haley’s) philosophy.”
Steve Tasker, CBS
GH: Unfortunately, Tasker did not explain Haley’s philosophy to the viewers. I am left to guess that it has something to do with playing Oakland 16 times a season.
“Purely from a football standpoint, maybe one of the worst football games I’ve ever seen. But if you’re going to play in one of those games you may as well win it.”
Roger Twibell, 610 AM
GH: Maybe?
“It was ugly! I don’t know if being locked in the Tower of London could be any worse than watching that football game today. But then, it was a victory and that’s all that matters today.”
Richard Baldinger, Metro Sports
GH: Haley got his all-important second win. One more and he can exhale on his infamous 22-guys-off-the-street comment. At last count, I think he and Pioli have signed about 14 guys off the street.
“I feel like we made progress.”
Todd Haley, in his postgame press conference, Metro Sports
“They’re not getting better. They weren’t any better today.”
Danny Clinkscale, 810 AM
“If the Chiefs beat the Raiders, Todd Haley can look those guys in the eye and say, ‘We’re getting better.’ ”
Nick Wright, prior to the Chiefs/Raiders game, 610 AM
“Don’t tell me we have to have patience! We don’t have to have patience anymore! This team hasn’t won a playoff game in 16 years! You’ve got to get better. That’s all there is to it! We’ve let these people off the hook! We’ve given them a free pass for far too long! The media’s not been tough enough on these people!””
Jack Harry, 810 AM
“There’s been too many (dropped passes) to show you.”
Steve Tasker, on the number of dropped passes by both teams, CBS
GH: After watching the Patriots/Colts game Sunday night, you have to wonder if the Chiefs and Raiders should even be considered in the same league as these teams.
“The tools this man has…he just doesn’t have the coaching or the will to be coached. It’s just a travesty.”
Danan Hughes, on JaMarcus Russell, Metro Sports
GH: The travesty is that Russell got this millions before he played a snap in the NFL. Do you remember that this guy held out after he was drafted the number-one pick by the Raiders? The other big-name QB who held out in 2007? The Browns’ Brady Quinn.
“We spoke to the Raiders on Friday and they really seem refurbished, refreshed, and upbeat and ready for this game.”
Steve Tasker, CBS
GH: I get the feeling these network TV guys have all been instructed to discuss nothing but sugar plums and fairy tales when talking about the NFL teams. The Raiders have been the most dysfunctional franchise in professional sports for at least the past five seasons. Tasker is a much better storyteller than I could pretend to be.
“They were the same then as they are now. They were nasty!”
Len Dawson, when asked what the fans in Oakland were like in his day, 810 AM
GH: It looked like a lot of the Raiders Nation took Sunday off from the number of empty seats in Oakland. I find it refreshing, refurbishing and upbeat that NFL fans are beginning to resist paying for overpriced tickets to watch underachieving football franchises.
“I called Dick Vermeil this week and asked him, ‘Would you sign (Larry Johnson) if you were still coaching in the league?’ And he said, ‘Absolutely.’ ”
Charlie Casserly, NFL insider, CBS
GH: Sure, Dick. You didn’t want LJ when you coached him! Doesn’t anybody tell the truth anymore?
“I don’t think Larry Johnson is a premier back in this league anymore. But I do think he can still run effectively inside, especially if he’s with a team with a running back rotation. Now I know he’s had a lot of problems off the field. But if I was a team that had a shot at the playoffs, I’d sign this guy – and here’s why. There’s no downside! You’re only paying the guy $36,000 a week. If he does something wrong, cut him. You haven’t lost much.”
Charlie Casserly, NFL insider, CBS
GH: The latest rumors have LJ heading to Cincinnati where Cedric Benson might be out with an injury. Tim Grunhard will not be happy if LJ lands with a winner and is blinging a Super Bowl ring on the Plaza in 2010.
“This was a decision made under pressure by a head coach that was absolutely catastrophic to his team’s ability to win this football game.”
Trent Dilfer, NFL analyst, on Bill Belichick’s decision to go for a fourth-and-two and not punt from his own 27 yard line late in New England’s loss to the Colts, ESPN
GH: A great football game and a classic finish that no one who watched will forget. I wasn’t as appalled as most by Belichick deciding to put the fate of the game in his offense rather than give the ball back to Peyton Manning. When do Chiefs fans get to be upset over losing a 35-34 heart-stopper on Sunday Night Football?
“I’m sorry, Cincinnati you ain’t gonna beat Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh. Am I gonna beat Howie Long up? It ain’t gonna happen.”
Terry Bradshaw, prior to Cincy’s second win over the Steelers, Fox
GH: Bradshaw was proven wrong but I like that he was bold in his prediction. For me, the Fox pregame show is best, CBS is second and the ESPN crew a distant third.
“My response is, ‘Beam me back, Scotty! Beam me back!’ ”
Bill Cowher, after Boomer Esiason wished him as the next head coach of the Cleveland Browns, CBS
Greghall24@yahoo.com and Twitter/greghall24
K-State, Nebraska no better than the rest of the North
Posted
11-12-09
“We might want to put to bed this thought that everybody in the North is the same. No.”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
GH: KK wants to pretend that Nebraska and K-State are the cream of the North crop. I don’t see it. I would not be surprised if Kansas and Missouri respectively hand NU and KSU two-touchdown losses this weekend. Read on.
“That (Nebraska) can have an offense as woeful as this one is… It’s remarkable that Nebraska is in this position (to win the North). … I think we might all feel a little bit silly here in a few weeks and say how did we think Nebraska could pull this off with so little offense?”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
GH: KK is spot on. Nebraska is as average as I thought they would be (and much worse offensively). They have no business battling for the North title. That they are in this position is a reflection of just how poor the football is not only in the Big 12 but in the Big 10, the Pac 10, the ACC and elsewhere. What a wild and unpredictable postseason tournament we would be witnessing in December if the NCAA wasn’t concerned about perpetuating the myth that a bowl trip equates to a successful season in D1 football.
“Kansas State, which will play at NU on Nov. 21 in the probable determining game in the North, has been a wonderful feel-good story. The return of 70-year-old Bill Snyder to wash away the stain left from the Ron Prince hire and to turn a no-name roster into a contender makes great theater. But the Wildcats already have a 52-point loss to the No. 4 team in the South, Texas Tech. The shortage of physical skills necessary to challenge No. 2 Texas, the presumed South winner, sets up another potentially damaging-to-the-league mismatch.”
Lee Barfknecht, Omaha World Herald
GH: Despite all the bluster and chest thumping emanating from K-State fans, their season is no more of a success (at this point) than Nebraska’s. How many Wildcats think the recently-doormat Huskers have had a year worth reawaking the echoes?
“If (Bill Snyder) is the Big 12 coach of the year, he’ll have won it after losing to Texas Tech by 52 and losing to a fourth-place team in the Sun Belt Conference.”
Dennis Dodd, college football writer for cbssportsline.com, 810 AM
GH: I keep hearing from readers who want me to fall on bended knee and admit I was wrong about Bill Snyder’s return being the answer for K-State’s football program. I will say this -- all Cat fans should be enjoying this past month of success and especially their first win over Kansas since Snyder left. But I am not sold that Snyder can do much more than what he’s done. And that is win six games a year and have KSU fans wondering through November if they’re going bowling or not. Prince delivered that much each season.
“The Big 12 really, really, really needs Nebraska to win the North Division football title.
Five straight championship game clunkers on prime-time TV — with the South winning them all 62-21, 38-17, 21-7, 70-3 and 42-3 — have put this league in desperate desire of a competitive matchup. The Huskers showed with a 10-3 win over Oklahoma that they are the likeliest team in the North to provide that, even with the lingering aroma of back-to-back home losses to unranked teams (Texas Tech, Iowa State).”
Lee Barfknecht, Omaha World Herald
GH: Barf is full of it with this premise. Nebraska has no better chance of not embarrassing the North than Kansas State, Colorado or Iowa State. It would be of no surprise to anyone who is paying attention if NU were to lose their final three games -- at KU, KSU and at CU. There is just so little difference between these bad teams it is almost ridiculous to debate which is worst. It is even more ridiculous to claim superiority in such a wasteland.
“It’s not hard to figure out what’s rising to the top here (in the North) folks. A couple of teams have learned how to play defense. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Nebraska or Kansas State go to Dallas and holding Texas to 24 points. I don’t see Texas beating either team 54-3. …When all the pressure is on Texas at that point, I think you’ll be surprised.”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
GH: Nebraska lost 9-7 at home to Iowa State. Kansas State lost by 52 to Texas Tech. Something tells me Texas ain’t too concerned about which team gets off the plane.
“It was kind of like we’re the football school this year.”
Wade Weibert, K-State center, after K-State’s win over Kansas, Kansas City Star
GH: Weibert’s comment reminded me that history is relative to one’s perception. This current Wildcat thinks of Kansas as the dominant football school in their rivalry.
“I have not heard from Kansas fans this week. I am not trying to bring anything up or rub anything in.”
Kevin Kietzman, following KSU’s 17-10 win over KU, 810 AM
GH: This from the guy who was often found MIA from his show following tough K-State losses in past seasons.
“That was fun, carrying all those people on my back.”
Daniel Thomas, referring to his ability to pick up yards after contact against Kansas, Kansas City Star
GH: Thomas is a flat-out star. K-State fans should save a large portion of that praise they are sending Bill Snyder’s way for this marvelous junior running back. He’s not only carrying multiple tacklers on his back, Thomas is also carrying about a million Catbackers’ hopes and dreams on his shoulders as well.
“Do you think there’s a chance if K-State beats Missouri and Nebraska and loses a close game to Texas they’ll get invited to the Fiesta Bowl?”
Caller, 810 AM
“With a little luck, (K-State) may have a chance to win a National Championship game.”
Caller, erroneously thinking a Big 12 Championship win over Texas would place KSU in the BCS title game, 810 AM
GH: And people ask why I question some of the Catbackers’ sense of reality.
“I have a heartfelt interest in our fans. If this makes them happy, I’m happy too.”
Bill Snyder, in an on-field postgame interview shortly after K-State’s win over Kansas, Versus
GH: Bill still can’t enjoy the moment. He verbally ripped into the Versus sideline reporter immediately following the win over Kansas for what looked like the fact he walked in front of Snyder. Here is why I still believe Snyder was the wrong choice for K-State – he can no longer recruit. He is too grumpy and too naïve about his image. His postgame actions and words told every recruit watching that he’s an old man looking to get out and go play with his grandkids.
“He is happy, folks. I can guarantee you.”
Ron Thulin, play-by-play voice for Versus, after a grouchy Bill Snyder completed his postgame interview with the Versus sideline reporter, Versus
GH: Needing the network guy to guarantee viewers the head coach is happy after his underdog team just knocked off their in-state rival for the first time in four tries is kind of ridiculous. Bill ain’t going to change and K-State needs him to if they want to once again compete for greatness.
“I’m the same guy I was 20 years ago.”
Bill Snyder, Channel 9
GH: As good as that sounds to some, I do not believe that statement is a positive for those who cheer for the Purple.
“It was a great motivating factor because Coach Snyder, he was mad about it and we rallied around it.”
Daniel Thomas, on reports that vandals painted some rocks and vehicles red and blue on the K-State campus, Channel 9
GH: Your pick as to which school is responsible for supplying the motivation…and the paint.
“The Kansas State/ Missouri game probably doesn’t mean a whole lot. …It really doesn’t mean much at all.”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
GH: I do not understand KK’s take here. A win over Mizzou makes KSU bowl eligible. If there is anything that will help Snyder begin to rebuild his program it is six more weeks of practice. Why make the final game in Lincoln an all or nothing pressure cooker?
“Every Missouri fan I talked to said they have never been more embarrassed by that (Baylor) game. To lose to the worst team in the league at home after leading at halftime is one of the worst things I’ve seen there since the Woody Widenhofer years.”
Jack Harry, 810 AM
GH: Think you are down on your team? Read on for a taste of the vitriol being directed toward Gary Pinkel and his young Tigers.
“It’s inexplicable. Missouri has not scored a touchdown in the second half of a Big 12 game.”
Steven St. John, 810 AM
GH: Mizzou hasn’t scored a second-half TD since they played Nevada back in September. As Tommy Boy would say, ‘Holy Schnikies!’
“That has been a Pinkel thing since he’s been here (at Missouri). It’s a sign that Missouri is not adjusting to the adjustments.”
Dennis Dodd, on Mizzou’s inability to adjust in the second half, 810 AM
“That was a horrible, horrible loss by Missouri at home against Baylor. You certainly have to put this loss in the top five losses in the Pinkel era. And it could be the top three or so. They just crapped all over themselves against Baylor and that’s just disappointing.”
Steven St. John, 810 AM
“I sat at home and listened to Mike Kelly. The way the game was described to me, I was unsure what was happening in Columbia. Whether a pass caught or dropped or was there an interception or touchdown or someone was tackled? Maybe Mike Kelly was trying to save us from what was going on on the field.”
Steven St. John, 810 AM
GH: St. John was particularly upset with MU’s radio analyst, John Kadlec, interviewing a former player in the booth during the fourth quarter of the Baylor game. Mizzou fans should be upset that Kadlec is even allowed in the radio booth on game day.
“Coaching is too important in college football to have a doofus as a head coach but Missouri fans, that’s what you’ve got. You are seeing the difference between a good coach (at K-State) and an abysmal coach.”
Nick Wright, comparing Bill Snyder and Gary Pinkel, 610 AM
“No (Missouri players-only) meeting, no matter how much the captains and seniors want it to, is going to piece that mess back together again, not this season. …fact is the Tigers are the complete opposite of the steadfastly improving Wildcats.”
Curtis Kitchen, 810whb.com
“I can’t see any way this (Mizzou) team can go to K-State and win.”
Steven St. John, 810 AM
GH: Mizzou is a tough matchup for K-State. Texas Tech’s spread offense scorched the Wildcats’ defense earlier this season and Blaine Gabbert has plenty of weapons to do the same. I think K-State has a better chance of winning in Lincoln than beating Missouri. And I don’t like their chances in Lincoln.
“It’s not outside the realm of possibility that that (KU/MU) game at Arrowhead could be just for bowl eligibility.”
Nate Bukaty, 810 AM
GH: That’s more than most KU/MU games have been for in the past.
“This has just flat out been a very disappointing year. This (Kansas) team just isn’t as good as we thought they would be.”
Nate Bukaty, 810 AM
GH: Agreed. I still think Kansas is the best overall team in the North – with Missouri a close second. (Does that give you a hint at just you how bad I think the North is?) What has happened to Reesing is remarkably similar to what went down at Mizzou last season with Chase Daniel. Both lost their ability to throw with accuracy. Then their confidence was dashed along with their hopes of a historic senior season.
“I think what you’re starting to see is what an amazing thing confidence is. Standing on the sideline in Manhattan, I really believe Kansas had more ability on the field than Kansas State did. I got 50 text messages during the game asking, ‘What’s wrong with Todd Reesing?’ I don’t know.”
Nate Bukaty, 810 AM
GH: No one does. Rumors of a mysterious injury surfaced about Chase Daniel as well last season. If Reesing’s hurt, he is sure hiding it well…except that ugly bruise on his ego.
“I’m the only one saying it because no one wants to say it. If Kansas doesn’t win another game you don’t think Lew Perkins is going to want to sit down and reevaluate his head football coach? Kansas could absolutely positively finish 1-7 (in the North). ”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
“Everybody loves their team. But when you demean your opponent, it makes your victories hollow.”
Soren Petro, 810 AM
“The hatred and the jealousy and the animosity (toward Kansas) is there because of the success of the Kansas basketball program. Unless you’re a Kansas basketball fan, you’ve never been able to root for a real winner.”
Nick Wright, referring to KC-area sports fans who are not old enough to have experienced the Royals and Chiefs championships, 610 AM
GH: Bad news for those who are wishing the worst for KU hoops. I sat five rows behind the KU bench Tuesday night for the Jayhawks’ execution of Pitt St. I had been warned prior to going of the sheer physical size of KU’s freshmen. Let me just tell you, you have to see these youngsters up close to appreciate them. The KU marketing department was one season ahead of themselves when it comes to declaring a team destined for a historic season.
“Our freshmen look like freshmen. When your freshmen don’t look like freshmen, you’ve got issues.”
Frank Martin, head basketball coach at Kansas State, 610 AM
GH: Let the rivalry continue…
Greghall24@yahoo.com and Twitter/greghall24
Is a mutiny brewing at Arrowhead?
Posted
11-11-09
“As fans, you deserve better than what you’re seeing on the field. Just look at the energy of this team. There’s nothing there! There’s no sense of urgency! That’s why the majority of these guys are on their third or fourth football team because they couldn’t get it done before.”
Richard Baldinger, former Chiefs offensive lineman, Metro Sports
GH: If you plan on buying a Chiefs jersey as a Christmas gift, whose jersey do you buy? What player amongst this array of discarded and reassembled players is the face of this franchise? This franchise doesn’t have a face – or much legs or tummy. This collection of discarded NFL parts is Scott Todd’s Frankenstein.
“It’s been a long, long time since I’ve seen something in such disarray when you’re this far into the season. …I think I share a lot of disappointment with Chiefs fans everywhere that watched that game.”
Bill Maas, former Chiefs nose tackle, on the Chiefs 24-21 loss to Jacksonville, 610 AM
GH: The Chiefs loss in Jacksonville triggered some mutual pain in a number of ex-Chiefs players the likes I do not recall hearing in the past two decades. Read on for some of the most pointed and acidic comments from some proud former Chiefs.
“I have no idea what anyone on this football team is doing.”
Len Dawson, Chiefs Hall-of-Fame quarterback, during the radio play-by-play of the Chiefs/Jags game, Chiefs Radio Network
GH: It is difficult to ignore the words of one Leonard Ray Dawson…even if you’re sitting in Dallas.
“If you know what you’re doing, why do you have to convince people? There’s a way to show people in the NFL you know what you’re doing – go win games.”
Bill Maas, 610 AM
GH: Maas continues to be flummoxed by the Chiefs apparent willingness to accept losing as a byproduct of the often-mentioned “process.” Billy Bob doesn’t strike me as much of a golfer.
“To see the Kansas City Chiefs diminished to this level of football is embarrassing! This team has not made any steps forward toward the future. Right now the Chiefs aren’t getting any better and I don’t think they believe in their coach very much.”
Mark Collins, former Chiefs corner, 610 AM
“(The Chiefs) had a bye week to prepare for Jacksonville. That looked like a poorly coached team (in Jacksonville). …You don’t get worse after a bye week. How do you emphasize all those things you talk about emphasizing but you repeatedly can’t get the job done? That’s nearly impossible!”
Bill Maas, 610 AM
“I’m at a loss for words on how bad they played defensively (in Jacksonville).”
Jayice Pearson, former Chiefs defensive back, Metro Sports
“This whole year has been a waste because the Kansas City Chiefs haven’t established anything. There is no foundation.”
Mark Collins, 610 AM
GH: If Scott Todd hope to accomplish but one goal, it would be to establish the building blocks of future success. Halfway through their first season it appears they have failed miserably in this pursuit. They have eight games to change this appearance.
“We don’t finish. Nobody finishes! Every play I just counted two or three people just standing around watching. Some teams get it – they know they can fight back. Some teams don’t think they can get it done. Unfortunately, I think the Chiefs have fallen into the latter.”
Richard Baldinger, Metro Sports
“The Chiefs offensive line is pretty much a hot mess right now so it would be tough for anybody to run back there. Unless your name is Barry Sanders, it’s pretty tough to run when you’re getting hit four yards behind the line of scrimmage.”
Eric Hicks, former Chiefs defensive end, adding that he believes Larry Johnson is still an effective NFL running back, 810 AM
“Poor Leonard Pope. How do you (erroneously signal a first down 10 yards short)? It’s third and 14, man! It’s indicative of what the Chiefs are! They don’t know where they’re at and they don’t know what they’re doing. He, in a nutshell, in a microcosm, summed up the Chiefs organization. They don’t know where they’re at right now. …I don’t know how anybody can come out of looking at that film (from Sunday) and not say, ‘That was the worst coaching job I’ve seen.’ I don’t know how you couldn’t.”
Bill Maas, 610 AM
“The coaches down there (in Houston) told me they were shocked that (Bernard Pollard) was available. They didn’t know why the Chiefs got rid of him. Talking to Bernard, he said to me that the Chiefs want players who will walk around on eggshells. He’s not a guy who is going to do that. When we were done talking, he said to me; ‘At some point, there’s going to be a brawl between the players and the coaches down there this season.’ He talks to those guys every day and he says those guys over in the Chiefs locker room can’t stand what’s happening over there.”
Jeff Chadiha, writer for ESPN.com, 810 AM
GH: These are searing opinions about the state of our Kansas City Chiefs from some voices who have much better access to the inner sanctums of this franchise than most media and even those in the Chiefs front office. Is a mutiny brewing inside Arrowhead? Can Scott Todd face these issues candidly and learn from their many mistakes throughout the first-half of their rookie seasons? Are we witnessing the napalming of what was once a proud NFL franchise that we thought had already bottomed out under King Carl? Or will this first six months merely be remembered as the clouds that hide the silver lining? We all have our opinions as to what will occur. We are all probably wrong in some way but we all want to know. It is why we watch, listen and care.
Greghall24@yahoo.com and Twitter/greghall24
LJ does interview with Dan Patrick
Posted
11-10-09
“I think I’ve done enough negative stuff to not get that label of one of the best running backs in the NFL. That’s something that I’ve got to fight to try to prove again.”
Larry Johnson, in a Tuesday morning interview with Dan Patrick on ESPN Radio
GH: I think LJ was trying to take responsibility for his past actions in this statement. If so, let’s hope he does.
“When I walk away from this game or this game is done with me I don’t want to say all my off-season problems or what I’ve done or what I’ve said on websites is going to overshadow what I’ve done in the National Football League. That’s the last thing that I want people to walk away with.”
Larry Johnson, ESPN Radio
GH: Words. Actions. Words have never come close to having the impact actions will on one’s reputation. I hear the right words coming from LJ but he has never been able to follow those words with like actions.
“I’m going to do as much as possible to get back on the field again to prove and show I’m much more than the perception of what people read and what they write.”
Larry Johnson, ESPN Radio
GH: Chiefs fans have heard this speech from LJ a number of times. What LJ needs to understand is that his problems are not the result of what the media says or prints. His issues are that his actions continue to feed us fodder.
“The media in Kansas City is tough. I’m in a tough media bracket where one little thing I say is going to be blown up to you guys. And the perception of me grows as I’m the worst person who has ever put on cleats.”
Larry Johnson, ESPN Radio
GH: Some will dismiss this comment as having no merit – that the KC media market is soft. That is not the case. It once was a cakewalk for athletes, coaches and owners here in Cowtown, but Jason Whitlock changed that about this town. And in my opinion, much for the better – despite LJ’s whining.
“A new situation for me can kind of help me dispel some of those rumors, perceptions and thoughts of what people think Larry Johnson is.”
Larry Johnson, ESPN Radio
GH: How many teams will listen to this and think, ‘We might be able to use this guy.’ Plenty.
“For me, it just left a bad taste in my mouth every game when we were losing.”
Larry Johnson, on his dissatisfaction with the Chiefs, ESPN Radio
GH: Maybe that bad taste in Larry’s mouth is why he was a chronic drink spitter.
GH Note: Nick Wright replayed excerpts of the Larry Johnson interview with ESPN’s Dan Patrick on his Tuesday morning show on 610 AM. He did not do it willingly. Wright stated he was being forced by higher ups to air the clips from EPN Radio – a competing radio show that usually airs locally on 1510 AM. I was surprised at Wright’s reluctance to air the interview on his show. He was more concerned that he would be giving air to a competitor rather than what his listeners would want to hear. He sounded old, grumpy and stale in following the me-first path that so many in radio have trudged down before. He should thank his boss or whoever instructed him to get over himself and air the LJ clips. Wright’s listeners were the winners in this one even if he refused to acknowledge their needs.
Greghall24@yahoo.com and Twitter/greghall24
Kietzman rips his own station for lack of K-State coverage
Posted
11-10-09
“By my watch it’s been about six hours since anybody’s talked any Big 12 football on this radio station today or anything close to that.”
Kevin Kietzman, opening his Monday afternoon show, 810 AM
GH: Kietzman was upset (again) that Kansas State’s story is not getting sufficient run in the local media. But this time his ire was not directed at Blair Kerkhoff and The Kansas City Star. He ripped the other talk show hosts on his own station for their lack of Wildcat love. Read on.
“It kind of seems like old times. When Bill Snyder and K-State football were really good and Nebraska was really good, there was no college football coverage in this town. If KU and MU were not very good and out of (contention), there just seemed like there was no interest reflected in the media.”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
GH: I followed Bill Snyder’s tenure at K-State closely from the first season on. As a fan of the Big 8/12, I do not remember a lack of media attention toward K-State football in the 90s. My OTC column appeared online and in print during that decade in the Johnson County Sun, The Star, The Platte County Landmark and The Pitch. It is my opinion that Bill Snyder and the Wildcats were treated fairly and with great respect by the local newspapers, TV and radio media outlets. The story that is beginning to build here in 2009 is how Kietzman continues to attack all and any who refuse to drop to bended knee over a football team that is merely mediocre.
“We’re going back to the ‘old days’ when Kansas and Missouri weren’t very good and we’re just going to ignore college football – because that’s what I hear we do now.”
Steven St. John, responding angrily to Kietzman’s attack on the lack of K-State coverage on WHB, 810 AM
GH: Here is something that has changed since the 90s – St. John and Nate Bukaty feeling confident enough in their jobs to publicly spar with one of the station’s owners, Kevin Kietzman. Read on.
“It is one of the most unbelievable sports stories I have ever seen or can ever remember.”
Kevin Kietzman, on K-State’s 6-4 season, 810 AM
GH: No hyperbole here for a team that is not yet bowl eligible. And KK wonders why so few refuse to take him seriously.
“I could say another approach you could take is if your team’s not good you can accuse the other team of being cheaters.”
Nate Bukaty, 810 AM
GH: Bukaty is referring to KK’s stance the past few years that Mangino has cheated his way to success at Kansas. This is a laser shot from Bukaty directed right at KK’s paranoia and whining ways. And you thought the Chiefs’ locker room had problems.
“We will certainly do our part in the afternoons on Between the Lines to have that (K-State and Nebraska is not ignored). This is a big deal to Nebraska and Kansas State fans in Kansas City and just because there aren’t as many of you as there are Kansas and Missouri fans doesn’t mean that it’s not a heckuva story from a Kansas State standpoint.”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
“We’re not going to ignore anything because I love college football. College football is awesome. I would venture to say we have the best college football coverage on this show with our Big 12 Blitz on Friday. Don’t let anyone tell you we’re going to ignore college football because we’re not.”
Steven St. John, 810 AM
GH: The coverage of college football in this NFL town is in my opinion as good as any other NFL city. I do not travel as often as I once did but it has been my experience that the college game is relegated to almost the level of local high school sports in most major markets. KK simply comes off in this fight as sounding like a child who thinks crying louder will get people to listen to his wailing.
“This league, this (North) division, has been turned upside down by a 70-year-old Hall-of-Fame coach that just came back a few months ago. He is just two wins away from in a matter of months turning Kansas State from a doormat in the North to Big 12 North champions.”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
GH: And what does that title get you this season, king of crap? Here is a reality check for all Nebraska and K-State football fans who are harboring visions of Big 12 titles in their noggins. Both teams are very mediocre and could very well both lose this weekend. More on the Big 12 North to come this week – and yes, we will not be ignoring K-State here in the OTC.
Greghall24@yahoo.com and Twitter/greghall24
Making it through a Chiefs game can be simply brutal
Posted
11-9-09
“A part of him is excited and a part of him is very regretful. There's a lot of feelings going on right now. It's analogous to breaking up with a girlfriend. Maybe you saw it coming, but it still hurts when it happens.”
Peter Schaffer, Larry Johnson's agent, on the Chiefs decision to release the running back Monday morning, AP
GH: Schaffer using the girlfriend analogy is perfect. Larry’s known for breaking up with his girls with a slap or a tossed drink to their face. This breakup went just as smooth.
“I think Houston is on the list (to sign Larry Johnson) and that might be the list. Don’t be surprised if Larry Johnson’s next carry is in 2010.”
Nick Wright, 610 AM
GH: I am always amazed at how attractive even the most unattractive free agents can be to a team in another city. LJ will be playing in another NFL jersey soon and most likely in his first playoff game come January.
“Were you even there (to watch) the comeback? Quite frankly, I had seen enough.”
Roger Twibell, who said he tuned the game out before the Chiefs’ desperate comeback to spend time with his wife celebrating her birthday, 610 AM
“I think I fell asleep during the third quarter. I know I did.”
Josh Klingler, who said he was awoke by the TV announcer screaming about Jones-Drew’s fourth-quarter touchdown run, 610 AM
GH: The Chiefs play only 16 regular season games a year and they rarely extend their season to the playoffs. I do not think it is too much to ask of 610’s morning sports talk show hosts to watch all four quarters – no matter how bad the home team plays.
“This was one that was hard to watch. It was laborious to sit and watch these two teams slug it out.”
Jack Harry, 810 AM
“I don’t think even die-hard (Chiefs’ fans) kept their TVs on. A dreadful football game.”
Danny Clinkscale, 810 AM
GH: At least Harry and Clink stuck it out and could speak intelligently about the game with 810’s postgame callers. There is no excuse for 610’s morning duo to not watch or stay awake during a Chiefs’ game. Outworking 810 should be their goal but Twibell and Klingler appear to have given up the fight.
“Too Little, Too Late”
Headline, Kansas City Star
GH: This headline could also describe The Star’s coverage of the Chiefs/Jags game. While Adam Teicher and Kent Babb filed competent game stories and notes, where was Jason Whitlock’s game column? Or at least an explanation as to why The Star’s highest paid writer was missing from my Monday morning paper? Getting Whitlock’s game column on Tuesday is too little, too late.
“This is a game I thought they had an excellent chance of winning but you can’t give up big plays and the offense has got to get started.”
Len Dawson, Chiefs Radio Network
“This is a team (the Chiefs) could have beat. They’re equally matched.”
Herm Edwards, 810 AM
GH: The 24-21 final score looks like Lenny and Herm are correct but I didn’t see where these two teams are even. Jacksonville has a good running game and some young talent they are trying to build into a winner. Kansas City is treading water awaiting the draft.
“You could make a case that the design of this regime is to tear it apart to buy more years. …Let’s make sure we’re not getting any better so we can buy more years.”
Soren Petro, 810 AM
GH: Clark Hunt should be at Arrowhead this week asking this same question. Are we trying to build a winner or make sure Carl Peterson and Herm get blamed for the 2009 season?
“Bernard Pollard had 9 tackles, 3 assists and 2 interceptions against the Colts today ...Ouch.”
Steven St. John, on the former Chiefs’ safety, Twitter
“Pollard is an emotional player. We understood that when we drafted him. You’ve got to coach him a certain way. …You have to build relationships with your players. There’s no doubt about that.”
Herm Edwards, 810 AM
GH: Herm takes a direct shot at Haley here in how he coached Pollard and in Haley’s disinterest in building relationships with his players. It appears to me that Haley doesn’t think of this roster as his and is withholding his love for his own guys.
“I have a problem with this regime because they like to kick dirt on the players they let go.”
Steven St. John, 810 AM
GH: Every franchise likes to tell you what a problem so-and-so was after they’re gone. Heck, that happens in radio, print and television as well…or so I’ve been told.
“We’re halfway through this football season and the Chiefs aren’t getting any better. I thought the tackling was just horrendous. What did they do during the off week? I know they made signs but what did they do to improve this football team?”
Jack Harry, 810 AM
“This team continues to show fight – I’ll give them that – but they’re just no good. … The Chiefs are now a 1-7 football team with a plus 3 turnover ratio. That’s death defying!”
Danny Clinkscale, 810 AM
“(Jones-Drew) literally dragged four Chiefs into the end zone and beyond.”
Mitch Holthus, on Jones-Drew’s 10-yard touchdown run, Chiefs Radio Network
GH: Jones-Drew was a weapon the Chiefs had no answer for. Credit Holthus for not sugarcoating the call.
“They held Maurice Jones-Drew down pretty well and the tackling was improved to a point.”
Art Hains, host of Chiefs’ postgame call-in show, Chiefs Radio Network
GH: Hains is paid by the Chiefs and it is pretty obvious he is not interested in messing up this Sunday gig.
“When you win the franchise’s only Super Bowl and you’re the MVP, it creates a little equity.”
Mitch Holthus, explaining why Len Dawson can be so critical of the Chiefs’ play and stay employed as the team’s color analyst, 710 AM
GH: Dawson’s best work the past decade has been in the Chiefs’ radio booth. He is frank, funny and frustrated. His I-don’t-give-a-damn attitude is a good reason to tune into 101.1 The Fox on game day.
“We have to keep working hard, keep having good practices and then translate that to the game. That’s all we can do right now.”
Todd Haley, bobgretz.com
GH: Haley is paid far too much money to not have a better game plan than working hard and having good practices. This team needs to find some talent somewhere, somehow, someway.
“Here’s the cure for all illnesses. Go to Oakland. There has been one thing the Chiefs have been able to do throughout all the redos and everything else – win at Oakland. They have own there six straight years.”
Mitch Holthus, 710 AM
GH: A win in Oakland would give Haley a 1-0 record in the second half of his fantasy season. A loss will ensure Arrowhead remains more empty than full through the winter.
“I don’t know how many tackles he broke, but it was three or fo’ tackles at the line of scrimmage right there on the play.”
Dan Reeves, color analyst for the NFL on Westwood One, 810 AM
GH: I tuned into 810’s NFL coverage Sunday afternoon and caught Reeves calling the New Orleans’ game. The former Denver coach sounds a lot like Larry The Cable Guy. Same slow southern drawl, same questioning tone. BTW, kudos to 810 for their national radio coverage. I was able to follow the MLB playoffs on the radio last month as well as the World Series. They even partnered with 710 when they had conflicts to allow a rival station to carry the World Series. The listeners are the winners when a station delivers service like this.
Greghall24@yahoo.com and Twitter/greghall24
Whitlock chimes in with a phone call to 610 Sports
Posted
11-6-09
“These (Chiefs’) fans have been upset with me (about my negative comments about Scott Pioli and his ego). Employees at Arrowhead Stadium got no problem with me. And I’m talking about from cleaning ladies on up. They’ve experienced (Pioli’s) ego and the way he’s treated people. The guy makes Carl Peterson look like Mother Teresa.”
Jason Whitlock, 610 AM
GH: JW called into Chris & Cowboy’s show Thursday afternoon just in time to catch the 5:00 PM rush hour audience. It was good to hear Pork Chop back on the local airwaves once again. He didn’t sound any smarter than when he abruptly left his job at 610 but he was, as he usually is, entertaining. Read on.
“Fear and intimidation don’t work in football.”
Jason Whitlock, 610 AM
GH: Since when, yesterday? Fear and intimidation are football. I am not happy with Sign-gate or Haley’s explanation, but we don’t need Wade Phillips or Herm Edwards in here smiling and laughing with players while winning two or three games a year.
“Carl Peterson is somewhere laughing his ass off.”
Jason Whitlock, 610 AM
GH: What does King Carl have to chuckle about? The fact he handed Scott Todd a team that had won six games in two years? The Chiefs’ continued slide into NFL oblivion simply perpetuates Peterson’s reputation as a GM who got lucky when he hired Marty Schottenheimer.
“I don’t know whether I agree or disagree with (Whitlock).”
Cowboy Cory Anderson, shortly after Whitlock’s appearance on C&C’s show, 610 AM
GH: The time to disagree or agree with Whitlock (or any on-air guest or caller) is while they are on the show. Cowboy sounded like Cowgirl for waffling on whether or not he had an opinion on JW’s takes and also for not stating this while Whitlock was on the air.
“I want to know how quickly the (Chiefs’) employee was fired who put that (sign) on his Twitter account.”
Trent Green, 810 AM
GH: Green said he was told about the sign early on Thursday. Sounds like the former Chiefs’ QB thinks it was a big deal.
“It’s hard to defend greatness sometimes. He makes a lot of people miss. When you talk about the great running backs in this league, he’s up there in that category.”
Mike Brown, Chiefs’ safety, on Maurice Jones-Drew, 810 AM
GH: Every fantasy football owner is well aware of MJD. Those who have him in their starting lineup this Sunday are all wearing big smiles at the thought of what he will do to the Chiefs’ run defense.
“When (Jones-Drew) gets into the secondary, hopefully he’s stumbling a little bit.”
Mike Brown, 810 AM
“If we don’t stop the run, we won’t have much of a chance.”
Todd Haley, 810 AM
GH: Jones-Drew averaged 22 yards a carry last week on eight carries. He scored on two runs of over 70 yards. Let’s hope Larry Johnson tunes in to see how a great running back is supposed to perform.
“You want to talk about empty seats, Jacksonville is announcing crowds in the 40s. You don’t get too many opportunities in the National Football League to go to a place that is going to have this few fans rooting for their team.”
Todd Leabo, 810 AM
GH: This might be a good dress rehearsal for our Chiefs for that Cleveland game here in December.
“My wife likes you by the way – not in that way. I had to tell her to stop talking about you. I told her to turn off the radio.”
Todd Haley, in an exchange with Nick Wright on Thursday during his press conference, 610 AM
GH: Haley showed some personality by singling out Wright, formerly known to Haley as “the Derrick Johnson question guy.” If Mrs. Haley does follow her hubby’s advice and turns off the radio, let’s hope she continues to post her comments here under her alter-ego name of jojo. Read on.
“Here’s what’s great (about Haley’s comments to Wright), that got played in its entirety on Soren’s show. Yes!”
Nick Wright, 610 AM
GH: C&C have targeted Kevin Kietzman and Wright has his sights set on Petro. It makes the local sports talk radio scene just a bit more fun to follow.
“I think it’s going to be real workmanlike. I think it’s a game that most people outside of Missouri are going to be glad it’s not on television. I think Missouri wins 30-7.”
Gabe DeArmond, 810 AM
GH: With the magnitude of the Sunflower Showdown taking center stage this week, few have discussed Baylor’s visit to Columbia this Saturday. The Tigers need to win to continue their goal of a 5-0 conference finish. I think Baylor’s defense is pretty good. This game will be a nail biter unless Gabbert is 100%, which I do not believe he is.
“That (Texas Tech) game was lost as far as I’m concerned. I don’t understand why there is all the fervor (in Mangino replacing Reesing).”
Soren Petro, 810 AM
GH: Almost seven minutes remained and KU was down a mere two touchdowns. Since when is a 14-point deficit reason to quit?
“I think (Mangino) is unhappy with Reesing and his approach or his conduct or his attitude this year. There is something that the coach is not happy with. I think there is a personal issue.”
Kevin Kietzman, on the reasoning Mangino benched Reesing, 810 AM
GH: KK is the same guy who was screaming for Channel 9 to turn in their Journalism degrees.
“I have heard that (Kansas) has had one of the best weeks of practice all year.”
Jon Kirby, 810 AM
GH: Kirby mentioned that Todd Reesing has made getting back to having fun a point of emphasis for him and his teammates for their game in Manhattan. Kansas’ season is over with a loss to the Wildcats. K-State can emphatically claim they’re back with their first win over Mangino in three years. The rest of the country may not give a rip about this one but I can’t wait to watch these two estranged cousins square off in the middle of flyover country.
“I think if K-State wins this game they are better than I think they are and that they’re good enough to beat Missouri. But I still don’t think they’ll win another game.”
Cowboy Cory Anderson, 610 AM
“I don’t know if it’s a big deal at all. I think they’ve done a good job of addressing it.”
Matt Davidson, NU radio analyst, on Ndamukong Suh crashing into three parked cars last weekend at 2:00 AM, 810 AM
GH: Anytime you have the best player on the team crashing into parked cars at 2 AM it is a big deal. Do college kids get into auto accidents? Sure. But Suh isn’t just another college kid driving home from his girlfriend’s house. Suh said he swerved to avoid a cat or some animal. Sounds to me like he did his swerving coming up with his excuse.
“I think everyone around here wants to make a big joke out of the Big 12 North and say it’s not that good.”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
GH: What is the North’s best non-con win, Mizzou over Illinois? The North’s worst loss is even more difficult to pinpoint – LaLa over KSU? Colorado’s losses to CSU and Toledo? Let’s face it, the North stinks this year.
“I am not robbing the cradle. If anything, I’m robbing the grave.”
Michael Scott, Dunder Mifflin manager, on learning his new girlfriend (Pam’s mom) is 58 years old, NBC
GH: Michael Scott is the funniest character on network television. This line from Thursday night’s episode is an immediate classic.
Greghall24@yahoo.com and Twitter/greghall24
Chiefs management shows signs of being losers
Posted
11-5-09
“Losers assemble in small groups and complain about the coaches and other players. Winners assemble as a team and find ways to WIN.”
Sign hung by the Chiefs’ management in the Chiefs’ practice facility
“If this was a message just directed to the team, they would put these signs where the media can’t see them. Put these signs where the media does not have access to. Here’s what bothers me. The Chiefs aren’t being completely men about it. Men don’t post signs directed at men they can talk to.”
Nick Wright, on the 610 AM
GH: Bingo. The Chiefs’ brass look like wimps in making this passive-aggressive move. Boldness is going to turn this train-wreck of a franchise around, not cryptic signage that gives all the appearance that this organization is weak, desperate and clueless. Damn this makes me ill. Are we now as dysfunctional as the Raiders?
“When I saw the sign my first thought was that it was awesome!”
Cowboy Cory Anderson, 610 AM
GH: C&C spent most of Wednesday afternoon discussing this sign and the message it sent about Larry Johnson and the Chiefs’ front office. Kevin Kietzman and WHB either missed the impact of the sign or decided to downplay it in favor of additional K-State and Big 12 talk. Chalk this win up for Ug & Nog.
“They can’t bring (Larry Johnson) back now. Why would you want to bring back a loser?”
Chris Hamblin, 610 AM
GH: Clark Hunt needs to simply pay LJ his money and simply call the decision to resign him as a mistake. The Chiefs would exacerbate their error by allowing this punk’s return to the team.
I agree with the concept but putting up the sign is hokey.”
Josh Klingler, 610 AM
GH: Klingler and Roger Twibell asked their listeners for some suggestions on what signs they would like to see hung in the Chiefs locker room. Here are some of those sign suggestions; 1) Closed For Repairs 2) Walk-ins Welcome, 3) WTF? 4) Hours Of Operation: M-F 9 to 5 Closed On Sunday 5) All Deliveries In The Rear
“All I can say is we are 1-2 in this quarter and trying like heck to get to 2-2.”
Todd Haley, 810 AM
GH: The fact Haley refuses to acknowledge that his team is 1-6 is another sign – a sign that he refuses to live in reality. What successful CEO goes around fudging numbers to look good to his stockholders? Okay, bad example.
“I really don’t think the Chiefs are all that much different from last year – and that’s a bad thing. They don’t have a good offense and their defense is unreliable.”
Kent Babb, 810 AM
GH: Progress. It is the only real expectation most fans held for Scott Todd’s first-year regime. The Chiefs have nine games (wow, that seems like a lot!) to either show measurable progress, remain toxic or decline into the depths of the NFL cellar. Read on.
“I’d hate to watch this game and I’d hate to write about it – but who would win between the 2008 Chiefs and the 2009 Chiefs?”
Kent Babb, 810 AM
GH: An interesting question. We could name if the Throwback-up Game.
“For all intents and purposes, this season is down the drain already for the Chiefs.”
Adam Teicher, 610 AM
GH: How often do we hear this statement about the Chiefs and Royals not even halfway through their seasons? Too damn often. It seems we now play much the regular season rooting for draft position.
“I think these bye weeks are very, very important to teams, especially teams like us.”
Todd Haley, 610 AM
GH: This comment struck me as defeatist. It sounds like Haley is overwhelmed and his/their decision to post pussy signs confirms that thought.
“If this team doesn’t get any better over the next three months, than this has just been a wasted season. If we can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel, I guess everyone’s blown a great opportunity here. We’ve been through a lot of bad football around here the last few years. You’d like to think it would be coming to an end. If they’re still trying to figure things out in December, then maybe 2010 is not looking a whole lot better.”
Adam Teicher, 610 AM
“They are running the risk of damaging Todd Haley’s perception so bad in that (Chiefs’) locker room and this town, I don’t know if you can come back from that.”
Soren Petro, 810 AM
“Here’s the happiest guy in the NFL, Tony Gonzalez.”
Roger Twibell, 610 AM
“What (Jared Allen) brings to the football team is contagious.”
Herm Edwards, 810 AM
GH: Hopefully, we will have Tony G. and Jared Allen to root for deep into January. They will be our Johnny Damon and Raul Ibanez of the winter months.
“I don’t think the World Series trophy is very attractive. No, I’ve never seen it before. I live in Kansas City, do I not?”
Ellen Schenk, 980 AM
GH: Ellen never saw the Seinfeld episode where Yankee employee, George Costanza, tied the trophy to the back of his car (Jon Voight’s car?) and drug it around the stadium parking lot? One of my favorite Yankee theme Seinfeld episodes is when George is missing and assumed dead and George Steinbrenner informs Mr. and Mrs. Costanza of their son’s death. How does Frank Costanza respond to Steinbrenner’s news? With a tirade that starts with, “What the hell did you trade Jay Bruner for?” Seinfeld has aged better than any sitcom I follow.
Greghall24@yahoo.com and Twitter/greghall24
Kietzman wants Mangino to feel some heat
Posted
11-5-09
“If Mangino loses this game in Manhattan this Saturday I think he’s on the hot seat. I think it’s a very important game for Kansas’ season and for Mark Mangino’s future. I think people in Lawrence are going to begin to ask if Mark Mangino couldn’t win the Big 12 North this year, when will he?”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
GH: I think KK just wants to get Mangino fired and end the progress Kansas has made in building a more successful football program under Mangino. Despite the preseason marketing blitz, Kansas fans do not expect Big 12 North championships, especially in seasons where the Jayhawks play both Oklahoma and Texas. I would counter that Mangino is the safest coach in the North. His fan base loses interest quickly once November and basketball season appears. If he continues to dominate K-State, beat Mizzou every other year and go to any bowl most years, he’ll get a raise rather than a pink slip.
“I simply don’t believe Mark Mangino when he says he doesn’t have a kicker who can kick an onside kick 10 yards. I think one thing that Mark Mangino has a hard time with is admitting his mistakes.”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
“I think people get annoyed when people act like they never make mistakes. The afternoon guy up the dial does it all the time.”
Nick Wright, 810 AM
“This is just another game on the schedule.”
Mark Mangino, on this week’s game in Manhattan, 810 AM
GH: This game means everything to both team’s 2009 seasons. K-State can put the final dagger into what Kansas had hoped would be a season of historic proportions. A win by the Wildcats would flush the lingering aftertaste of Ron Prince and the administration’s dirty financial deals that still hamper the program’s future. It would finally allow K-State to feel good about their football program once again. A Kansas win would give the Jayhawks a chance to win out with wins over their three most hated foes and roll into a bowl game with confidence and swagger. A KU win also sends KSU to their fourth consecutive loss to Kansas and would seriously douse the hopes that Bill Snyder’s return will make a difference in K-State’s future standing in the North. This game means much to both schools.
“When Ron Prince coached in these games he coached very cockily.”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
GH: Prince continues to be hammered by KK and others for his three-year run in Manhattan. While I thought he was a poor game-day coach, his swagger and skills as a communicator were positives for the program. He just couldn’t beat the big three – something Snyder excelled at in his prime years.
“The TV networks are dying for K-State to lose these last two games. Oh, that following weekend would be a disaster! There are executives in New York dying for K-State to get beat. They want those Thanksgiving games to mean something.”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
GH: This kind of Purple Paranoia is the most unsightly of traits that too often emanate from K-Staters. The suits in New York could not care less about the Big 12 North. When was the last time the Colorado/Nebraska game mattered on a national or even regional scale? Or the Texas/Texas A&M game? The KU/MU game had their once-a-century match up in 2007 and it’s not happening again anytime soon. These are great rivalry games where the two teams just don’t like each other. People will tune for that reason and it matters very little how each team fares against KSU. Cat fans should simply hope they have the North wrapped up by then and can sit back on Turkey Weekend with big smiles on their faces.
“Kansas State is not the best team in the Big 12 North. Despite that they have everything laid out for them, I don’t see them doing it. Kansas State is not going to win another game.”
Cowboy Cory Anderson, 610 AM
“I still like Missouri to win the North even though they’re 1-3.”
Chris Hamblin, 610 AM
“I read something the other day that said Brandon Banks and Daniel Thomas are the two best skill position players in the Big 12 North. That to me is asinine.”
Cowboy Cory Anderson, 610 AM
GH: Wonder where Cowboy read that?
“They just said, ‘Kale’s in.’ ”
Todd Reesing, when asked how he was informed that he had been benched in the fourth quarter of the Texas Tech loss, 610 AM
“I think probably maybe he’s got a little bit of a chip on his shoulder. …I can’t say I really blame him.”
Josh Klinger, who was live in Lawrence for Reesing’s interview, 610 AM
“Why did Mark Mangino take Todd Reesing out? I think there was 6:60 left and he had to make up 14 points. I think there was a very slim chance that he was going to be able to that.”
David Lawrence, Hawk Talk
GH: I think there is even a much slimmer chance that David Lawrence is going to say anything that would even remotely express disagreement with a KU coaching decision. Maybe Lawrence isn’t all that different from Max after all.
“I think Mark Mangino put Kansas on the map and this is the first controversial thing that has come out. I think you all are being a little too hard on him.”
Caller, to Chris & Cowboy, 610 AM
GH: Who knew David Lawrence had C&C’s hotline number?
“That may have been one of the top 10 worst coaching moves I have ever seen. How in the hell do you pull that kid?”
Steven St. John, on Reesing’s benching, 810 AM
“I’ll tell you which matchup I’m sure of. I don’t care what kind of free fall Kansas is in – they are gonna roll Nebraska in Lawrence! They are gonna roll them!”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
GH: Sounds like KK is not a Husker fan. Who knew?
“Ladies are big in your family.”
Bob Davis, to Mark Mangino, discussing the coach’s concern for the females in his family, Hawk Talk
GH: If Davis thinks the Mangino gals are big, what about the guys? BTW, did you see the old photo of Mangino (while he coached at KSU) that ABC showed during the K-State/OU game? He looked almost normal. What happened to that guy?
Greghall24@yahoo.com and Twitter/greghall24
LJ suspended but continues to haunt Haley
Posted
11-3-09
“I’ve never seen the other side of Larry Johnson. The quiet guy. The humble guy. I’ve only read about it.”
Len Dawson, 810 AM
GH: Interesting that one of LJ’s biggest promoters of his nice-guy image is Dawson’s partner in the Chiefs’ radio booth, Mitch Holthus, who has labeled LJ as the fan-friendliest Chief when it comes to interacting with Chiefs’ fans. Except maybe on Twitter.
“I thought they (the Chiefs) probably thought they might lose in arbitration.”
Len Dawson, on why the Chiefs settled with LJ, 810 AM
GH: A very frank comment from a member of the radio broadcast team. Refreshing.
“I think myself and the other guys in the room came off looking like chumps. I’m a little embarrassed that nobody asked anything about Larry Johnson.”
Nick Wright, on the media’s line of questioning at Haley’s press conference Monday afternoon, 610 AM
GH: Wright is also frank when it comes to describing his work and those of his media brothers and sisters. The heightened competition between the local sports radio stations has pushed all members of the media to produce more accurate and quality information.
“Larry Johnson is actually a martyr in this. Everything Larry said is right on.”
Caller, 610 AM
GH: LJ supporters are outnumbered but vocal. It is my opinion that many in LJ’s camp see this episode as a race thing. Whitey keeping the black man down, no matter how dumb the black man acts.
“I’ve defended Scott Pioli and Todd Haley but if they let Larry Johnson back on the field again I will never go to another Chiefs’ game until they’re gone.”
Caller, 610 AM
“Larry Johnson called the coach out! He said, ‘You ain’t nuthin’. You’re squat!’ I’m of the opinion you’ve got to let this guy go.”
Mark Collins, 610 AM
GH: Collins understands that you cannot invite the type of cancer LJ’s carrying back into the locker room. Read on.
“Let the implosion begin.”
Mark Collins, in a text message to C&C, on the possibility that LJ could rejoin the team next week, 610 AM
GH: Does LJ have enough cache with his teammates to cause more turmoil on Haley’s team? Yes.
“My gut feeling is that they really don’t know what they are going to do with Larry Johnson yet.”
Nick Wright, 810 AM
GH: My gut tells me they are simply talking to their lawyers and making sure they can lance LJ with as little cost as possible. He is as gone as my need for a comb.
“(LJ) pretty much said, ‘Get me out of here,’ with what he did.”
Jeff Chadhia, 810 AM
“He doesn’t want to be here, let him go!”
Roger Twibell, 610 AM
“I don’t know where the benefit of all this (Twitter) is. Leabo’s on me saying it would be good for business. All I see it costing people money or jobs or privacy issues. All it is is a bunch of mishaps at this point.”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
“It’s making all kinds of money and millions of people use it. I just don’t get it.”
Trent Green, 810 AM
GH: What’s to get? Twitter is just another form of mass communication that makes it easy to send and receive information from individuals or companies you want to know more about. You can’t blame Twitter for the content some individuals provide. As a consumer, any device that allows athletes and celebrities to be more honest is a good thing in my book. Would we rather continue to believe LJ is a good guy with a new attitude?
“It’s almost a breath of fresh air from the last regime where the GM spoke all the damn time!”
Mark Collins, on Scott Pioli not taking a public stand on the LJ controversy, 610 AM
GH: Jack Harry has blasted Pioli on KSHB TV 41 and WHB for not being more public in his stance on the Larry Johnson issue. Harry has accused Pioli of allowing Haley to take the heat alone. I don’t have a problem with Pioli acting more behind the scenes than in front of the camera – ala King Carl. I want Pioli working to provide this city with a competitive team and I don’t care if he does that in front of a microphone or in a closet.
“I think the pressure is mounting on Todd Haley not because his job is in jeopardy but that 22-guys-off-the-street comment.”
Nick Wright, 810 AM
GH: The Chiefs need at least another win to fulfill Haley’s alleged 22-guys-off-the-street comment. Two more and I guess he could consider his first season an improvement on Herm’s final year. But if Haley goes 1-15, that quote (whether it is true or a suburban legend) haunts him into next season and possibly beyond.
“I was thinking about bringing a poster to the next Chiefs game: ‘Hey Todd, This Isn’t Golf. The Lowest Score Doesn’t Win.’ ”
Caller 810 AM
“I’ll tell you, it was great not having a Chiefs game (Sunday). I’ll admit it.”
Josh Klingler, 610 AM
GH: Remember when we hated the week of a Chiefs’ bye? Now they don’t seem all that much different than game days.
“I think it would be one of the most shocking upsets in awards history if (Zack Greinke) does not (win the Cy Young Award). There are 28 voters and I think he’ll get at least 20 first-place votes.”
Rany Jazayerli, 810 AM
“Who’s your favorite ex-Royal to watch during the playoffs? Because that’s what we’re reduced to doing.”
Soren Petro, 810 AM
GH: Mine has always been Johnny Damon. Maybe because he’s always in the playoffs. But I still root for the guy. I still remember the anticipation this Royals franchise had for him as he worked his way through the farm system. I raced to Royals Stadium to watch his first at bat as a Royal. Seems kind of stupid now.
“This is definitely the biggest moment of my career right now.”
Johnny Damon, before game five on Monday, Fox
GH: Boston fans had to love this comment from their former lead “Idiot.”
“Beer – helping white guys dance since 1847.”
Sign behind the bar at Jazz on 39th & State Line Road
Greghall24@yahoo.com and Twitter/greghall24
Mangino eats away at Reesing's minutes
Posted
11-2-09
“I’m not sure I understand this. (Todd) Reesing is a senior. A guy you’ve trusted for four years and you make a switch now? I just don’t get this.”
Ed Cunningham, color analyst, on Mark Mangino’s decision to pull his starting QB in the fourth quarter while down 14 points at Texas tech, ABC
GH: You want unpredictable? You want upheaval? You want weekly drama the likes not found outside Mad Men and Desperate Housewives? Welcome to the Big 12 North – where Kansas is the latest team to hit rock bottom. Read on.
“Reesing benched in Jayhawk loss”
Headline, Lawrence Journal World
“Failure stalks Reesing”
Headline, Kansas City Star
GH: What a difference three weeks makes. Mangino has gone from promoting Reesing as a legit Heisman candidate to benching him with time on the clock to mount a comeback and win the game. I believe this to be the worst and most controversial benching in my 45-some years of paying attention to the Big 8/12.
“I don’t think it was a big deal.”
Mark Mangino, on his fourth-quarter benching of Reesing, Jayhawk Radio Network
“I was (surprised). I’m not going to lie. At that point, we were two possessions down, by no means was the game over.”
Todd Reesing, Lawrence Journal World
GH: Reesing is the one player you could point to for being responsible for saving Mangino’s job. If ever a kid deserved more rope it is this slight Texan who has taken more shots in his four years in Lawrence than the Moon Bar.
“It has gone from crisis mode to disaster mode for the Kansas Jayhawks.”
Aaron Swarts, 810 AM
GH: Remember the radio ads promoting this football season in Lawrence as one for the history books? As someone once warned, be careful what you wish for.
“The last series he was in there, (Reesing) short-armed two passes and had a fumble. More than anything, I thought maybe Kale (Pick) would give us a little bit of a jump or something. I just didn’t feel good about the offense as a whole.”
Mark Mangino, Lawrence Journal World
GH: Kale needs to change his surname or his position. No QB can succeed hauling around a name like “Pick” on the back of his jersey.
“Has Reesing hit the wall or has everyone discovered that he is a 5-foot-10 quarterback?”
Roger Twibell, 610 AM
“It’s unbelievable to me. You’re down two scores and you put in a kid you’ve never seen throw in a game? There was still time to come back.”
Josh Klingler, 610 AM
“Is Kansas going to get bowl eligible? Who are they going to beat?”
Roger Twibell, 610 AM
GH: Could KU get shut out of a bowl during this season of history? The K-State game on Saturday could be the one that allows them to get back into the Big 12 North race or signals the coroner to come get the body. The Sunflower Showdown is the game of the week in the Big 12 and possibly the game that ruins Mangino’s and Reesing’s KU legacies.
“(Kansas) has got a chance to lose out. If that’s what (Reesing’s) legacy is going to be…what will people think? I don’t know.”
Todd Leabo, 810 AM
GH: Interesting how Reesing’s senior season resembles the frustrating final year for Chase Daniel, Mizzou’s Heisman hopeful from last year. While Daniel is still beloved in Columbia, he is not nearly as revered as was prior to his poor play in the second half of last season.
“Kansas is reeling as bad as they have been reeling in years.”
Todd Leabo, 810 AM
GH: Could K-State catch KU coming to Manhattan at a better time? No. From what I have seen the past three weeks form KSU and KU, you would have to favor K-State by 17 points. But the bookies (aka the betting public) remain nonbelievers. Kansas is a 2.5 point favorite.
“Our offense was inept.”
Mark Mangino, during his postgame comments, Jayhawk Radio Network
GH: Mangino should pop in a tape of Nebraska’s last three games if he needs some cheering up. The Huskers’ offense is so feeble they have inserted a true freshman quarterback and are willing to sacrifice him to the Oklahoma wolves on primetime this Saturday night. Please keep any impressionable youngsters away from the televisions during this one – especially if they have signed letters of commitment to play at Nebraska.
“Everybody in the North is rooting against Nebraska this week. Everybody is a Sooner fan this week.”
Todd Leabo, 810 AM
“This is as hard as I’ve seen a team play in a long, long time – especially in Norman.”
Joel Klatt, Fox Sports studio analyst, on K-State’s comeback effort against the Sooners, FoxSports
“I can’t say enough about K-State and Daniel Thomas. This guy is a converted QB. Took a bit of a scenic route to get to Division 1 football – took a few stops at a few community colleges and had some eligibility issues and whatnot. But this guy is a real football player.”
Corby Jones, Fox Sports studio analyst, on the Wildcats running back/QB, FoxSports
“What I like about K-State is Brandon Banks.”
Joel Klatt, Fox Sports studio analyst, FoxSports
GH: Here is a newsflash to the rest of the North – Kansas State has the two best offensive weapons in the division. A team we thought was bereft of talent has two home-run hitters in Banks and Thomas. Bill Snyder’s team has been elevated from the hunter to the hunted by their heart-stirring performance in Norman.
“When you think about what this K-State team did… Bob Stoops has lost just two games at home in his career as the Oklahoma coach. This is as good as anyone has ever played them in Norman and not won the football game.”
Joel Klatt, Fox Sports studio analyst, FoxSports
GH: Stoops is starting to look more normal to me as far as his coaching and game-day decisions. Big Game Bob has some holes in his game and old coaches like Snyder know how to exploit them. Lucky for Stoops that Pelini, Pinkel and CU’s Dan Hawkins are still learning on the job.
“I thought K-State took a step back defensively. My god, what did Oklahoma have, two punts?”
Trevor, board op and K-State fan, 610 AM
GH: K-State made OU’s offense look formidable. Kansas could get well quickly if Reesing is allowed time to find his receivers. But nothing in Kansas play of late indicates they will be prepared for the pent up frustration that awaits them in Manhattan.
“The game for the Big 12 North title might be Missouri at Kansas State.”
Steven St. John, 810 AM
GH: You can replace Mizzou with Kansas or Nebraska and get the same result. Each team can win out and win the North. Their destiny does not rely on others. The wildest North ever continues.
Greghall24@yahoo.com and Twitter/greghall24
With the Chiefs, is it patience or apathy?
Posted
10-29-09
“Where’s the intensity (from the Chiefs’ players)? Where’s the fire? I’m not seeing guys perturbed. They’re not perturbed and they’re not doing well. They’ve kind of accepted it.”
Len Dawson, 810 AM
GH: The same can be said for many of us Kansas City fans. Have we become too accepting of less-than-mediocre sports in our city? Have we confused patience with apathy? Read on.
“Just about every decision these guys (Scott Todd) have made and every little bit of luck they could have had has been wrong.”
Kent Babb, Kansas City Star beat writer, 810 AM
“I haven’t been impressed with any of the draft picks this year by this regime.”
Todd Leabo, 810 AM
“I think it’s 2012 before they become a contending team. There are too many holes to fill in too short a time.”
Frank Boal, 810 AM
GH: 2012 is three long seasons away. Is it still reasonable to give a new GM and head coach four or five years to compete for a NFL division title? Has it ever been?
“I can’t think of a (NFL) team that is talking about a three- or five-year plan (for success). You better show some progress in year one and in the second year have that thing humming or you’re out of there. That’s just the way it is.”
Cris Collinsworth, 810 AM
GH: Who among us Chiefs’ fans believes we will be humming anything but Swing Low, Sweet Chariot next December?
“I think these stadium deals are starting to create a gap between the haves and the have nots. Will we begin to see baseball happen in football? Will some of these big-money teams start separating?”
Cris Collinsworth, Showtime
GH: Collingsworth did not mention the Chiefs’ franchise by name but did he have to? The dramatic change this season from tight games to blowouts has everyone asking if franchises like Kansas City are starting to lose not only on the field but at the bank.
“I am contracted to buy my (Chiefs’) season tickets through 2012. I can opt out with a mere 10% penalty.”
Soren Petro, 810 AM
GH: How are the Chiefs getting anyone to sign a long-term contract for season tickets? No wonder Arrowhead looks more empty than Bo Pelini’s closet.
Cory Mays is a JAG – Just Another Guy. He makes plays when nobody blocks him.”
Soren Petro, 810 AM
GH: Mays is one of the very few pleasant surprises on this Chiefs’ defense. The only jag here is Petro.
“People need to get off Matt Cassel’s back. People need to understand that he has nothing! He’s got a rotating offensive line in there. The running backs stinks and every week he’s got a new receiver running around out there.”
Nate Bukaty, 810 AM
“(Cassel) is making some fundamental and mechanical errors and he should be passed that by now. I have not yet seen this year what I think justifies that contract. I just don’t think the decision making and comfort are there yet.”
Kent Babb, Kansas City Star beat writer, 810 AM
GH: Cassel looked lost last week against the Chargers. No accuracy, no leadership, no game. His upcoming game in Jacksonville is a big one. He should be able to get some time to prove he is not nearly as bad as he looked last Sunday.
“I am a season ticket holder and I have watched every game. I don’t see anybody out there playing harder than Larry Johnson. Everybody is calling in and wanting to crucify the guy. You can’t blame the guy for getting frustrated.”
Caller, 810 AM
GH: I had no idea LJ’s agent was a season ticket holder.
“I’m going to guess the first time LJ read that apology was in The Star.”
Steven St. John, 810 AM
“I’m surprised Larry Johnson apologized. I’m sure he didn’t talk to a lawyer because you know you never admit (your guilty) until they’ve got something on you.”
Soren Petro, 810 AM
GH: How sad that we are now surprised when a person as guilty as LJ admits his guilt rather than runs from it.
“Maybe he thinks that he can force his way out (of Kansas City). Let me ask you this, of the other 31 teams in the National Football League, who in the world is going to bring him into their locker room? … To me, the guy doesn’t have the skill level to warrant the kind of BS that they’re putting up with out there and I would not be surprised to see them run him right out of town.”
Marty Schottenheimer, Sirius Radio
GH: If the Chiefs do run LJ out of Arrowhead, it will be his longest run of the season.
“The players, if they're not performing, they're shipping them out! So what's the difference with Larry expressing his feelings about the coach not doing his job at the level he said he was going to do it at? I can't see any difference. The only thing is that Larry can't fire Todd Haley. He can't ship him off to another team. What's the difference? It's the same thing. He's expressing it and the organization is just showing it. Same thing to me.”
Eddie Kennison, KSHB TV 41
GH: Let’s just guess that Eddie probably wasn’t on his high school debate team.
“You hear you can’t hire an old football coach because the young players can’t relate to him.”
Phil Simms, Showtime
“Players relate to somebody who can help them win football games and help them make more money.”
Warren Sapp, responding to Simms, Showtime
“Bury him.”
Tim Grunhard, who favors not releasing LJ but instead bury him on the bench, 810 AM
“I’ve had people make fun of me before because I was Catholic. I’ve had girls in high school I couldn’t date because I was Catholic.”
Kevin Kietzman, trying to relate his experiences with those who might be hurt by LJ’s slurs, 810 AM
GH: KK might want to reopen the investigation as to the source of these made-fun-of incidents.
“I really think it’s going to be the best World Series we’ve seen in a long, long time. Possibly the best we have seen in this decade.”
Jeff Passan, 810 AM
GH: Fox’s camera crew does a great job broadcasting big-time sporting events. They spotted Kurt Russell, Kate Hudson and Alec Baldwin in the stands Wednesday night. My favorite movie for each is as follows:
Kurt Russell -- Overboard. Goldie Hawn never looked better and I still laugh a dozen times every time I watch this movie with my wife.
Kate Hudson – Almost Famous. An absolute classic! Kate’s Penny Lane character is unforgettable as is this movie. Frances McDormand’s portrayal of William Miller’s mom is maybe the best movie mom ever. I love this movie.
Alec Baldwin – Glengarry Glen Ross. Baldwin has a small role as Blake but he delivers the most memorable lines of the flick. I also liked him in Pearl Harbor, a movie I find much more watchable than my bride.
Greghall24@yahoo.com and Twitter/greghall24
Top 10 hated Kansas City sports figures
Posted
10-29-09
“think bout a clever diss then that wit ur fag pic. Christopher street boy. Is what us east coast cats call u.”
Larry Johnson, in a response to a fan on Twitter
GH: Has LJ now assumed the role of the most hated Kansas City area sports figure in history? It is always tough to judge the public’s ire once time passes but there are some other contenders. Read on for my top ten:
10. Kyle Farnsworth: The tattooed right hander hasn’t been in town a year yet but he may have set the record for getting on the bad side of the locals. Farny got his ass booed while doffing his cap during player introductions on Opening Day at The New K last April. These types of negative outbursts by the usually sedate (i.e. comatose) Royals’ fans are typically reserved for the shenanigans of the live participants in the Mustard/Ketchup/Relish race.
9. Tony Pena, Sr.: This shower-dancing Dominican came to Kansas City and excited the masses with his “BELIEVE” t-shirts and fluke of a first-half of a season in 2003 that saw him and the Royals with a seven game lead at the All-Star break. All that barely-over-.500 season got us was four more years of an oft-injured Mike Sweeney. He earned his spot on this list when he snuck out on his team in the dead of the night while in Toronto and quit on his players and the organization. The fact he was sleeping with his neighbor’s wife in a Kansas City subdivision just added to the unsavory factor of this current Yankee. I believe that is strike one, two and three.
8. Neifi Perez: This former Royals’ shortstop continues to draw sneers from local fans anytime his name is uttered in public. Neifi could not catch, hit or think – the dreaded Triple Brown (the same color as shit) for a MLB player. His claim to fame as a Royal is refusing Tony Pena’s order to enter a game in the late innings. Neifi swung at almost everything and usually missed. He walked 3.1% of the time while with the Cubs, the worst in the NL. At least the Royals are not alone in their hatred of all things Neifi. One Cub fan posted the following about this hated ex-Royal: “When I am visiting my psychiatrist after the next ten World Championshipless years, and we get to the root of all of my problems with relationships and love, I’m sending the bill to the second-worst Cub of my lifetime, Neifi Perez.”
7. Tony Pena, Jr.: TPJ is not a bad guy he’s just a bad baseball player. Like really bad. One of the first player acquisitions that Dayton Moore made when he came to the Royals was to dip into his former Braves' lineup and sign TPJ as the cure to the Royals’ shortstop ills. Tony had a great debut, hitting two triples if I remember correctly. I don’t think he totaled six bases the rest of his Royals’ career. Maybe the worst hitter in the history of the Royals’ franchise – pitchers included. Fans quickly turned on TPJ and even his biggest cheerleader, Ryan Lefebvre, eventually moved on.
6. Bo Jackson: When Bo was hitting mammoth homers for the Royals we loved him. He made Kansas City known at that time in almost every corner of the world. Whenever I would travel in the late 80s everyone who heard I was from KC wanted to know about Bo. But when he signed to play football with the Raiders, Chiefs’ fans rained mini footballs on his helmet at Arrowhead. Donning the silver and black uniform of the mentally challenged Raiders will do that to your reputation. Bo might be the only ex-KC athlete that I remember getting stuff thrown at him. (Except for that baseball tossing incident in right field with the fans and Lou Piniella when he was playing with the Yankees. Nobody got pissed like Lou got pissed.)
5. Johnny Damon: I never understood why Damon was/is so hated by KC’s fandom. But make no mistake; he gets booed at The K with as much zest as a relief appearance by Kyle Farnsworth. Johnny was supposed to be the next George Brett (remember the commercials?) but his start was kind of slow and his one-handed swing had a lot of the purists wringing their hands. All he did was go on to Oakland, Boston and New York to become one of the games most consistent hitters and a constant in post-season play. But when he grew out his hair in Boston so his looks matched his caveman speech and he divorced his wife and those darling twins, it just added fuel to our anger. I still root for the guy (even as a Yankee) but I don’t think there are many Royals fans that do.
4. Roy Williams: There are three we hate more than Roy? For many Kansas fans, Coach Roy is the only name on their list. His “I’m, stayin’ ” speech that turned into “I’m outta here,” still burns in many of the crimson hearts of those who populate Allen Fieldhouse. Roy was everyone wunderkind shortly after he arrived. It is hard to imagine any coach or athlete who was more revered by his fans and others as well. But success brought an arrogance to Roy Boy that I found off-putting. He often publicly chastised the KU fan base and carried himself like a king amongst mere mortals. The difference in how Roy handled success and how Bill Self has handled his even greater success at Kansas is telling. Roy’s Jayhawk sticker aside, he remains a much hated individual within this area’s borders.
3. Lin Elliott: You could make a very strong case for Lin Elliott as the most hated Kansas City athlete of all time. If you polled former Chiefs, the vote would not even be close. Despite the foreshadowing that Elliott gave us that black season – he routinely missed late-game field goals from makeable range – Carl and Marty stuck with the kicker. You know the story. I do not want to revive those bleak memories. There has not been a baby named Lin, Lynn, Lindy or even Linda in the four state area since January 7, 1996.
2. Larry Johnson: ‘nuff sed, you fgtd ass mthrfkr.
1. Carl Peterson: You had to know King Carl would retain his throne.
greghall24@yahoo.com and Twitter/greghall24
Can we change the name of game in Big 12 North from football to assball?
Posted
10-27-09
“There’s some odd things going on in the North.”
Sean Weatherspoon, Kansas City Star
GH: Sean, you have a way of saying much with very few words. Read on for the odd, the baffling and the miraculous. No, I am not talking about Soren Petro’s vacation.
“The naysayers will call it a fluke, eight turnovers of charity on a cold, wet October day, a blind squirrel tripping over a nut. To heck with them. You just smile and point to the scoreboard. Iowa State 9, Nebraska 7. Good teams, bowl teams, make their own luck. It was one for the books. One you’ll tell your grandchildren about, if you can stop giggling long enough to remember all the little, bizarre details. … Blind Squirrels 9, Nebraska 7. Good teams, bowl teams, find a way.”
Sean Keeler, columnist, Des Moines Register
GH: As a Husker fan this one hurt. But when you look at it from the Cyclones’ perspective you have to smile – even those of us who grew up on the west side of the Mighty Mo. Iowa State came into Lincoln with nothing – no starting QB, no starting RB and a rookie coach. They had less of a chance of succeeding in Lincoln than Doc Sadler. But as someone once said, it’s why they made the football that funny shape.
“There really aren’t any words to describe this. …The entire Iowa State team has gathered at midfield and is celebrating. Who would have believed this? …I was asked (on a pregame radio show) what it would take for Iowa State to win this game. I said Nebraska would have to become completely unhinged.”
Greg Sharpe, NU radio play-by-play voice, Cornhusker Radio Network
“Well, the door is off the hinges and blowing down the street.”
Adrian Fiala, NU radio color commentator, Cornhusker Radio Network
“I don’t know if you can have an uglier loss than Nebraska did. Eight turnovers and four of them inside the five yard line! An absolutely brutal performance by the Cornhuskers!”
Rece Davis, host of College Football Gameday Final, ESPN
“There aren’t enough sleeping pills to get Bo Pelini to sleep tonight. He’ll be up for weeks!”
Lou Holtz, ESPN
GH: How do you coach around turnovers? You hate them and they ruin your day but in the end Nebraska played well enough to win the game handily…except for those eight turnovers – four of them inside the ‘Clones’ five yard line. Hell, the fact Nebraska stayed within two in a game where they had more TOs than points is a testament to the kind of defense Pelini and his brother have brought to Lincoln.
“New atop the list of signs that Nebraska football is not back or making a fast move to get there two weeks after declarations to the contrary: The Huskers have lost consecutive games in October for the fifth straight year. Before 2005, NU went 36 straight seasons without such a skid.”
Mitch Sherman, writer, Omaha World Herald
GH: I attempted during the preseason months to caution my Big Red brothers that talk of Nebraska’s return to dominance was/is baseless. Recruits, exceptional recruits, are what drives D-1 top-10 programs. Nebraska is getting the same recruits as a lot of schools now…and far less wins in the only months that count – October and November.
“In my eyes, there is no challenge. I expect our men to be fighters. Men fight. And I believe that we have some men on this team. What's the alternative? To flee. You fight or you flee. I expect everybody to come to work fighting. We will as coaches. I know the players will as well.”
Barney Cotton, NU offensive line coach, Omaha World Herald
GH: I love Cotton’s attitude – and it’s the same one every Husker should etch onto their heart. Nebraska can still win the North – but so can the five other teams in the division. Although I’m not sure playing UT/OU in Dallas is much of a reward for whoever survives.
“…it was still a keeper, the kind of game you can build a program around. It was a day you make a DVD out of, one you play for impressionable teens and their parents and declare, ‘See this? This is what we want Iowa State to look like.’ ”
Sean Keeler, on ISU’s upset win in Lincoln, Des Moines Register
GH: Ugly can display all kinds of pretty when viewed in a different light.
“I think Kansas and Missouri fans still believe it’s going to come down to Kansas and Missouri for the North. The numbers don’t support that at all. Why can’t Kansas State beat Kansas and Nebraska?”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
“I would anoint (Bill Snyder) coach of the year right now.”
Steven St. John, after K-State smote Colorado and remained atop the North standings with a 3-1 conference record, 810 AM
GH: It would be an understatement for me to say I have been surprised by Snyder’s success this season. It would also be a bit unfair to judge HCBS before he gets to play the three teams K-State has not beaten in over three years.
“A lot of people think Kansas State might not win any more games. But in 2009, why not?”
Todd Leabo, 810 AM
GH: Why not indeed. KSU needs but one win in their remaining four games to stay in the hunt for the North title. Two and they’ll own it. Saturdays have never been this fun/interesting/maddening for so many of us here in the North.
“The rest of the country might laugh at the ineptitude of the Big 12 North. I say we enjoy it. Parity, mediocrity and unpredictability can be fun, especially when they combine to humble arrogant Nebraska football fans.”
Jason Whitlock, Kansas City Star
GH: I am promoting we change the name of the sport in the B12 North from “football” to the more accurate and descriptive term of “assball.”
“The booing has become contagious in the North Division. Kansas fans are unhappy with an offense that has thrown three interceptions and not scored a touchdown in the first half.”
Lee Barfknecht, columnist, Omaha World Herald
GH: College boo-birds have become more commonplace in Lincoln, Lawrence and Columbia as the ticket prices rise along with fans’ expectations. I’m not sure about Manhattan because the pony express rider hasn’t reported in yet.
“If (Reesing) leads that team to a North championship, that will be a fantastic accomplishment.”
Todd Leabo, 810 AM
GH: Really? Why? The North has the most embarrassing collection of inept D1 football teams since the 1940s and ‘50s when Bud Wilkinson’s dominant Oklahoma team didn’t lose a conference game for almost 14 years.
“I like a lot of things about Gary Pinkel. I do not like how this (injury to Gabbert) has been handled.”
Todd Leabo, 810 AM
GH: Gabbert reportedly has a cast on his leg to limit his movement. That cannot be a good way to prepare for his trip to Boulder this Saturday. Without Gabbert, Mizzou is simply Mizzzzzzz.
“The play calling has been atrocious! They have not tried to make any adjustments considering that (Gabbert) is injured. They should not have played him in that Texas game. I think they have mishandled this – it has been horrible!”
Steven St. John, 810 AM
GH: Pinkel is starting to resemble his old cranky and defiant self this week in interviews. He does not like being second guessed. If Gabbert doesn’t recover this season, he better get used to the grilling.
“He’s fine.”
Gary Pinkel, on Gabbert’s health, 610 AM
“If we want to lay down, we can do that. If we want to win the North…we have to step it up. We have no choice. It’s crazy but it’s still possible. Everybody’s got to get that mind-set that we can still do it.”
Derrick Washington, Kansas City Star
GH: Washington has the right attitude. Mizzou might be the one team who could win the North and feel good about it, in coming back from an 0-3 record.
“If you have a ridiculously weak opponent, you might play bad and overpower them, but you can't do that against a tradition and a program like Texas A&M. If it was easy anybody could do it. If it was easy, I'd be coaching the Swedish bikini team and I'd have them coming out here to do all this.”
Mike Leach, Texas tech head coach, following the Red Raiders upset loss to A&M, DallasNews.com
GH: Of all the craziness that has occurred in the B12, the outcome of this one was the looniest. If you think you know something about football, try and explain to somebody how this one went down. BTW, I hope Mike Leach coaches in the B12 for the next 20 years. Any coach who can work in a Swedish bikini team reference into a postgame presser where his team was upset at home is somebody I want to hear from often.
Greghall24@yahoo.com and Twitter/greghall24
Even God won't take credit (blame) for what's going on at Arrowhead
Posted
10-26-09
“What has happened to football in Kansas City? Football in Kansas City is just awful, guys! Where has football gone in Kansas City?”
Boomer Esiason, CBS
GH: The Chiefs are usually ignored by the national media of late but Sunday was different. Their embarrassing effort against a reeling Chargers team inside a dreary Arrowhead Stadium brought comments of disgust, pity and nostalgia from the network talking heads. Read on.
“It used to be a great place to play with the crowd noise.”
James Brown, CBS
GH: Much of the conversation about Arrowhead’s place among the great NFL Sunday cathedrals is now sadly in past tense. Shockingly, the Chiefs have dropped 10 consecutive games in front of what King Carl liked to refer to as their “real” fans.
“This Kansas City defense looks demoralized. They can’t stop the big plays.”
Dan Fouts, CBS
GH: I can’t imagine it took Rivers long to call the plays in the Chargers’ huddle. “Just run by the corner and I’ll throw it as far as I can.” Who needs an offensive coordinator, a game plan or even a playbook when you’re playing a bunch of guys dressed for Halloween as NFL players?
“Kansas City is absolutely god-awful on defense and on offense.”
Boomer Esiason, CBS
GH: I doubt god wants to take credit for anything going on at Arrowhead these days.
“If (Darren Sproles) is on the field, guys, you might want to cover him.”
Shannon Sharpe, CBS
GH: Even the former Chiefs killer, Shannon Sharpe, is taking shots at the moribund Chiefs.
“It’s hard to come away from this game with the feeling that San Diego is back. I mean seriously guys, they’re playing Kansas City, which is not a very good football team.”
Bill Cowher, CBS
GH: Cowher coached here under Schottenheimer and his words should cut into Clark Hunt’s cool exterior. Cowher has long been on the wish list of many Chiefs’ fans to one day return as the Chiefs’ head coach. That is a fantasy football wish that has little chance of ever occurring.
“You start to wonder about Matt Cassel a little bit. Was he a system guy in New England? You need a little more time, you need a little more sampling (to evaluate Cassel) but it didn’t take all that much sampling for him to get a nice ($60-million) deal.”
Mike Golic, ESPN Radio
GH: Cassel played poorly Sunday. His passes floated like wayward Frisbees, his accuracy resembled an Iraqi scud and he could have chucked at least five or six picks except for some luck. But Cassel’s not the problem. Not yet anyway.
“The ball just sailed on Matt Cassel. If the ball is anywhere near Jamaal Charles in bounds he makes the catch. …The pressure on Cassel will force these bad throws.”
Dan Fouts, CBS
GH: Cassel looked much better when surrounded by New England’s personnel than he does with the guys wearing the Texans throwback uniforms. I’m not so sure some of those original Texans didn’t suit up on Sunday for the Chiefs. Doesn’t Lance Long sound like a sheriff from a 60’s western?
“You’re not going to win with a bunch of Lance Longs. You’re not.”
Danny Clinkscale, 810 AM
“We got our butts kicked across the board.”
Todd Haley, 810 AM
GH: Finally, something those drenched fans at Arrowhead can agree about with Haley.
“I love this franchise. I love our fans. There’s more equity for me emotionally because I grew up here. I almost wept for the fans (Sunday). It took 10 to 11 years for this franchise to get where it is right now. Let’s just put it out there and be honest. I live for the day that this gets done right and we get back to doing it the way the other successful teams in the league do it. And hopefully we’re getting that way.”
Mitch Holthus, 710 AM
GH: Holthus would love to broadcast for a successful franchise that could make a run to the Super Bowl and get his own Super Bowl ring. Every broadcaster wants to work for a proud successful franchise. Holthus is still young for a play-by-play voice. He may need every one of the 20 years he has left to call games for the Chiefs if he hopes to attain his goal.
“The fact that Todd Haley is the offensive coordinator and is calling all these plays, that’s like giving yourself acupuncture with a pitchfork!”
Caller Paydirt, 810 AM
“It’s just a very, sickening, sickening situation. It’s putrid right now what’s going on out at Arrowhead.”
Jack Harry, 810 AM
“We all wanted a rebuild and now you’re all crying like little girls now. The conversation today should be we need some talent.”
Caller, 610 AM
“Not only did (the Chiefs) give back what they gained in Washington (with a win), they may have given back more than that (in the lopsided loss to San Diego). To me they would have been better off losing that game in Washington and staying competitive against San Diego.”
Adam Teicher, 610 AM
GH: Is this a good week for the Chiefs’ bye week? Hell, can we get the NFL to let the Chiefs take November off?
“My father played for the coach from Remember the Titans. Our coach played golf. My father played with the Redskins, our coach nothing.”
Larry Johnson, Tweet
GH: This tweet by LJ has caused the talk radio guys to go into overdrive dissecting it and torching the disgruntled running back for posting it. I don’t really see what all the uproar is about. LJ being upset is almost as old as Grigsby. At least LJ’s post was accurate.
“All that (LJ Twitter) stuff is just a distraction. It’s something for the media to talk about.”
Dick Vermeil, 610 AM
“None of this is hindsight for me. Anybody who didn’t see this coming is either a fool or is just lying to themselves. If you wanted to believe Larry Johnson was any different than before then you were making yourself believe that.”
Nate Bukaty, on his expectations for LJ’s attitude, 810 AM
“LJ is an interesting guy. Honestly, he’s the most fan-friendly guy I’ve ever seen! Then there is this other guy…”
Mitch Holthus, 710 AM
“I wouldn’t give Larry Johnson so much crap for his off-field stuff if he would mix in a fight with a man. Hit some guy with a closed fist.”
Nick Wright, 610 AM
“He’s gonna say what’s in his heart. That’s just Larry. …It’s not like guys on that football team are gonna follow Larry. That’s what you need to know. I don’t think this team will follow him. They haven’t in the past.”
Herm Edwards, 810 AM
GH: It’s my opinion that the media pays far more attention to Larry Johnson than his teammates or even coaches.
“Where the wild things are: VEGAS”
Larry Johnson, Tweet
GH: Hopefully, Larry will be tweeting from Vegas this week while he searches out more wild things.
Greghall24@yahoo.com and Twitter/greghall24
Hidden meaning in Haley's first Gatorade shower?
Posted
10-23-09
“(Darren Sproles) is a football player. The guy is a terrific football player. He’s a game breaker. He’s going to be a factor when he comes here Sunday.”
Len Dawson, 810 AM
GH: If you have watched him since he was Tank in the Olathe midgets or as the record-setting Olathe North Simone Award winning running back or at K-State where he devastated the Sooners in that glorious win at Arrowhead or last season as he willed San Diego to postseason play and became their franchise player – you know how special a football player is Mr. Darren Sproles. He comes home this Sunday and he will be cheered mightily by those wearing red.
“Terry Allen didn’t want him. He offered him a walk-on.”
Nate Bukaty, 810 AM
GH: The walls of Sproles’ bedroom as a high schooler were adorned with poster of the Jayhawks. He had always dreamed of playing for the Jayhawks. I remember a story from his freshman year at K-State when he was practicing with the scrubs. An assistant approached Bill Snyder and said, “Coach, I think you need to take a look at this Sproles kid. We don’t have anybody over there who can tackle him.”
“This guy (Darren) Sproles is a lightning-in-a-bottle kind of guy. That’s why they franchised him.”
Jon Gruden, after the Chargers’ running back returned a kick for a TD, ESPN
GH: I first saw Sproles in a HS game of the week on Metro Sports at the beginning of his junior year. I followed him around for the next two seasons just to watch him play. He remains the best high school football player I have ever seen.
“If I was (San Diego) I would sit LT and play Darren Sproles. That’s the guy who can still get it done. I think Darren Sproles is the biggest playmaker on that team.”
Jayice Pearson, 810 AM
GH: Snyder insisted on playing Josh Scobey in front of the younger Sproles when Darren was an underclassmen. I don’t think Snyder knew what he had until that night Sproles made everyone a believer against Oklahoma. No way should Snyder have only one Big 12 title when he had Darren Sproles for four years.
“If Haley can get these guys to give it the old college try or the high school rah-rah crap, I mean bribe ‘em, steal ‘em, cheat, anything you can possibly do to get these guys to play as hard as they possibly can and then go in there and get this win. …I think the Chiefs are gonna win this weekend. Everybody thinks I’m crazy.”
Tim Grunhard, 810 AM
GH: You have to love a high school head coach who references “the high school rah-rah crap.” The Chiefs continue to face superior opponents who appear to be ripe for the beating. A Chiefs win would do wonders for this franchise. Maybe Haley needs to go Marty-style old school and put a bounty on Rivers.
“I thought (Cassel’s) timing (Sunday) was impeccable. I liked what I saw.”
Danan Hughes, 610 AM
“It all comes down to Dwayne Bowe. Does he want to be an elite player or just a guy?”
Trent Green, 810 AM
“They are getting beat on the line of scrimmage. They are getting beat by the first move. It’s really not fundamentals because I haven’t seen many guys have to go to a second move.”
Tim Grunhard, on the Chiefs’ offensive line play, 810 AM
“There were some cracks (for Larry Johnson to run through) this week. There weren’t any seams and there weren’t any holes. You gotta make holes. You give Larry Johnson a hole and he’s gone.”
Tim Grunhard, 810 AM
“You can smile, Todd. Kansas City gets their first win.”
Chris Berman, while showing video of a sour-faced Haley getting the traditional Gatorade dunk at the conclusion of the Chiefs win in Washington, ESPN
GH: I thought the Gatorade shower meant the players were meshing with their new head coach. Grunhard has a different opinion. Read on.
“Did they do it to pimp him or did they do it because they love him? I don’t know. I think personally there were a couple of guys in the back saying, ‘Let’s go get him.’ That’s what I would have done. Their first win and they don’t score a touchdown with this offensive guru? I think they went and got him.”
Tim Grunhard, 810 AM
“Todd Haley may be a very good coach someday but he has struggled mightily this year. I’m going to put two of these losses right on his shoulders.”
Roger Twibell, 610 AM
“At Energy Pro we literally eat, breathe and sleep windows and siding.”
Radio Ad
GH: We also literally do not understand the usage of the word “literally.”
Greghall24@yahoo.com and Twitter/greghall24
Wright and Maas make a dynamic team in afternoon drive
Posted
10-23-09
“Bill Snyder has been at Kansas State for 20 years and he has never had an opportunity put on a platter for him like this.”
Kevin Kietzman, on K-State’s 2-1 conference record and their remaining Big 12 schedule, 810 AM
GH: Ptolemy, a valued OTC reader and commenter, continues to wonder where all this optimism for K-State’s football season is originating. Maybe KK is the only Cat out there showing his claws, but I think he has a number of diehard disciples in his passenger seat. And as we all know, being in KK’s passenger seat requires keeping your eyes shut and head down.
“They are not a great football team at all. They still have some quarterback issues. But they believe in Bill Snyder.”
Stan Weber, on K-State, 810 AM
“I think K-State very likely could lose every remaining game. They have Colorado, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska. I don’t see a win there. I think they are going to lose every game the rest of the year.”
Nick Wright, 610 AM
GH: Mizzou fans are distraught about being 0-2 while K-State fans are giddy at 2-1. What would each school’s record be if they exchanged schedules? Football gives us seven days to ponder our favorite team’s current plight – an eternity in sports talk radio. Enjoy the highs and try (as difficult as it may be) to look past the lows. Come December, I think the number of surprises in the North will be few.
“People forget that Missouri was 2-3 last year (and still won the North).”
Steven St. John, 810 AM
“Missouri’s behind the eight ball because they need to win five out of six. …If you’re handicapping odds, Missouri is fifth in the North behind K-State and Colorado.”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
GH: Colorado has a slight chance to contend with their win over a quality Kansas team. Kansas State has beaten the two teams in the conference that will most likely finish last in the North and last in the South. Neither win was on the road. I think Mizzou still has at least as good a shot at the North as KSU.
“Whoever wins the Colorado/K-State game can just about ice this thing up at home.”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
GH: Sure, assuming CU or KSU can sweep Nebraska, Missouri and Kansas. That isn’t going to happen, despite KK’s bedside prayers.
“Don’t give up on Missouri. They can go 5-3.”
Jack Harry, 810 AM
GH: If Gabbert gets healthy, Mizzou can beat any team in the conference. Texas and Oklahoma might not be as good as Okie State and Texas Tech. If you’re looking for a surprise ending in the Big 12 – look to the South.
“It was one of the most surreal and bizarre things ever.”
Kevin Kietzman, on being laughed at during a local speaking engagement this week when he talked about the possibility of K-State defeating KU and MU and winning the North, 810 AM
GH: I am sure this was a traumatic event for Kietzman. KK might be the proudest person I have ever met. He is fiercely – fiercely – afraid of being made the butt of a joke or embarrassed by the actions of another. You will never hear someone on his radio station kid him (even innocently) without repercussion. Earlier this summer Jack Harry made a lighthearted comment about KK snapping on the golf course and Kietzman immediately responded w/o a hint of humor by saying, “Take it back, Jack! Take it back!” He is incapable of expressing believable self-deprecating humor. He takes himself and his perception of his station in life more seriously than the pope. Please email me if you attended this event and let me know if my assessment of KK differs from yours.
“This game Saturday night is very, very important and it’s getting very little run in this town! The most important game in the Big 12 North this Saturday is in Manhattan. I don’t see enough in Kansas. I don’t see enough in Nebraska.”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
GH: After KK complained that he was laughed at during a local speaking engagement he unleashed some venom toward KU, MU and NU. He talked about how Kansas football fans are a rather new phenomenon and gloated how in the past they would leave K-State beat downs at halftime. Doesn’t KK remember the early exits in Manhattan during his college years? What KK is saying about KU is exactly the same kind of logic that jealous Nebraska fans were leveling at K-State during the 90s.
“I think (KU) goes to the well too much with Todd Reesing. Because when you throw the ball, bad things can happen.”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
GH: Reesing is the greatest passing quarterback in Kansas history. He is a senior with two All-Conference receivers. I sure as hell hope they have him throwing the football most of the time.
“This isn’t the (Oklahoma) team that people thought was coming to Lawrence a month or two months ago.”
Todd Leabo, 810 AM
GH: Kansas can almost erase that Colorado loss with a win over the Sooners. I think this will be one helluva football game. Let’s hope the cold weather stays away and the stands stay full of Kansas fans.
“I think Kansas is the most talented team in the North but I don’t think now they have a shot at winning the North.”
Nick Wright, after KU’s loss in Boulder, 610 AM
GH: It will be more difficult for KU but Nebraska’s loss at home to TT has allowed all teams in the North to dream.
“I don’t see this Kansas offense being able to score close to their average against this Oklahoma defense.”
Al Wallace, 610 AM
GH: Oklahoma’s defense is pretty damn good. Please come with a bit more on your game than this pabulum, Al.
“Is Bill Snyder just trying to lull everybody to sleep during his pres conferences? They are the worst! They’re most like discussions than press conferences. Whoa, they’re just tough! Have a little fun and speak faster. It’s like a hypnotic show and he’s trying to lull you into a trance. It’s very odd.”
Josh Klingler, 610 AM
“Not that Mark Mangino is doing a comedy show when he’s up there.”
Josh Klingler, 610 AM
“For the first time this year, the media was shocked into allowing itself a little bit of fun while covering Kansas State football. A young man sitting next to me, a former Division II football player and good guy, was felled by the moment, reduced to repeating ‘Are you KIDDING me?’ about as many times as the Wildcats scored in the first half. …I don’t remember the last time a game so powerfully reduced a press box’s inhabitants to what the media normally so masterfully attempts (and succeeds) to avoid – being fans, regardless of the teams in front of them, with a responsibility to truthfully report what happened on the court or field.”
Curtis Kitchen, relaying his experience from Saturday night in the typically professionally subdued K-State press box, 810whb.com
GH: Kitchen is a behind-the-scenes kind of guy at 810 that every radio station heavily depends on but whose name and game gets little exposure to the listening audience. His blog on 810whb.com though, is a worthy destination for sports fans who enjoy a good read. I would not be surprised to discover Curtis moving one day out of the Kitchen and into the Big House.
“Nick Wright and Bill Maas in for Chris and Cowboy. You have your self-appointed number-one Chiefs guy in me and the guy who played the game.”
Nick Wright, 610 AM
GH: Chris and Cowboy may have been Wally Pipped this week. Wright teamed up with Maas on Thursday and I have to say, they make a dynamic team in afternoon drive. I do not know if Maas is interested in a fulltime radio gig anymore but this combination of youth and experience would present an interesting challenge to Kietzman’s decade of dominance in the afternoons. I can’t be the only person thinking along these lines.
“The fall foliage continues to become more impressive as the days go by. I think this is the prettiest fall color season we have had since I came to Kansas City in 1992.”
Gary Lezak, NBCactionnews.com
GH: I am a photography freak and I can’t remember a better week of fall color than what we just experienced. I love the Kansas City area and autumn is one of the reasons why. After spending last weekend in Tucson, a beautiful place in its own right, I am ecstatic to live here in the heart of the Big 12 where the seasons change dramatically and hopefully someday so will our professional teams’ fortunes.
Greghall24@yahoo.com & Twitter/greghall24
Did Pioli want McDaniels over Haley?
Posted
10-22-09
“I don’t think there is any question that Josh McDaniels would have been (Scott Pioli’s) first choice. He had a chance to watch him grow in that (Patriots) organization.”
Jeff Chadiha, ESPN reporter, 810 AM
GH: Denver hired McDaniels to replace The Rat on January 12th and the Chiefs hired Pioli two days later. If Clark Hunt would have moved quicker on Pioli would McDaniels be wearing Chiefs’ red instead of that god-awful Denver throwback gear?
“Josh McDaniels did a better job evidently than Todd Haley did.”
Adam Teicher, on how McDaniels is handling the Broncos’ rebuilding season compared to the Chiefs, 610 AM
GH: Clark Hunt apparently believes Teicher’s assessment is unfair. Read on.
“The difference is, if you look at (the Broncos) a year ago, they were 8-8 and could have been a lot better. We were 2-14.”
Clark Hunt, Kansas City Star
GH: While saying the Broncos “could have been a lot better,” Clark conveniently avoids pointing out all the fourth-quarter losses his Chiefs piled up under Herm and Carl last season. If the Chiefs are going to improve, Clark needs to look in the mirror with both eyes open.
“(The Broncos) came into the year with more talent, significantly more talent, than the Chiefs.”
Clark Hunt, Kansas City Star
GH: Whose fault is that? Why did Clark allow his franchise to fall so far behind in stockpiling young talent? Carl Peterson gave him a decade-long resume of poor draft picks that Lamar and Clark ignored because season ticket sales remained strong. He, we and the Chiefs are now all paying for his family’s desire for profit over playoffs.
“I really like this young coach. He’s going to be one of the great ones in this league.”
Rich Gannon, on his opinion of Todd Haley during the Washington game, CBS
GH: That is one helluva statement about a rookie NFL coach who at the time was 0-5. Gannon may be correct but I don’t toss around the phrase “great ones in this league” so casually.
“(Todd Haley’s) the right guy for the position because he wants the players to be great and he wants the team to be great. I liked playing for him.”
Tank Tyler, the day after he was traded by the Chiefs to Carolina, 810 AM
“The guys the Chiefs picked up, Bobby Ingram and Mike Vrabel, they picked up to change the culture of the team. The guys Denver picked up, they picked up to win games.”
Jeff Chadiha, 810 AM
“I don’t know what the identity of the Chiefs’ offense is, they really don’t have one. Right now I think they’re just trying to fly by the seat of their pants a little bit because they really don’t have anything they can count on. There’s just nothing there.”
Adam Teicher, 610 AM
“I think (Matt Cassel) better take a baseball bat to the huddle with him to send a message.”
Dick Vermeil, when asked how Cassel can convince his offensive line to provide better pass protection, 610 AM
“I think for the foreseeable future, Todd Haley will be the offensive coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs.”
Adam Teicher, 610 AM
GH: The sooner Haley admits his mistake in attempting both roles, the sooner this franchise can begin to move forward. If he continues as is, he is likely gone after 2010.
“Josh McDaniels knew exactly what he was doing and he got them to buy in.”
Jim Rome, Jim Rome Show
GH: The Broncos players didn’t look like they were buying anything until the team started winning. Wining changes everything and covers all warts. Losing exposes things that aren’t even there.
“They are swaggerlicious.”
Jim Rome, on the 6-0 Broncos, Jim Rome Show
“Everybody talks about Mike Vrabel. Mike Vrabel doesn’t give a rat’s ass about the Kansas City Chiefs! I’m not saying anything bad about Mike Vrabel. I’m sure he’s a great guy, but he hasn’t invested any time in the Kansas City Chiefs.”
Tim Grunhard, 810 AM
GH: Wonder if Vrabel agrees that Grunhard is “not saying anything bad about Mike.” Is Vrabel a hired gun? Yes – but what professional athlete ain’t? Vrabel might not have any history with the Chiefs but neither do many of his teammates. If Vrabel has any pride as an athlete, and I believe he does, he cares a great deal about the Chiefs' wins and losses.
“Dwayne Bowe’s touchdown that he was trying to get would have been useless. You kneel, you kneel, you kneel -- game over. Bowe needs to understand that. The only thing we can’t have there is a fumble. To fight for those last three yards like you’re down three instead of up three…those are mental errors.”
Nick Wright, 610 AM
GH: Bowe received much criticism over his decision to fight for extra yards instead of taking a dive to keep the clock running and ensure the Chiefs’ first win. Understandable. But I was rooting for the big guy to score. This team needs Bowe to make dramatic plays and watching him work to get into the end zone was one of the first signs of life from this morbid offense.
“Bowe is just one of those guys who needs the velvet hammer. He needs somebody banging that velvet hammer on his head. How good could Bowe be? We really don’t know yet.”
Bill Maas, 610 AM
GH: Haley’s hammer doesn’t have a stitch of velvet covering it. Bowe looks to me like he’s big enough to survive and thrive while playing the part of Haley’s nail.
“I thought last year (Bowe) was a lot more laissez-faire.”
Todd Leabo, 810 AM
GH: Since when did Leabo start speaking French?
“(Larry Johnson) is every bit what he was. He’s in great condition. All you need to do is to keep rebuilding that (offensive) line to what it was.”
Dick Vermeil, 610 AM
GH: I am convinced Vermeil is watching taped games from the Chiefs’ 2006 season and thinking he can pass those off as his Monday-morning analysis work. He must be too cheap to get the NFL ticket in wine country.
“The only place that LJ could be a dominant force again is at Blonde with a half bottle of Grey Goose. …If Larry Johnson is a contributing running back for a Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl championship team, I will quit my job. Mark it down. … Right now, LJ’s the worst starting running back in the league.”
Nick Wright, 610 AM
GH: Wright has worked double shifts at 610 this week while Chris and Cowboy are out on planned and unplanned leaves respectively. The young guy is getting his first shot at going head-to-head with Kietzman in afternoon drive -- but seven hours of hosting a sports talk show isn’t the best way to roll out your best effort against King KK. But I have to applaud the kid’s willingness to pitch in when needed.
“I do whatever I can.”
Nick Wright, on pulling double shifts at 610 this week on both the morning and afternoon drives, 610 AM
“I missed you last week. Glad you’re back.”
Kevin Harlan, mistaking Doug Stewart for Soren Petro, 810 AM
GH: Petro’s absence the past two weeks has raised some eyebrows but sources close to his show confirm he’s merely on vacation. Stewart sounds so much like Petro it’s almost like he’s not even gone.
“The (Angels) crowd sees it on replays throughout the stadium.”
Joe Buck, on the controversial calls made by umpires in the ALCS, Fox
GH: So why/how can the Angels show extremely controversial replays on their video board during the ALCS but the Royals can’t show us any replays that don’t include a Royals’ highlight or a can of Pepsi? Absolutely maddening! I want this changed now!
“Probably the best thing I’m doing for the community is staying inside.”
Larry Johnson, according to WHB’s Jason Alexander, LJ was responding to a question from Eddie Kennison that asked, “What are you doing for the local community?”
Greghall24@yahoo.com and Twitter/greghall24
Yes, K-State nailed a big victory, but are Snyderholics getting carried away?
Posted
10-20-09
“Look at the sports page – K-State number one in the Big 12 North! Oh, yeah!”
Caller, 610 AM
GH: The Wildcats have risen like a scorched phoenix out of the parched plains of Kansas to perch atop the Big 12 North after the second complete week of conference play. Are they the greatest one-week reconstruction project in college football history? Or was Saturday’s blowout win over A&M the Wildcats’ season’s high point?
“Hey, get behind the (K-State) Cats. Why not?”
Dennis Dodd, writer for CBSsportsline.com, on which team can win the Big 12 North, 810 AM
“You could explain that (lopsided KSU win over A&M) by saying A&M looked a little bit too hard at K-State getting run off the field by Texas Tech.”
Steven St. John, 810 AM
GH: This might be the popular opinion of K-State haters but I don’t think it is accurate. You cannot explain away a 62-14 thrashing by stating A&M overlooked K-State. Do I think K-State is good? No. Do I think they are improved? Not much. I think they are pretty much the same team that lost to Louisiana Lafayette, a team Nebraska crushed by 55 points. They are also the same team that lost to Texas Tech 66-14. But Wildcat fans should enjoy this week. From the looks of my email, they are. Read on.
“Your comment this week that ‘Snyder will find the next two seasons excruciatingly painful to his ego, his school and his legacy,’ clearly shows a lack of understanding on your part for just what a great coaching staff is capable of. In case you missed it, (K-State leads) the Big 12 north standings after 3 conference games.”
Reader Brian F., email
GH: So how do we explain Snyder losing to LaLa and getting scorched by TT? My lack of understanding on what a great coaching staff is capable of? Great win last Saturday for the Wildcat Nation -- but my opinion of Snyder as the answer to what ails KSU football has not changed. And unless spanking the worst team in the South is now the benchmark for K-State football, you might want to hold off on buying those bowl ticks.
“Prince did not leave a lot of talent in Manhattan, and Snyder has been able to turn it in to a pretty decent group. There is significant help coming next year, in the way of Oregon and MN transfers Broderick Smith and Chris Harper, as well as a class that is currently sitting ranked in the high 40's (which is where we were for much of the late 1990's). I expect order to be restored, and K-State and Nebraska to be fighting out the north for the next several years.”
Reader Brian F., email
GH: Fans should dream. Dreams are one of the few things that our favorite schools have yet to find a way to ring up on our credit cards. But recruiting is where Snyder will fail. That pabulum you’re being fed about sparkling recruits is called a marketing campaign. Every school’s got the same hype. You don’t think A&M fans were hearing the same song three years ago? An inability to recruit enough elite athletes is why Nebraska, Kansas, K-State and Iowa State have little chance of competing with the South. Only Mizzou and Colorado are situated geographically in the North to pull in enough of these four- and five-star recruits.
“This K-State/Colorado game is a big one. If Colorado wins in Manhattan, it could really cement them to win the North – which is the craziest thing I’ve ever heard in my life.”
Todd Leabo, 810 AM
GH: All non-CU fans should be rooting for a KSU win Saturday. A Colorado victory might supply just enough momentum for the Buffs to steal the North title. Even Coach Hawkins will be able to turn that mojo into a cavalcade of recruits for years to come.
“Tigers fans now know exactly what K-State fans went through – watching a team that close to making big noise on the national stage in multiple years, only to slam back to earth. Could Gary Pinkel and crew make it back to that level? Sure they could, but there are no guarantees, and it illustrates just how special those years are when they happen.”
Curtis Kitchen, 810whb.com
GH: K-State’s run in the top ten throughout the 90s tops Mizzou’s couple of years as the North champ. Let’s face it folks, while we did have the KU/MU game for the ages in 2007, the North is still a long way from competing with the South or a legit spot in the top 10.
“The last two years, the North has been awful.”
Dennis Dodd, 810 AM
GH: That doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy the weekly civil wars waged here in our backyards. We just need to temper our expectations – even you Snyderholics.
“1948-1964, the (Texas A&M) Aggies were 63-109 and saw only two bowl games in 26 years. The stadium was packed every weekend as the majority of our ‘few’ wins occurred at Kyle Field. I rather enjoy watching our team grow as ‘men’ and learning to walk amongst the teams that carry 4* & 5* players. You may not remember the ‘thrashing Earl Campbell and Texas gave the Aggies at Kyle Field during Earl's senior year... But, the Texas fans were amazed that our entire stadium remained after the game to applaud both teams for a great game. Texas A&M is a football school, not because we are number 1 or in the top 25... It is because Aggies love the game. Aggies have never lost a game; they only run out of time on the clock.”
aggie614. Aggiesports.com
GH: This fan has the sport in far greater perspective than not only most fans but the schools and their governing body, the NCAA.
“Kansas can’t just circle a win going to Colorado. Every year somebody goes into Boulder and (gets upset). They always play somebody tough. I think that Colorado game is a scary game (for Kansas)”
Jon Kirby, prior to CU’s win over then undefeated KU, 810 AM
“Kansas was held to -8 yards rushing. In their last two games, the Buffs have limited their opponents to 38 yards on 47 carries. Those teams, Texas and Kansas, have thrown for 698 yards.”
Tom Kensler, Denver Post
GH: Okay, here is a head knocker – could the embattled Dan Hawkins end up this season as the Big 12’s coach of the year? Yes.
“The quarterback for Colorado was the difference-maker today. It’s unfortunate they picked this week to take his redshirt off, but I think they found their quarterback, that’s for sure. He’s a heck of a player.”
Mark Mangino, on the play of Tyler Hansen, Denver Post
GH: So why did it take the potential coach of the year six games to bench his own kid?
“If Blaine Gabbert were wearing a cast and crutches, do you think Missouri would still make him play? …I was begging, begging Missouri to take Gabbert out after the first series. (his injured ankle) was so bad! They are not going to win a game without (Blaine) Gabbert. Just go ahead and sit him for two weeks. They’re going to get beat by Texas anyway. I would sit him against anyone this week. I just saw enough. He ain’t healthy and he can’t throw the football with any consistency. Sit him against Texas, get him healthy and then maybe he can help them with the last five games and they could very well win the North again.”
Steven St. John, 810 AM
GH: Gary Pinkel announced Monday that Gabbert will start against Texas. If healthy, Gabbert can do some damage against that Longhorn secondary.
“Nebraska went from thinking they were dominating the North to booing their own offense the first half.”
Nate Bukaty, 810 AM
GH: My Huskers laid the biggest egg of the season Saturday at home in front of the second largest crowd in Memorial Stadium’s long history. Their non-competitive game was a black eye for the entire North Division. As for the booing, that’s what happens when schools start pricing tickets like it was an NFL game. As Sister Irma always said, you reap what you sow…especially in farm country.
“That’s typical Nebraska. A couple of three wins and they always do think they are just about back. You don’t come back to be Nebraska the way they want to be with just two or three wins.”
Danny Clinkscale, 810 AM
GH: True dat. Are you listening, K-State?
“We have black shirts at Texas Tech, too. Every one of our guys is wearing a black shirt under their pads. I'm proud to say the black shirts won this one.''
Mike Leach, on his Red Raiders’ defensive effort in Lincoln, Omaha World Herald
“(Sam Bradford) probably should not play (again this season). He needs surgery and he should probably get on with his life and go to the NFL. The next time he gets hit by somebody it should be OTAs.”
Todd Leabo, on Oklahoma’s twice-injured quarterback, 810 AM
Big 12 TV games this Saturday
11:30 a.m.: Iowa State at Nebraska, FSN
11:30 a .m.: Oklahoma State at Baylor, Versus
11:30 a.m.: Colorado at Kansas State, FCS
2:30 p.m.: Oklahoma at Kansas, ABC
7 p.m.: Texas at Missouri, ABC
Greghall24@yahoo.com and Twitter/greghall24
It was hairy baboon-ass ugly, but it is a Chiefs victory
Posted
10-19-09
“How low can they go?”
Headline in the Washington Post, following the ‘Skins’ 14-6 loss to the Chiefs
GH: Apparently, when an NFL team loses to the Chiefs, it is a calamitous event. Almost every national and local sports pundit immediately predicted Jim Zorn would be fired this week. One Washington Post columnist called the loss the ‘Skins 50-year low point. Read on.
“Rock Bottomless”
Headline for sports writer Thomas Boswell’s column in the Washington Post
GH: I am glad the Chiefs won and broke the voodoo hex of losing. But this team is rotten and trying to watch them each Sunday is becoming more difficult than avoiding making eye contact with those homeless panhandlers on the Interstate exits.
“I don’t know what’s worse; watching the Washington Nationals play the Kansas City Royals or watching the Washington Redskins play the Kansas City Chiefs. Watching paint dry was more exciting than watching this football game.”
John Seibel, ESPN Radio
GH: Seibel could use some work on eliminating his clichés but we get the point. To those who cover MLB and the NFL, Kansas City has become synonymous with professional sports futility. For lack of a better term, it pretty much sucks.
“With less than four minutes to play in FedEx Field, the sparse remains of the Redskins crowd stood as one. And they did nothing. They did not cheer. They did not exhort their team to block a long field goal by a Kansas City rookie named Ryan Succop, the final player picked in the last NFL draft, which would put the awful Chiefs, losers of 28 of their previous 30 games, ahead 9-6. The crowd did not boo, either. Instead, in a sight I can never remember at a sporting event, the fans spontaneously shared a moment of silence, a communal mortification, as they stood witness to the bleakest moment -- all factors considered -- in the history of the Redskins franchise.”
Thomas Boswell, columnist, Washington Post
GH: Not quite what Lamar Hunt had in mind I would guess.
“How ‘bout these Chiefs?! Well, we can’t all be the best, but sometimes it’s just comforting to know you’re not the worst.”
Lance Veeser, KSHB TV 41
GH: I think I smell a 2010 slogan for Trace Atkins.
“I went through this in Tampa. This is not a good thing. I made a mistake and I acquiesced to that. I think if you're Jim Zorn, you have to say, 'Hey, I'm in charge of this team on the field. If I'm not, then get rid of me.’ ”
Tony Dungy, on reports that Zorn has agreed to give up calling plays in order to remain the ‘Skins head coach, NBC
GH: If you’re Jim Zorn, you do what you need to do to stay employed. Maybe Zorn agrees that he’s not able to handle both the OC and HC roles. Wouldn’t that be refreshing?
‘Tamba Hali is the hardest worker on that field right now.”
Danan Hughes, Metro Sports
GH: There are some bright spots on this team. Few. Very few. But Hali is one of them. The defense, overall, looked improved. But this was the Redskins and they are JaMarcus bad.
“The thing I’m really impressed with is the (Chiefs’) defense. I think the defense is playing way better than we give them credit for.”
Frank Boal, 810 AM
“We have seen some of the worst quarterback play (in the NFL) this year. It has been just unbelievable!”
Roger Twibell, 610 AM
GH: On a day when it appeared that every fantasy QB was having a career day, we were reminded that good quarterback play is not a given. Todd Clipboard Collins? Talk about Mr. Irrelevant.
“There are some really bad teams out there, folks.”
Roger Twibell, 610 AM
GH: Jack Harry had predicted earlier this season that the Chiefs would not notch their first win until November. (He also predicted a win Sunday so he had his bets covered). Steven St. John was thinking it might be December. This win, as ugly as we thought it would be, is at least a chance to get that 22-guys-off-the-street monkey off Haley’s back. Hopefully.
“The defense, as far as I’m concerned, in doing a whole lot itself without a whole lot of players.”
Frank Boal, 810 AM
GH: Boal is high on the coaching staff, which appears to me to be as unstable as the offensive line’s roster. Read on.
“When a lot of your plays on defense are being made by a lot of guys who are not going to be here when this team becomes successful, it’s not quite as encouraging.”
Danny Clinkscale, 810 AM
“I’ll tell you what about Todd Haley and his staff. You can say what you want about Todd Haley and his staff but this team is well coached.”
Frank Boal, 810 AM
GH: Well coached with a 1-5 record? That appears to me to be an Albert Haynesworth-size leap of faith by Boal to me. Maybe Frank is gunning for Bob Gretz’s old gig with the Chiefs.
“I see a tremendous lack of talent.”
Frank Boal, 810 AM
GH: I also see a rookie coach who fired his OC and continues to make odd in-game decisions that would haunt even the most talented of teams.
“Larry Johnson is back and reports of his demise were greatly exaggerated.”
Brad Porter, Metro Sports
GH: Johnson had 83 yards in 23 carries for a 3.6 average. Holthus made a point to tell listeners that Johnson had “over 60 yards late in the third quarter.” I would argue that this proves LJ ain’t what he used to be when we hear this kind of praise for a rather pedestrian day. But I was in the minority in critiquing Johnson. Read on.
“I think Larry Johnson played great today. I thought Larry Johnson looked like his old self.”
Frank Boal, 810 AM
“It was Johnson's most impressive performance of the season. He looked like his old self, even despite not getting into the end zone.”
Kent Babb, Kansas City Star
“Larry Johnson is not through.”
Len Dawson, Chiefs Radio
GH: Dawson’s comment was interesting because it was not in response to anything but popular opinion. There sure isn’t anyone on the Chiefs Radio Network dissing “The Centaur” (which is still the worst nickname in the history of Kansas City sports).
“I wonder if (the Chiefs) would like that decision to go for it on fourth down back now.”
Mitch Holthus, as the game remained close late and revisiting Haley’s decision to forego a first-quarter field goal, Chiefs Radio
GH: Kudos to Holthus for dropping this nugget into his play-by-play. It sounded a lot like an original unscripted thought.
“Dwayne Bowe, it’s a mixed bag with him. He dropped three or four passes. Two of them huge plays. I thought he played okay.”
Frank Boal, 810 AM
GH: Bowe is frustrating but he is still the one guy on the team that can deliver a big play. I like the guy and root for him to break out every week. If I were Haley I’d tell him to play the game like he did when he was a kid – including the “Bowe Show.” We have so little else to look forward to we may as well let the big kid dance.
“I’m really not happy about this win because the Chiefs didn’t really impress me.”
Caller Brian, 810 AM
GH: These kind of fans need to get a life or a brand new Titans jersey. The Chiefs are not going to impress anybody for a long while. But enjoy each and every win because they are rare in this town.
“The Chiefs are going to have issues here (at Arrowhead) in the future with games being blacked out. My understanding is that they’ve got some games where they have only sold 43- or 44-thousand tickets.”
Roger Twibell, 610 AM
GH: It is coming, as sure as winter. The scariest issue for the Chiefs is that this team is so hard to watch that many fans will not notice/care about the blackout.
“When is the last time a player of that caliber got traded?”
Dan Dierdorf, on the Jared Allen trade, CBS
GH: It is difficult for me to watch the Vikings’ games and see Allen excite the crowd and make game-changing plays. He is the one guy this city could have rallied behind and rooted for despite the losses. Tamba Hali just doesn’t do it for me or the ticket sellers.
“People have been so patient through all the travails today.”
Danny Clinkscale, on the numerous technical difficulties the WHB postgame show encountered Sunday afternoon, 810 AM
GH: I counted at least six times that 810’s Chiefs’ postgame show dropped off the air. Clink and Boal eventually bolted from their remote and headed back to their studio to complete the show glitch free. It gave listeners a chance to switch over to 610, where they had their first Chiefs’ postgame show in a month. Unfortunately, it was manned by their weakest on-air personality. Read on.
“The Chiefs have now defeated the Washington Redskins five times in a row. Whatever it is, the Chiefs seem to have the mark of the Washington Redskins. They just can’t play them often enough.”
Roger Twibell, 610 AM
GH: That’s what’s wrong with the Chiefs, they just haven’t played the ‘Skins often enough.
Greghall24@yahoo.com and Twitter/greghall24
Chiefs vs. Washington: This could be hairy baboon-ass ugly
Posted
10-13-09
“I actually felt good about Matt Cassel for the first time all season.”
Cowboy Cory Anderson, on Cassel’s play against the Cowboys and especially his game-tying drive during the final two minutes in regulation, 610 AM
GH: Cassel took shot after shot from the Dallas defense but showed toughness and leadership in pulling his hot-off-the-waiver-wire Chiefs into a game-tying drive in the last two minutes against the vaunted Cowboys. He looks like someone this franchise can build a team around and maybe even begin to dream with.
“Frankly I was stunned that the Chiefs were able to come back on that final drive.”
Brad Porter, Metro Sports
“This team has got to remember that (game-tying) drive and what they are capable of doing.”
Len Dawson, Chiefs Radio Network
“Obviously there are a lot of great things to take out of the game starting with that last drive in the last two minutes.”
Bill Maas, 610 AM
“If there is one good thing to come out of that game (Sunday) it is the play of Matt Cassel.”
Jack Harry, KSHB TV 41
GH: Is he worth $60 mill? Probably not. But he is ours for the next decade and so we may as well root for this baby-faced kid from SoCal to be the one. Maybe we should nickname him Neo.
“When I saw Len Dawson at halftime carrying that Super Bowl trophy, I think it’s just a mirage. I don’t know if it still exists for us anymore. After a loss like this the pain and suffering just continue.”
Richard Baldinger, reporting live following the Chiefs’ OT loss to Dallas, Metro Sports
GH: Baldinger ripped into the weakness of the Chiefs and his frustrations about his former team in his postgame report while standing in the bowels of Arrowhead just outside the Chiefs’ locker room where the Chiefs’ brass and even PR personnel were in full view and earshot. Not a lot of people in the media would have the stomach to be so bold and frank in the lair of the bear.
“Just keep grinding. He didn’t take over an undefeated football team you know.”
Dick Vermeil, when asked what advice he had for Todd Haley, Metro Sports
GH: Coach Verm gets a shot in on his successor, Coach Herm.
“(Larry Johnson) has worked hard. People need to respect that. …He’s about to bust out.”
Mitch Holthus, predicting Larry Johnson is about to get on a roll, 810 AM
GH: Respect is not a work that fits in a sentence that contains Larry Johnson. LJ elicits more differing opinions than maybe any other Chiefs’ player. Is he washed up (as I believe) or as good as ever (as Vermeil and Holthus believe)? I think Haley is about ready to sit LJ next to DJ.
“He loves being on the show. He’s not going to say a whole lot.”
Mitch Holthus, promoting Larry Johnson’s appearance in his Chiefs Kingdom radio show Monday night on the Chiefs Radio Network, 810 AM
GH: Does Larry know it’s a radio show? Does he love being on the show to listen to Mitch talk nice about him? LJ’s time is up. He is a punk and people like Holthus who continue to jam this malcontent down the fans’ throats should be embarrassed. Send him somewhere else to beat up women and write hate-filled rap songs about the people who pay him millions.
“I really think that once they win a game this thing could suddenly really start popping.”
Mitch Holthus, 810 AM
GH: Holthus needs to tone down the hype. He is starting to sound about as credible as a Grigsby radio ad.
“This team is not consistent. We’ve seen this team kind of evolve from a one step forward, two steps back to a two steps forward, one steps back. Now they’re kind of in the realm of one step forward, half a step back.”
Danan Hughes, Metro Sports
GH: One thing that is consistent is that Danan Hughes will confuse the hell out of you if you listen to him even for a short while. I thought Brad Porter was going to break out singing Cotton Eyed Joe and Jayice bust out a dosey doe dance during Danan’s two-step, one-step, half-step rap.
“What will be interesting is what comes out next week (in Washington). So now where do they go? This team keeps on trying. They’ve gone through a lot of stress with the job pressures and whatnot. They need to come together as a team. They need a victory. And start seeing some efforts pay off.”
Bill Maas, 610 AM
“They Chiefs/Redskins – is that like when the Royals play interleague against the Pirates?”
Cowboy Cory Anderson, 610 AM
“If they want to get more than two wins, they have to beat Washington this Sunday.”
Chris Hamblin, 610 AM
GH: The Chiefs are 0-5 and have lost 28 of 30. They are not going on the road to get their first win. This game might break all records of ugly on Sunday. We are talking hairy baboon-ass ugly.
“Kansas City could be that same way (as Denver). We could have three wins. That’s the difference where Kansas City is and where Denver is. It’s not so much a talent standpoint but just the luck of the draw. Take care of the little things and find a way to win. The Denver Broncos now believe they’re good. It doesn’t matter if they are or not, they believe they are. But the season is still young though, and sometimes those things can fizzle out and when they do you are who you are.”
Bill Maas, 610 AM
GH: You are who you are. Let’s hope Billy Bob avoids that fate.
“You know what I got from that (Cowboys/Chiefs) game? I got shoved down my throat in buckets that Texas is cooler than Kansas City! Clark Hunt, our owner, was making a loud and powerful statement that Texas is cooler than Kansas City!”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
GH: KK spends a great deal of his show hating. Children are taught in sixth grade that you are the only person who can formulate an opinion of value of your personal worth. What others say and think is merely static. Texans have a swagger that we should emulate rather than envy.
Greghall24@yahoo.com and Twitter/greghall24
With one in reach, Chiefs refuse to grab a victory
Posted
10-12-09
“I was really happy to be in Arrowhead Stadium (Sunday). I was sorry to see all the empty seats but that’s what the economy does, that’s what losing does. Our wines will be in the local liquor stores soon.”
Dick Vermeil, 610 AM
GH: I don’t think Vermeil realized what a delicious sound bite he was leaving me when he uttered the above comment. Things might be rough considering the economy and the hapless Chiefs, but fret not. Dick’s wine will be available soon locally to drown your sorrows!
“All I know is that the Chiefs can’t win. They’ve lost 28 out 30 games. You run out of ways to describe it. I don’t think there are any words to accurately describe how pathetic that is. Two and 28. That is unbelievable!”
Steven St. John, 810 AM
GH: Hello. Is this the number to Berbiglia’s?
“If you don’t win that game (Sunday), I don’t know if you can win a game this year. To me, Dallas did not want to win the football game. They did not want to be there.”
Roger Twibell, 980 AM
GH: Dallas wanted to win and from the way they celebrated their OT victory, you’d have thought they just clocked the Steelers. Jerry Jones and his posse were dancing near their suite seats like it was 1962. Lamar would have not been happy with this one – despite the throwbacks and all the AFL references.
“This has been billed as ‘The Game That Never Was.’”
Joe Buck, Fox
GH: After all of Kevin Kietzman’s bluster about the Texans throwback uniforms and how no one tuning in would even know that was the Chiefs out there, the Texans looked an awful lot like the Chiefs. Sure the lids were different but my kids didn’t even notice it until the second quarter.
“The umpire Bill Schuster left (the game). …Umpire Bill Schuster is back, right in the middle of the action.”
Joe Buck, after Schuster was injured and then returned to the game, Fox
GH: This officiating crew might have been older than the news hounds on 60 Minutes. Do we really need out-of-shape 60-year-old men getting in the way of some the best athletes on the planet?
“Dallas desperately needs a win. You could say the same for the Chiefs.”
Joe Buck, Fox
GH: Let’s get the NSS Award out of the way early in this column.
“I am sick and f-ing tired of Derrick Johnson doing wind sprints on the sideline and never getting in the game. And that’s not on Derrick Johnson.”
Nick Wright, 610 AM
“To me when you have a gifted athlete like (Derrick Johnson) is, you find a place and you get him on the field. I really just don’t have the answer (why he isn’t playing).”
Dick Vermeil, 610 AM
GH: Can DJ really be that bad that? He’s a free agent at the end of this season, why not play him and trade him?
“(Larry Johnson) needs to run a little harder than what we have seen so far. When you get down in that territory you need to out your head down and run.”
Troy Aikman, Fox
“I’ve watched it. I’ve studied it. Larry Johnson has everything he ever had. His weight is down. His attitude is good. He just needs some space to run.”
Dick Vermeil, 610 AM
GH: Dick may have hit the wine bottle once too often before this comment. If he thinks LJ is the same LJ with the diapers on he is sadly mistaken. This LJ is sporting a long white beard, a cane and a hankering to go down on first contact.
“This team is at a crossroads and I think you’re going to see the brunt of it come out this weekend.”
Bill Maas, prior to the Cowboys/Chiefs game, 610 AM
GH: Maas could have made this statement about either the Chiefs or Cowboys. Dallas did not look anything like a team that was about to make a move toward the Giants. The Chiefs looked like they always do, a team unable to take advantage of almost a gift-wrapped opportunity for victory.
“The coach is responsible for knowing what you can and cannot challenge.”
Troy Aikman, Fox
GH: Does Whitten know the rules about what can be reviewed and what cannot better than Haley? The camera shot of Whitten arguing with Haley and his former receivers coach was funny.
“A double reverse. That didn’t go anywhere.”
Joe Buck, Fox
GH: That might be the first double reverse I have seen run since my days as a cornerback for the South Omaha Eagles, when we played out games at Boys Town. We fired Chan Gailey for this?
“You run those type of (double reverse) plays because you feel a defense is overly aggressive or you feel you’re overmatched. And I don’t think Dallas’ defense is overly aggressive.”
Troy Aikman, Fox
“I’d say Romo is the most polarizing and scrutinized figure in all of professional football.”
Troy Aikman, Fox
GH: Troy needs to get out of Texas more often. Has he ever heard the name Brett Favre? Romo is about 10th on that list.
“Goddamit Bradley, you should know that!”
Todd Haley, chastising his wide out as he came off the field, Fox
GH: Haley screamed at Bradley and Bowe more than once but neither receiver stopped to converse. I believe Haley’s penchant for in-game yelling is beginning to sound like white noise to the players.
“Todd Haley said (Vrabel) is better than any tight end we have on our squad.”
Troy Aikman, Fox
GH: No surprise here. He’s probably our best offensive tackle, too.
“Things got a little bit ugly on the Dallas sideline before halftime. I heard players use words like ‘joke’ and ‘embarrassing.’”
Pam Oliver, sideline reporter, Fox
“If they (the Cowboys) don’t win this game going away, I won’t acknowledge them for a week! They’ll win this game going away!”
Jimmy Johnson, with the Cowboys down 10-3 at the half, Fox
GH: The Chiefs get less respect than the Jamaican bobsled team. It is now an embarrassment to even trail our team at halftime. Clark? Are you watching this stuff?
“I don’t think it’s a good commonsense head coaching decision to make. To boil it down to one play I think would have been a mistake.”
Dick Vermeil, when asked of the Chiefs should have gone for two instead of choosing to go to overtime, 610 AM
GH: Good commonsense has nothing to do with this Chiefs’ team. If you can win a game by moving the ball two yards, take the chance.
“And let’s hope Haley goes for two the next time he’s 3 yards from victory.”
Jason Whitlock, Kansas City Star
GH: If this is JW’s only error this season, he’s had a good one.
“Maurice Leggett should be released tomorrow. I Twittered that before he gave up the game-winning touchdown. He is not an NFL cornerback. Twice he missed tackles that an average or below average cornerback makes. If Todd Haley is going to make an example of any player and show that you must perform for this football team, Maurice Leggett should be released in about 15 minutes.”
Steven St. John, 810 AM
“There are a lot of Cowboy fans in the stadium.”
Len Dawson, Chiefs Radio Network
GH: I cannot remember the opposing team choosing to incite the Arrowhead crowd in an effort to get their fans to make more noise. Clark, you watching what I’m watching?
“Wait until Pittsburgh plays here.”
Steven St. John, to a caller complaining about the number of Cowboy fans at Arrowhead, 810 AM
GH: November 22nd. Write it down. The day there will be more fans inside Arrowhead rooting for the opposition than the Chiefs. It will be the Chiefs’ last stand. The day Arrowhead surrendered. Clark? Clark!!
Greghall24@yahoo.com and Twitter/greghall24
It was a mess of punts, penalties and Pinkel
Posted
10-9-09
“Five inches of rain fell on that field yesterday.”
Gary Lezak, 810 AM
GH: Everything, and I mean EVERYTHING that we saw, heard and remember from the Nebraska comeback win in Columbia Thursday night should be prefaced with this statement. The constant, unrelenting torrent of rain that pelted the players and spectators for four quarters changed this game from a marquee matchup into an utter mess of punts, penalties and Pinkel.
“There are bold coaches and there are old coaches. There are no old bold coaches.”
Lou Holtz, on Pinkel’s bold decision to run Gabbert on the final play of the half instead of the safer field goal try, ESPN
GH: Gabbert scored so it looks like Pinkel made the right call. He did not. I’m not against passing on the field goal in favor of the touchdown but why have your one-legged quarterback carry the ball? He barely made it in and fumbled into the end zone. This call almost sealed Pink’s reputation as a bold but not bright game day coach.
“Is that an athlete or what?”
Craig James, on Ndamukong Suh picking off a Gabbert pass from his nose tackle position, ESPN
GH: Suh is an All-Pro nose tackle who just happens to be spending his rookie season in the Big 12. He is the reason Nebraska won this game and probably a few more this season.
“If the Chiefs draft (Suh), they’ll ruin him.”
Tim Grunhard, 810 AM
GH: Gulp. I wish I could disagree.
Chris Fowler: “I guarantee you there is a beer in their future after putting up with this weather.”
Craig James: “And in their past.”
GH: The Mizzou and NU fans who sat through this one should get free Buds and Shakespeare’s pizza for the rest of the month. BTW: Didn’t those slices of Shakes look damn good in HD about 10:30 last night?
Jesse Palmer: “The best throw of the night by Zac Lee! The rain has stopped, the ball is dry, and it shows!”
Chris Fowler: “The rain is back, actually.”
GH: Jesse Palmer didn’t have a great night as an ESPN analyst. Was he also the Huskers’ deep snapper -- or was that Steve Sax?
“What does the one point do for you?”
Jesse Palmer, agreeing with Pelini’s decision to go for two when NU was up 13-12, ESPN
GH: For starters, the one point is more than none. Pelini looks to be just as deficient at when to go for two as Pinkel. He went for two twice! Once from eight yards deep! Do you think Bo would have liked to have that one point when he was nursing a 20-12 lead and Gabbert had his Tigers driving for a potentially tying score?
“These Missouri players don’t feel respected.”
Jesse Palmer, ESPN
GH: Palmer repeated this statement a number of times throughout the game. Really? Beat Kansas and win a Big 12 title. That’ll help.
“I think Gabbert is every bit as good as Chase Daniel.”
Cowboy Cory Anderson, 610 AM
GH: Gabbert is going to be very good. Maybe NFL first-round-draft-pick good. But he ain’t Chase Daniel – not yet and not by a long shot. People forget too quickly how sensational Chase Daniel was while at Mizzou. With the field position the Tigers enjoyed, Daniel would have scored 30 on NU Thursday night in the first half.
“That might be the best defensive front you see all season.”
Mike Kelly, Tiger Radio Network
GH: NU’s front four is good without Suh. With Suh they could play in the AFC West.
“This is what it is. I don’t know if they can get this offensive line fixed. It’s not good guys.”
Gabe DeArmond, 810 AM
GH: NU’s front four are very good. Let’s get a look at MU’s offensive line against some guys not named Suh before we bury them.
“This is a well conditioned defensive line.”
Craig James, on Nebraska’s four-man front, with 5:30 left in the game, ESPN
GH: I was amazed at the effort the Nebraska defensive front continued to exert even late into the fourth quarter. Try blasting into a 300-pound man and then chasing a guy for 10-20 yards at full speed – almost every play. They never seemed to tire.
“I don’t know, Erin. You’ll be the first to know.”
Bo Pelini, when asked by Erin Andrews if following the win he would be giving the defensive starters Blackshirts, ESPN
“The better team won. The more mentally tough team won. I don’t want to hear any excuses.”
Steven St. John, 810 AM
“I think Pinkel made the right choice (in playing Gabbert on an injured ankle). It’s just unfortunate he couldn’t go full speed.”
Stan Weber, 810 AM
GH: I disagree. Gabbert was obviously not full speed after Suh rolled his ankle for him on the game’s second series. Mizzou had multiple opportunities to put the game out of reach early but failed to do so. Gabbert is talented but he can’t be expected to run the option and dodge Suh and his teammates on one leg. If Gabbert’s backup, Jimmy Costello, is that bad, Pinkel screwed up when he was recruiting quarterbacks the past two seasons.
“This is a very normal part of big-time college football. You’re not going to worsen the injury but you’re going to take the pain away.”
Stan Weber, on reports that Gabbert took an injection into his injured ankle on the sideline during the game, 810 AM
GH: Weber has no idea if Gabbert was in jeopardy of doing additional damage to his injury. Pain is the body’s way of telling us to stop doing whatever we’re doing. Getting shot up on the sideline is now part of “big-time college football?” I thought that relegated to Billy Clyde Puckett and North Dallas 40 stuff. Tim Grunhard commented on Friday morning that he had never seen nor heard of a player getting a shot up for an injury on the sideline during a game.
“Blaine Gabbert looked a little bit tight. He has been praised for his poise but he looked a little bit tight down the stretch in that one.”
Josh Klingler, 610 AM
GH: Tight? The guy was working on one leg and being chased by General Patton! Gabbert almost brought the Tigers back for the game-tying score late in the fourth quarter. Yeah, he tossed a couple of picks but he showed me more heart than I knew he had. He is going to be great.
“This team’s goal should be 8-3 going into the game against Kansas at Arrowhead. To have any shot at the Big 12 North title this team has to go into Stillwater next week and win. If in a couple of weeks Missouri is sitting there at 4-3, Missouri fans are going to be wanting to jump off a bridge. I’m just telling you; get ready to be 4-3.”
Gabe DeArmond, 810 AM
“If we’ve reached the point in Missouri football where 8-4 is a rebuilding year, I think that’s pretty good.”
Gabe DeArmond, 810 AM
GH: 8-4 sounds much better than it really is. With today’s ridiculously push-over non-con schedules, almost every BCS school builds in three automatic wins into their final record. Both Nebraska and Mizzou have three of these no-count wins on their current record. A team’s conference record and other BCS games are what bowl bids should be based on.
“Mizzou folks like to make a big deal out of Nebraskans being farmers and all that. They had T-shirts made up making fun of Nebraska's rural roots. I always get a kick out of that. Missourians forget who they are sometimes. Last night I got in the elevator with a big ol' Missouri lineman. He said, ‘You ready for the rain tomorrow?’ When I nodded, he said, ‘I'm more concerned about the freeze coming on Sunday. That could hurt our soy bean crop.’ ”
Tom Shatel, sportswriter and Mizzou grad, Omaha World Herald
Notes:
- What the hell was Mizzou receiver, Danario Alexander, doing crying on the Mizzou sideline in the fourth quarter? I was rooting for the Huskers but this scene made me want to slap the dude! Where is Dan Hawkins when you need him? This is the Big 12, brother! This is Division 1 football! It ain’t intramurals! I was embarrassed for Alexander in that he wasn’t embarrassed enough to put a towel over his tears.
- Matt Holliday’s drop in left field for the Cardinals in the ninth coupled with Mizzou’s late-game loss, gave a lot of Missourians their worst night’s sleep since Don Denkinger.
- It is time for Mizzou to get rid of the rocks and grassy knoll and put in some seats in that end zone. The ESPN shot of the people sitting on those rocks had me thinking we look like we live in Appalachia.
- John Hamm of Mad Men is a Mizzou grad? Very, very cool! Columbia can now claim two of Hollywood’s best-looking guys as alums with Hamm and Brad Pitt.
- Zac Lee looks a tad nuts with his Joker-like grins and sticking his tongue out on the sideline. I’m not sure that dude is all there.
Pinkel was frustrated with Derrick Washington’s tendency to run east/west and not square his pads and head downfield. He was spotted screaming and gesturing at D-Wash to take the run up field. I am still concerned about Washington’s health. He does not look right.
Greghall24@yahoo.com and Twitter/greghall24
Can Chiefs beat Cowboys? And KK comments sound like those of a child
Posted
10-8-09
“Hey, this isn’t a gimmee (win for Dallas). This team is confused and this team is a mess right now. I am ready to come to Kansas City and watch and see with great interest what happens.”
Randy Galloway, sports columnist for the Fort Worth Star Telegram and ESPN commentator, 810 AM
GH: It is throwback Sunday at Arrowhead where the Dallas Texans will take on the Dallas Cowboys. Is this the week Scott Todd’s Chiefs get their first win the National Football League? Galloway’s not the only one who thinks the Cowboys might get de-horsed. Read on.
“I think there might be a chance (for a Chiefs’ win) this week. I really do. I think Dallas has a chance to shoot themselves in the foot.”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
“I think they have a chance to win the football game this weekend.”
Frank Boal, 810 AM
“I am picking the Chiefs to beat Dallas.”
Nate Bukaty, 810 AM
“The only way the Chiefs win this game is if the Cowboys give it to them. Dallas doesn’t even have to throw the football to beat the Chiefs.”
Jeff Chadiha, 810 AM
GH: Is Chadiha the voice of reason amongst these chirps of optimism? This one might be close, considering the weather and Denver’s ability to stifle Romo’s offense. But this would still be a huge upset and a win for KC that would go a long way in healing the wounds of this franchise that seem to widen each week.
“I’ll tell you this – (Chiefs’) ownership in Dallas is going to be foaming at the mouth for this one. They’d like to win this game Sunday probably more than any other this year.”
Mitch Holthus, 810 AM
GH: Clark Hunt just doesn’t strike me as a foaming-at-the-mouth kind of guy. He’s about 20 games late with the lather from my count.
“I am going to go with (Matt) Cassel. I think Romo’s got a fairly good amount of athletic talent but I think Cassel has more of the ‘it’ factor than Romo.”
Bob Glauber, NFL writer for New York Newsday / ESPN2, when asked who he would choose as his QB between Romo and Cassel, 810 AM
GH: Cassel needs to have a good game – soon. Like Sunday.
“The quarterback (of the Chiefs) is set up to fail here and if he’s got no support from his coach, it’s going to make it even worse.”
Nate Bukaty, 810 AM
“Everybody celebrated that Romo dropped Jessica Simpson but I think Jessica’s the smart one. Her butt might be getting bigger but his brain isn’t getting any bigger.”
Soren Petro, 810 AM
GH: Romo came out of nowhere (an almost unknown QB out of Eastern Illinois) to become a name even my wife recognizes. He has almost just as quickly dissolved into an overrated has-been. The Chiefs’ defense though, has been known for reviving even the most average of quarterback’s careers.
“The (Chiefs’) offense just looks confused. It’s like; we’ll try this, we’ll try that.”
Bill Maas, 610 AM
“I don’t think the fans realize how bad the (Chiefs’) drafting and player procurement has been over the last few years.”
Kevin Harlan, 810 AM
GH: I think the fans understand very well how poorly the Chiefs’ have drafted and acquired players over the past decade. Check out those Trace Atkins ads and the Chiefs’ marketing blitz if you don’t think the Chiefs haven’t noticed their fan base dwindling.
“They hired a 32-year-old kid named Nick Caserio in New England to replace (Pioli). Now if he was that valuable, why would they do that? It’s not like (Pioli) was irreplaceable. And if he’s not irreplaceable, then he shouldn’t be making the kind of money he’s making and acting the way he is acting.”
Jeff Chadiha, 810 AM
GH: Whoa! Chadiha doesn’t appear to be all that impressed with Pioli. Whitlock is on record saying he’s the biggest ego he has ever encountered. Publicly, Pioli has been able to hide whatever these two media veterans have experienced. I can handle a big ego who wins. Remember Carl Peterson during his first 10 years? What doesn’t work is an inflated ego that loses. Remember Carl Peterson his last 10 years?
“I saw the fight in the west end zone. That was just a brutal fight!”
Frank Boal, talking with Tim Grunhard about what they perceive as an increase in violence in the stands at Arrowhead this season, 810 AM
“There was a fight right in front of us at about the 40-yard line. It was embarrassing to watch.”
Tim Grunhard, 810 AM
GH: Have the Chiefs’ losing ways spilled over into escalating violence in the stands? I will never understand being over the age of 25 and getting shitfaced to watch your favorite football team play. It’s Brady Morningstar stupid.
“I’m stuck for four more years. I made a five-year commitment to them. I have to pay 10% of my income to get out of (my Chiefs’ season ticket package) and I’m considering it.”
Soren Petro, 810 AM
GH: How many of those five-year commitment plans do you think the Chiefs will sell this off-season? Might be time for Clark to get a reality check on the value of the product he is selling.
“I’m going to go out there (to Arrowhead) Sunday with my kids and I don’t care if I’m treated like the next Brett Favre or a custodian. I’d just like to see a decent damn product on the field that we haven’t seen yet this year.”
Tim Grunhard, 810 AM
“If we were 4-0 would we be hearing any of this conversation? Are they being treated poorly or just differently?”
Soren Petro, on the complaints from ex-Chiefs about the way they are being dismissed by the Scott Todd regime, 810 AM
“I think Todd Haley gets angry at players for getting injured. I think this kind of fits into what Todd Haley’s character’s been. He kind of blames the guys for getting hurt.”
Kent Babb, 810 AM
GH: I will never understand this archaic coaching philosophy. If a guy is hurt, I don’t want him on the field. That’s why you have subs. Embarrassing a player because they’re injured is from the days they didn’t allow heaters on the sideline. So far, I don’t see much Bud Grant in Haley.
“I think there is a fun-natured guy in there somewhere.”
Kurtis Seaboldt, on Haley’s gruff demeanor, 810 AM
GH: Fun natured? The hang-dogged Haley makes Eeyore look cheery.
“22 guys off the street doesn’t mean 22 guys off the street. It means 22 guys not on an NFL roster.”
Soren Petro, 810 AM
GH: So now Petro is defining for us what Haley meant in a quote that none of us heard. I think 22 guys off the street means 22 guys inside Minsky’s.
“I think a lot (of this flu talk) is psychological. Get your butt out of bed and get to school! I literally kick my kids out the door every morning.”
Tim Grunhard, on the talk that the flu epidemic that is crippling some high school, college and professional teams, 810 AM
GH: Let’s hope Grunhard is kept far away from the nurse’s office at Bishop Miege.
“We’re going to wear throwback announcer gear. We are going to hopefully be in 1960’s garb. …It’s all about Mad Men.”
Mitch Holthus, saying he and Lenny will be dressed like Mad Men extras at Arrowhead on Sunday, 810 AM
GH: With the Chiefs wearing Dallas Texans’ gear, will the fans show up wearing those Lamar Hunt horn-rimmed glasses and white short-sleeved shirts? What did a fight in the stands look like in 1962?
“Scot Pollard was on the offensive. He wanted to fight me! There’s no question he was on the offensive.”
Kevin Kietzman, after he and the former KU basketballer verbally jousted on his Wednesday show, 810 AM
GH: I did not hear KK break the controversial story/nonstory about Markieff Morris’ auto accident in a car previously owned by Pollard. The written report was altered or removed from 810’s website following Pollard’s call. 810 did not replay it during the 6:00 PM Bonus Hour or post a .wav file on their website. I would assume from these actions that KK isn’t too proud of this one.
“We know people who can look this kind of stuff up. There’s no record anywhere of Tyshawn Taylor ever owning that car.”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
GH: How in the hell would KK know if there is no written record of Taylor owning that car? This statement alone should have K-State asking KK to return his J-School degree.
“It comes with the territory. I can’t tell you how many times we put stories on the air and it evolves into, ‘kill the messenger.’ All I hear is it’s my fault.”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
GH: KK is just the messenger, guys. Don’t pick on him for reporting stories he just happens to be reading on the air. He’s just a reporter of the day’s events. He reports, we decide.
“I have no dog in the fight. I am not on anybody’s side.”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
GH: KK repeated this phrase at least thrice. Please child, how daft do we look?
“I don’t watch the TV show, The Office.”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
GH: That’s what she said. Who doesn’t watch The Office? Pam and Jim tie the knot tonight in Scranton but my eyeballs will be fixed on the happenings at Faurot Field. Thank God for ESPN and DVRs.
Greghall24@yahoo.com and Twitter/greghall24
MU vs. NU: The real season starts now
Posted
10-7-09
“Now the season starts. Right now. That’s the way I look at it. It’s time to put the foot on the gas pedal and go.”
Bo Pelini, Nebraska’s head coach, on going to Columbia this Thursday, Omaha World Herald
“This series has had the makings of a great rivalry: history, classic games, memorable performances, wacky endings, bordering states and fans who won’t be singing “kumbaya’’ at the campfire anytime soon. Rivalry? Yes. Missouri has Kansas, of course, but MU’s heartbreaking losses to NU over the years have led to an intense bitterness toward the Big Red.”
Tom Shatel, columnist, Omaha World Herald
“Since losing Oklahoma, Nebraska has had many paper rivals, but this one has a chance to stick. It’s not choreographed, like Colorado. This one’s got hard-hitting and emotional history, complete with accusations of cheap shots. The fans have never liked each other, for whatever reason. Which seems to be a good definition of a rivalry. Just because. All that’s been missing are competitive games annually in which the two teams collide for something they both want very much. That, Huskers and Tigers, is about to change. I truly believe that the Missouri-Nebraska rivalry is about to blossom, mature, combust and boil over.”
Tom Shatel, columnist, Omaha World Herald
GH: The past two seasons it has been Nebraska who has been guilty of showing up with little game and no answer for Mizzou’s many weapons. After two consecutive beat downs, are the Huskers truly back to the defending North champ’s level or have the black and gold slipped a notch? NU is better than last season and Mizzou not quite as good. But how Vegas has the ‘Skers favored at Faurot is anybody’s guess.
“Unbelievable. I mean really unbelievable! Nebraska comes in as a three-point favorite! If you look at what each team has done this year, it really doesn’t make a lot of sense. …Missouri has been in cruise control getting ready for this game.”
Nick Wright, 610 AM
GH: That straight-line N on the helmet must still sway much of the betting public’s opinion. Anyone who paid attention the past two years watched Mizzou dominate Callahan’s and then Pelini’s Huskers. It is a new season but many of those same trampled-on Huskers will be in Columbia Thursday night. Some key Tiger players though, will not.
“I am shocked that Nebraska is favored. That’s just shocking! I think Missouri should win this game. I am shocked that Nebraska is favored!”
Dennis Dodd, 810 AM
GH: I am shocked that Dodd isn’t calling for NU to forfeit the rest of their games if they don’t beat Mizzou. Let me get this straight; Dodd said Nebraska would have a lot of explaining to do if they didn’t roll into top-10 ranked Va. Tech and win – but he’s shocked that the Big Red is favored in Columbia? Dennis Dull is the one who has some explaining to do.
“I like the fact that Nebraska is favored to win this game. Don’t you think that gives Mizzou some motivation?
Steven St. John, 810 AM
GH: Yes. But neither team will have a problem turning up the juice for this one.
“Only a drunkard intoxicated by the red brew that flows from Nebraska can dispute the Big 12 North Division’s recent shift in balance, tilting away from the Cornhusker state and toward Missouri.”
Dave Matter, columnist, on Mizzou being a home dog against NU, Columbia Tribune
GH: I know of few of these red-brew swilling drunkards and Matter is correct. Mizzou’s two consecutive North titles is evidence enough. Staying on top though, can be just as difficult as the climb. Kansas has yet to break through to play in the Big 12 title game but they expect to this “historic” season. Nebraska thinks they are ready but Mizzou could topple those hopes Thursday night. It should be one fun year in the North.
“I thing Vegas is looking at this game and thinking that once this game kicks off, Nebraska has a good in-game coach in Bo Pelini and Missouri has a dreadful in-game coach in Gary Pinkel.”
Nick Wright, 610 AM
GH: Pinkel needs to avoid another sideline blunder in this nationally televised game. If a coaching move costs his team the game, he will add credence to his growing legacy as simply a great recruiter who is a detriment on game day.
“I wish I would have taken the names of those knucklehead Missouri fans who wanted Gary Pinkel fired (in his early years in Columbia). It was the most vicious group of circling sharks I have ever seen around here regarding a college coach. It was vicious.”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
GH: What a drama queen KK is. How were MU fans any more vicious than NU fans after Frank Solich’s job? Or KU fans treatment of Roy Boy (which was totally justified in my mind)? Or KSU’s continued crucifixion of Ron Prince? Pinkel wasn’t getting the job done early on and his teams were not playing with the effort you would expect. He deserved the heat he was getting. The death of MU player Aaron O’Neal changed the man. He’s a better person and a better coach because of it.
“(Nebraska) has a guy on their team that other teams just don’t have. Ndamukong Suh is a freak of nature. He is such a dominant player against the run.”
Kevin Kietzman, on NU’s nose tackle, 810 AM
GH: During an off-season practice in the weight room at Nebraska this summer, a few linebackers were making fun of Suh’s girth. The linebackers were testing each other doing pull ups and they made the mistake of calling Suh, “Fatty.” He walked over to the group and asked what the record number of pull ups for the day was in the group. He was told 19. The 6-foot-4, 305-pound Suh ripped off 30 in front of the open-mouthed and much trimmer linebackers.
“In my mind, I’ve built Nebraska up into the most unbeatable football machine right now. To me they almost seem invincible. If Missouri were to win this game, that will be four out of the last four years they’ve beat Nebraska – and three in a row. That would be a big deal.”
Steven St. John, 810 AM
“Nebraska can win the North without winning this game but I don’t think Missouri can. …It’s pretty hard to think if you don’t beat Nebraska that you’re going to beat Oklahoma State and Texas.”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
GH: I agree that a Mizzou loss would be more damaging than a Huskers’ loss. You can’t drop big divisional conference games at home and hope to win the North.
“I like Missouri in this game on a couple of fronts. One, it’s at home and two, Gary Pinkel just knows how to beat Nebraska. …These are not great teams but chances are one of these teams is better than the other -- we just don’t know which.”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
GH: Pinkel’s record against Nebraska is 4-4 but he is riding a two game streak where his Tigers have trounced Nebraska both home and away. I don’t think Pinkel has any magic dust to neuter Nebraska. His last two teams have just been far superior. The team Pinkel brought to Lincoln three years ago was also a much more talented team than Nebraska, but Pinkel’s conservative offense cost him the win.
“You’re going to have a weather issue here (in Columbia). It’s going to rain all day and there is a chance of thunderstorms during the game. Missouri is definitely going to have to run the ball to win this game. They cannot put it all on Blaine Gabbert.”
Frank Boal, 810 AM
GH: Gary Lezak is calling for three inches of rain to fall in Columbia on game day. He also expects light rain to possible thunderstorms at kickoff. Let’s just hope the lightning stays away because any delay to this already late kickoff (8:00 pm CT) will have lots of kids (my young Mizzou fans included) checking out before halftime.
“What I wanted from Blaine was focus and improve each and every week. The first thing I look at is decision-making in terms of managing a game; how you handle yourself, the fundamentals, whether clock management or don’t take sacks. I’m pleased with that.”
Gary Pinkel, St. Louis Post-Dispatch
GH: Gabbert will be a focal point for the storyline of this game. His decision to jilt NU in favor of his home-state Tigers doesn’t seem to have riled the Red as much as Josh Freeman’s “Dear John” note. Gabbert has the advantage of playing his first big conference game at home. This should help his play immensely.
“Is it the scheme? You would like to see something where the running back takes the ball running toward the line of scrimmage and he just goes. The problem I’ve had with Missouri’s running game is that in another offense a bad running play will get you back to the line of scrimmage. In Missouri’s running game a bad play will lose you seven yards.”
Gabe DeArmond, on Mizzou’s running woes this season at Mizzou, 810 AM
“With new quarterback Blaine Gabbert taking over, an established tailback in Derrick Washington and a line with only one new face, there was no reason Mizzou's running game couldn't step out into the open this season. Only it hasn't happened. The Tigers are running it more and, at least based on the numbers, enjoying it less.”
Tom Timmermann, writer, St. Louis Post-Dispatch
GH: When I watched Derrick Washington at Ray-Pec, I thought he would have an incredible college career. He was merely okay last season and this year he looks nothing like the kid I remember. He is tentative and dare I say…slow. If he is not injured, and he has stated he is not, it is time to show it. Mizzou will need him to produce against an improved NU defense. Side note: the next great KC-area running back is Blue Springs junior, Darrian Miller. He’s built like Sproles only a bit taller and a lot stronger. He is going to make some college coach smile wide for years.
“I go off what I see on film, and I’m not satisfied where we are as a defense.”
Bo Pelini, on why he has yet hand out the traditional Blackshirts to his starting defensive unit, Lincoln Journal Star
GH: Pelini isn’t a bullshitter kind of coach. If he says the defense is still deficient, it is still deficient. But the Pelini brothers have high standards when it comes to playing D. I am guessing a good showing against the team that embarrassed his defense last season might be rewarded with the Blackshirts come Monday.
I’d rather play on the road 12 games than play at home all 12 games. I love going on the road. I never really bought into that road mentality stuff until we went (to Virginia Tech). Great experience. The best football experience of my life so far. The environment was great. They were loud. They were jingling their keys. We were loving it on offense. The louder they got, the more focused we got.”
Roy Helu, Nebraska running back, Lincoln Journal Star
GH: I have never been to a game in Blacksburg. I have been to several at Faurot when the opponent was Nebraska. The people in red are not real popular in and around that stadium. Nor is the team in scarlet and cream. If Helu likes being the target of venom, he’s about to get a jolt that would stiffen even the hardiest snake charmers.
“We’d like to get to (Gabbert) every play. I hope their offensive line just lies down.”
Bo Pelini, when asked about getting pressure on the MU QB, Lincoln Journal Star
“Maybe in the past it wasn't a rivalry, but Mizzou's worked hard to get where we are now. I think we're a team to be reckoned with in the Big 12 North, and I think because of that, with another great team in Nebraska, when you have two great teams together, over the years it should be called a rivalry.”
Jaron Baston, Mizzou nose tackle, St. Louis Post-Dispatch
GH: Neither team deserves the moniker “great” at this juncture. But this does have a chance to become the prelude North rivalry to the annual season-ender KU/MU war. Will it exceed that 150-year-old hate-filled battle? Read on for one OWH columnist’s opinion.
“No, Kansas isn’t going away. KU might, in fact, win the North this season. And as long as Mark Mangino strolls the sidelines, the Jayhawks will be good and they’ll be competitive. But I don’t think KU has sustaining power to win big in football. Kansas has spent a lot of money on football because Athletic Director Lew Perkins loves the sport. But Perkins will retire one day. Then what happens? Bottom line: Historically, Kansas hasn’t craved a machine in football, and I don’t expect that to change.”
Tom Shatel, Omaha World Herald
GH: I am not so ready to declare KU’s recent infatuation with football an affair. The money they are spending on their football facilities looks like the Hawks plan on marrying this pig. What I find interesting, after all these years of frustration, is that Mizzou is now the team in the center of the football fortunes of the North. That appears to me to be the safest bet over the next decade.
“Go Big Red!”
Chiefs cheerleader, into NBC camera just prior to kickoff of the Giants game, Fox
GH: I have never heard a Chiefs’ fan utter this phrase. I have expected her to be trampled by Warpaint.
Greghall24@yahoo.com and Twitter/greghall24
K-State wins the Have-Not Bowl
Posted
10-5-09
“I know it’s working. These guys are playing great! But when you don’t win it doesn’t stick. We need a win to give the fans the confidence that things are going to be okay.”
Stan Weber, on the rebuilding efforts going on at K-State under Bill Snyder, 810 AM
GH: Weber is a cheerleader for the Wildcats and appears unwilling to face the facts that are staring him and K-State football in the facemask. The firing of Ron Prince and rehiring of Bill Snyder to replace him has out this program on the precipice of implosion. Read on.
“The level of play Saturday between KSU and ISU didn’t generate any hope for fast turnarounds at either school.”
Lee Barfknecht, Omaha World Herald
GH: Watching these two teams struggle to look even competitive at Arrowhead had me wondering if either will ever again finish higher than fourth in the Big 12 North. Yeah, I think it is that bad in Manhattan and Ames. And it is not getting any better anytime soon.
“I think you can just show up and expect to beat Iowa State.”
Steven St. John, 810 AM
“This is a dead even game. These aren’t great football teams but they’re dead even. It’s going to be a great football game to watch.”
Stan Weber, predicting an even battle between K-State and Iowa State, 810 AM
GH: Weber was dead on in his prediction as the game ended on a wild flurry of scores and a blocked PAT. He was also right about the two teams not being great.
“(Grant Gregory) certainly doesn’t have the accuracy or the arm, but Gregory looked a little like (Todd) Reesing to me. …I think they found something Saturday.”
Kevin Kietzman, on K-State’s decision to start Gregory over Carson Coffman against Iowa State, 810 AM
GH: To those who question where I’m getting all this misplaced optimism I have reported hearing from K-State fans, here is an example. A sixth-year journeyman QB gets his first start in his college career against a very poor team and his performance leads KK to claim the Wildcats may have found something? I understand rooting for your school but if Gregory is the answer, how did Snyder miss judge him so badly the past six months?
“Farmageddon. The Basement Bowl. The Game Neither Team Deserved to Win. The future of the Big 12 North isn’t a laughing matter. This merits some serious discussion after seeing (K-State / Iowa State) draw barely enough fans (40,000) to outnumber the empty seats (39,000) at Arrowhead. Iowa State, Kansas State and Colorado are at a major crossroads in their futures. These three schools have combined for eight losing seasons over the past three years.”
Lee Barfknecht, Omaha World Herald
GH: Barfknecht laid out some chilling money stats for what he calls the “50,000 seater” schools. Texas pulls in about $7 million per home game. Nebraska hauls down $4.5 million. The 50,000 seaters get $1.2 million to $1.5 million. KU and MU are quickly joining the “haves” school with their facilities expansions and while K-State continues to slip into the “have nots” category of big time college football alongside the Cyclones and the Buffs.
“Nebraska, Kansas and Missouri followers who take delight in seeing their North brethren struggle might be careful what they wish for. The North is already the weaker of the two divisions. If it tips way out of balance internally, that might finally get the Big 12 to look at realigning divisions.”
Lee Barfknecht, Omaha World Herald
GH: I have stated in the past that while NU, MU and KU are healthier than the bottom three schools in the North, they are in a similar position when compared to Texas, Oklahoma, Texas A&M and Oklahoma State. We are not going to be able to consistently compete against these money-raking schools from the South. Look at Mizzou’s struggles in the past two Big 12 Championship games – and the Tigers were ranked number one in 2007! Fans in the North need to enjoy games like KSU’s win over ISU at Arrowhead and the upcoming donnybrook in Columbia on Thursday night. Our rewards are in these small skirmishes. We have already lost the war.
Greghall24@yahoo.com and Twitter/greghall24
Chiefs-Giants post-game: Wow, this is getting ugly. . . uglier
Posted
10-5-09
“It’s not like watching a National Football League game. It’s like watching a mismatched college game every week – where the reserves are playing in the fourth quarter and nobody is in the stands and the game has long since been decided. This doesn’t happen in the National Football League week after week. This is dreadful! And in my mind, there is real danger of this coach losing this football team.”
Danny Clinkscale, 810 AM
GH: Okay, we knew this was going to be bad. We knew this season was a lost cause. But where are the building blocks for 2010 and 2011? Somewhere in the SEC? It sure doesn’t look like many are wearing Arrowheads on their helmets.
“I’ve seen them twice in the preseason and twice during the season. The more I see them the more (it’s evident) that the lack of talent on this team is really stunning. I’m sure the effort is there but the lack of (accumulating) talent over the past few years has really railroaded this team this year.”
Kevin Harlan, 810 AM
GH: Translation: Blame King Carl not Lord Scott. That excuse has an expiration date of October 2010.
The sorriest chapter in Chiefs’ football history.”
Al Wallace, Fox 4
GH: The Chiefs have never been this bad. The last time they started 0-4? 1980. 1980? I have expect a Bill Grigsby commercial to run here. Speaking of Billy Budweiser, his current commercial reads make him sound drunker than the parody we did on him in the 1510 days. Prishhh Scchhoppprr.
“The Chiefs are historically bad right now.”
Danny Clinkscale, on the Chiefs being the first team in the history of the NFL to lose the last 27 of 29 games, 810 AM
GH: Let that stat sink into your cranium and then remember that JaMarcus beat us in Arrowhead the past two years. We stink.
“I don’t know what he’s doing or what he’s trying to create but he’s absolutely killing the guys in the locker room.”
Eddie Kennison, on Haley’s conservative play calling in the second half in Philadelphia, 810 AM
GH: Haley listens to comments like Eddie Kennie’s. It is my opinion that Haley went a little nutso Sunday with his onside kick and Larry Wildcat formation in an effort to show the team he will pull out all the stops to win.
“I’m not really seeing anything (positive) on both sides of the football right now.”
Richard Baldinger, following the Chiefs’ loss to the Giants, Metro Sports
“I just don’t see where the team is growing right now.”
Danan Hughes, Metro Sports
“This team is simply not good enough to get it done. We’re going to go a long, long time before we get a win with this football team.”
Jack Harry, 810 AM
“I’m holding out hope that the Chiefs are better than the really bad football teams in the league.”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
GH: The Raiders would be a good candidate to be one of those bad NFL teams the Chiefs would be better than but somehow, the Chiefs were bad enough to lose to them two weeks ago…at home!
“It’s too bad they’re playing the NFC East this year because this is an unforgiving division.”
Kevin Harlan, 810 AM
GH: Denver beats Dallas??!! Does that mean the Chiefs have a shot next week when Romo arrives in town? Or does it mean the Chiefs have no shot at the Broncos this year? Probably the latter.
“I think Chiefs fans understood this was going to be a tough go from the start.”
Leif Lisec, Metro Sports
GH: Yes. But no one was prepared for historically bad football and an empty Arrowhead after halftime. No one – not even Scott Todd and Clark. They have to be stunned at their team’s incompetence.
“I think this team is so bad and has been so bad for three years now that you do try to be nice to them. In my mind there wasn’t much at all to look at positively.”
Danny Clinkscale, 810 AM
GH: Has the Kansas City media imposed their version of the “mercy rule” on the Chiefs’ coverage? It is almost painful to continue kicking this dog.
“As we move forward, we’ve got to figure out our identity pretty quickly and start to get better at the things we do well.”
Matt Cassel, Metro Sports
GH: Things…we…do…well. Give me a minute… Maybe an hour… I’ll have to get back to you.
“You just don’t get that much time in the National Football League.”
Mitch Holthus, on the lack of a pass rush from the Chiefs defense, Chiefs Radio Network
GH: You do when Missouri plays Furman. The Chiefs are now playing the role of Furman.
“The NFL Network asked me this morning what’s wrong with Larry Johnson. I told them there’s nothing really wrong with Larry Johnson. He just needs some holes and some blocking.”
Mitch Holthus, Chiefs Radio Network
GH: Do you think Mitch is a bit of a homer? Okay, do you think Mitch is one helluva big homer? Me too.
“I’m sorry, but that last (play from the one yard line) for a touchdown was the ugliest play I ever saw. The notebook went flying in the press box.”
Richard Baldinger, on Cassel’s scrambling toss to Bobby Wade to close out the scoring, Metro Sports
GH: I thought both Cassel TD passes looked more like prayers than answers. He did not play well on Sunday.
“I think Matt Cassel needs to step up and play better. I think Matt Cassel needs to play better for this team.”
Jayice Pearson, Metro Sports
“I thought Matt Cassel was awful!”
Danny Clinkscale, 810 AM
“You’re going to run a draw with nobody blocking your second-level linebackers? That’s impossible! I don’t even know why you call that play.”
Moose Johnston, NFL analyst, on the Chiefs running a draw near the goal line, Fox
GH: The Chiefs have more trouble scoring from in close than John Bobbitt.
“Right now there is nothing but zero, zero for us as a team.”
Todd Haley, on his thought that the season is divided into four quarters and the Chiefs start fresh with a new quarter after their 0-4 first quarter, 810 AM
GH: Haley could also be discussing his team’s offensive and defensive weekly production.
“Ego.”
Larry Johnson, when asked what separates the Chiefs from the Giants, Metro Sports
GH: I didn’t see any issue with LJ’s answer. Yes, it was brief but I did not understand the media scrutiny it spawned on 810 and metro Sports. Read on.
“The problem I have with it is; say what you feel and feel what you say.”
Danan Hughes, on LJ’s “ego,” comment, Metro Sports
GH: Hughes is quickly becoming my go-to guy for Neilbonics. Last week he informed us there is no such thing as a dumb athlete. This week it appears he is attempting to disprove that theory.
“People are entitled to their opinion. …I’m not the coach.”
Larry Johnson, when asked about fans booing the play calling and trying to punch it in with the ground game inside the two yard line, Metro Sports
GH: This comment elicited a titillating if unfounded remark from Mad Jack. Read on.
“I can just almost hear something in (Larry Johnson’s) voice because he didn’t get the ball down there by the goal line.”
Jack Harry, 810 AM
GH: I heard LJ’s interview on 810 and saw it on Metro. It looked to me like the guy was just trying to answer postgame questions and not step in anything while doing it. For Harry to insinuate that he is upset with Haley for not calling his number more inside the five yard line is tabloid stuff. It is unprofessional. I can just almost hear something in Jack’s voice that sounds a lot like a desperate reach for ratings.
“(Pioli and Haley) have been saying they might not have the best 53 players but they have the right 53 players. Maybe they should go get the best 53 players.”
Caller Paydirt, 810 AM
Greghall24@yahoo.com and Twitter/greghall24
Giants look like too giant of a task for Chiefs this Sunday
Posted
10-2-09
“I think for a bad football team, this (Giants’ game) has to be the toughest assignment because the Giants don’t beat themselves. This Giants football team seems to be to me to be the one team in this league that if you’re not a good football team, you have no chance of beating them.”
Kevin Kietzman, on the Chiefs’ opponent this Sunday at Arrowhead, 810 AM
GH: It is hard to believe the Chiefs schedule can get any tougher but that is exactly what they are staring at. The Giants and Cowboys come to visit the next two Sundays. Gas up that mower and sharpen those shears.
“The scary thing about the Giants is that they are so physical! They are big, fast and strong. Their defensive front is so physical. They get after the quarterback. And then when you look at the offense, they just want to come out and pound you. They just beat you up, man!”
Jayice Pearson, 810 AM
GH: To counter those big, strong fast Giants, the Chiefs will roll out a roster of slim and slow players who don’t block real well and are looking for their first win since last November. Don’t forget the leaf blower.
“I hate to say (the Chiefs) are outmatched, but in some instances they are. It’s going to be tough. …You just hope to stay healthy (against the Giants), man, because the Chiefs don’t have any real depth at all.”
Jayice Pearson, 810 AM
GH: When your team’s goal is to simply not get injured, it is time to pass out free beer at the stadium. I would like to be more positive but this is just going to be one long ass season here in Cowtown.
“Next year the offensive line is clearly the priority. If the draft were tomorrow, you’d have to draft an offensive tackle.”
Kent Babb, 810 AM
GH: The Chiefs’ 2010 draft. Nothing, absolutely NOTHING will be more anticipated, discussed and important for this franchise’s future and its fans’ sanity. April 22nd can’t get here soon enough.
“I think in a few years (the Chiefs) will have one of the very best defensive lines in the NFL. And if they don’t, they will be set back more than I can explain.”
Nick Wright, 610 AM
GH: Wright must be expecting the Chiefs to draft mucho D-linemen or the guys we have in place to drop their Clark Kent disguises real soon.
“I can imagine two or three guys – five at the most – who will be back here next year.”
Roger Twibell, 610 AM
GH: I had to hear Twibell wrong, right? Maybe he was talking about 610’s lineup.
“I said before the season, five wins or less. Now you’re looking at two or three. Now it’s not going to be two or three years before you’re contending for a playoff spot – now it’s four!”
Frank Boal, 810 AM
GH: No way Pioli gets four years to turn this around. Arrowhead will be less crowded than 18th & Vine if this persists past 2010.
“I don’t know if that’s the last time you’re going to see (Haley run the ball despite being down multiple touchdowns). That could be discouraging for Chiefs’ fans. I think there are just going to be games where the Chiefs are overmatched. That’s the cold reality and I don’t think it’s going to get any better.”
Kent Babb, 810 AM
“2009 is becoming known as ‘The Process’ for this (Chiefs’) football team.”
Soren Petro, 810 AM
“Free agency is about recruiting. You’ve got to talk free agents into coming to Kansas City to play football. And you’re now considered if not the bottom, one of the bottom two teams.”
Frank Boal, 810 AM
GH: One troublesome aspect for Scott Todd’s hard-line stance with players is that they will eventually be recruiting marquee free agents who can help turn this franchise around quickly. How many will want to take Haley’s road versus the highway?
“I keep getting people asking me if they should start Larry Johnson on their fantasy team. NO! Not anymore! He’s just not that guy! People for some reason think this myth of Larry Johnson is still permeating the NFL. The guy is not an elite running back anymore. The quicker people come to realize that – maybe even Larry Johnson – the better. I think it’s very telling that a bunch of us were sitting around and saying what a great game Larry Johnson had against Oakland – and he rushed 24 times for 79 yards!”
Kent Babb, 810 AM
GH: I dropped LJ for a kicker on one of my too-many fantasy teams. ‘Nuff said.
“Running back needs to be the most important position on this team and right now. They have nobody who can carry the load.”
Nick Wright, 610 AM
GH: Running back? Is it 1973 again? Nick might be amazed how good LJ, Charles and Savage would look playing for the Giants this Sunday.
“Get ready for some boring draft picks, folks, because they are going to be drafting offensive linemen by the bushel basket over the next couple of years. This offensive line is just getting absolutely shredded!”
Danny Clinkscale, 810 AM
“I’m going to ask everyone not to evaluate the Tony Gonzales trade until we get that second round draft pick we traded him for.”
Nick Wright, 610 AM
GBH: I would add that Gonzo’s only played three games this season and I suspect the second half of his season is going to show that he is a player in decline. Getting a second-round pick for a fading HOFer was a steal.
“(Derek Jeter) appears to be pretty superficial. It looks like he only goes for the hot chicks. You don’t see any fatties on there. You’d like to see a thick one on there.”
Soren Petro, after reading a list of celebrity women that Jeter has been romantically linked in the past, 810 AM
GH: The latest celeb gossip links the Yankee shortstop to Minka Kelly, the brunette from Friday Night Lights (a flat-out great TV series!). But I have some inside info that Jeter was wooing a local girl this summer who attended Northwest Missouri State. The Midwest’s farmer’s daughter really can make a Yankee feel alright.
Greghall24@yahoo.com and Twitter/greghall24
Are the Chiefs the worst team in the NFL? Maybe
Posted
9-30-09
“You can call it conservative if you want. I think that it had a purpose as far as myself and my team goes.”
Todd Haley, on his decision to run the ball despite being down three touchdowns in the second half against the Eagles, Metro Sports
GH: Haley is getting eviscerated this week by the media for his decision to forego trying to win in Philadelphia and instead forced his team to improve their running game. He talks about good team “imposing their will” on an opponent. Todd, this is not a good team.
“From what I saw Sunday in Philadelphia, the Chiefs are the worst football team in the NFL.”
Jeff Chadiha, ESPN reporter, 810 AM
“If they would have thrown the ball (in the second half) they probably would have gotten (Cassel) killed and lost by 100 points. But this is the NFL – you’ve got to make an effort to win the game. That’s a huge red flag to me there.”
Adam Teicher, 610 AM
GH: A huge red flag and yet another sign that this was/is a lost season even before the first game kicked off. Read on – if you have the stomach for it.
“You look at this situation and you say. ‘Do you see any hope here?’ I don’t see any hope.”
Roger Twibell, 610 AM
“There’s no way to say there is progress. The progress will come when they get better football players in here.”
Danny Clinkscale, 810 AM
“The Chiefs are arguably, the worst football team in the National Football League. This is going to get bad, people. This team is worse than last year. They have an opportunity to lose every game on their schedule. …Todd Haley could lose this football team. He may have lost it someplace in the second half.”
Steven St. John, 810 AM
“Right now you’d have to say yes (the Chiefs are the worst team in the NFL), wouldn’t you? I’d have to throw Cleveland in there as well. That Chiefs/Cleveland game (at Arrowhead in December) might be the first-draft-pick bowl.”
Adam Teicher, 610 AM
GH: We all knew (or should have known) that this would be a difficult transition year. But fans will forgive rebuilding if they can identify that a foundation is being laid for future success. The Chiefs’ base foundation appears to be as stable as their revolving door right tackle.
“You’d like to say the base is here and we just need to fight through these tough times – but you can’t say that here. They’re just at the beginning of this rebuilding stage – they’re not at the backend of it. ”
Adam Teicher, 610 AM
“I think this (rebuilding) process is going to be a little longer than we thought.”
Bill Maas, 610 AM
“If you’ve got the right guys and the right coaches the adversity will eventually pull you together.”
Dick Vermeil, 610 AM
GH: Tough times can take a team and a franchise and even a fan base one of two ways. We all know which way we would like it to go. We also know it is currently headed the other way.
“What is with the Kansas City media? The amount of criticism, venom and anger being thrown at Haley & Pioli after only two games is unbelievable, especially since none of that was EVER directed towards Herm ‘We Were Good During The Bye Week’ Edwards. Are they familiar with the term ‘hypocrite?’ Maybe they should be renamed ‘Hermocrites.’ ”
Jason, OTC Reader Email
GH: Scott Todd have brought much of the media’s ire upon themselves. Arrogance is fine when it is backed up with certainty and progress – notice I did not include wins. No one expects a playoff team this season. We all have the right though to expect progress. It is still early. There is still time. There is still hope.
“This isn’t a shocking revelation that the Eagles beat the hell out of the Chiefs.”
Chris Hamblin, 610 AM
“I expect to be competitive each and every week. I had high hopes coming into this game that we had a chance to win this game.”
Todd Haley, Fox 4
“Remember this; Kansas City only won two games last year.”
Dick Vermeil, 610 AM
GH: A valid point but that loss to the Raiders looms as a shot to the groin. The attitude in this town would be much improved if the Chiefs would have JaJacked JaMarcus.
“They say a quarterback has a clock in his head – Kevin Kolb must have had a sundial!”
Bill Maas, on the lack of pressure on the Eagles’ QB, 610 AM
GH: What will Eli do with five or six seconds this Sunday? He’ll look even more like Peyton.
“At some point it becomes pretty clear that it’s not the coaching, it’s the personnel.”
Adam Teicher, responding to a caller who was critical of Clancy Pendergast’s defensive coaching efforts, 610 AM
“Tyson Jackson did not have a tackle. Glen Dorsey didn’t get a tackle either.”
Danny Clinkscale, 810 AM
GH: The Chiefs’ draft picks are stunningly underperforming. It is almost impossible to draft so high and play so low. It is as if the same guy is drafting for both the Chiefs and the Royals.
“This Sunday is when you’ll see the Kansas Speedway put a dent into the crowd at Arrowhead.”
Chris Stigall, 710 AM
GH: Past conflicts with the Speedway have usually been a fair fight, with the Chiefs holding their own. This Sunday might be quite a bit different. I expect a much larger crowd in KCK than at CamaroHead.
“I think I’m going to the Renaissance Festival next week. Those (Chiefs) guys are awful!”
Caller, 810 AM
GH: Will more Chiefs’ fans be feasting on turkey legs than singing home of the Chiefs? Have Puke & Snot become more of a draw than Scott & Todd? We need a win. We really need a win.
Greghall24@yahoo.com and Twitter/greghall24
Media reaction to the embarrassment in Philly
Posted
9-28-09
“The Eagles didn’t really prove much except that they can beat an awful team at home.”
Philadelphia Enquirer
GH: This one was so ugly even the victors can find little to feel good about.
“That (Eagles’) team is phenomenal. I think the Chiefs just ran into a buzz saw. You couldn’t have expected any more from them on the road.”
Danan Hughes, 610 AM
GH: This same “phenomenal” Eagles team was embarrassed at home only a week before by Drew Brees, 48-22. The Eagles that rocked KC’s world were also missing a number of their best players.
“What’s disappointing is that (the Chiefs) are in a position where they’re not showing any growth. If there is anyone out there that thinks this is a playoff team, they’re sadly mistaken.”
Danan Hughes, MetroSports
GH: Hughes’ stance was a bit different on MetroSports’ postgame show than his softer stance on his Monday morning spot on 610. I agree more with the fact that this Chiefs’ team looks like they are regressing rather than his take that the Eagles are the next NFL dynasty.
“Ah, geez! It looks like they know the plays, they’re back there (in the backfield) so quickly!”
Len Dawson, on the lack of pass protection for Cassel, Chiefs Radio Network
“This kid is good! He can make all the throws. I’ve been really impressed with Kevin Kolb.”
Solomon Wilcots, CBS
GH: Has Jason Whitlock proclaimed Kolb as the next Jeff George yet?
“This was an old-fashioned alley-whipping mugging and I am embarrassed that the head coach of this football team surrendered in the third quarter. …You don’t go up there (to Philadelphia) and quit! This football team quit in the third quarter – at least their head coach did.”
Jack Harry, on Haley’s second-half decision to run the ball despite being down 7-27, 810 AM
GH: Did Haley quit or was running the ball a better option to move it than attempt to have Cassel pass from a prone position?
“(Haley) was trying to run the ball and not get his quarterback murdered on national TV.”
Steven St. John, 810 AM
“I think (Haley) knew his team didn’t have the will to come back. I think he wanted to go home. It was an absolute ass kicking from start to finish from a (quarterback) making his second career start.”
Danny Clinkscale, 810 AM
GH:Strong statements from Clink – questioning the team’s “will” and Haley’s confidence in his squad and wanting to go home. Jack Smack is not the only opinionated voice on 810’s postgame show. Unfortunately, 610 was relegated contractually to cover NASCAR Sunday afternoon and had no Chiefs’ postgame show. Kind of difficult to be the “Football Channel” when you punt on Chiefs’ Sunday.
“When you look at this next month (in the Chiefs’ schedule)…there just doesn’t seem to be much light. It’s gonna be tough. They are practicing these players at Arrowhead very hard. They are really putting the crunch on them. I think eventually things begin to wear. That would be my only concern.”
Kevin Harlan, 810 AM
GH: It is still September, far too early for anything to be wearing thin. If Scott Todd have done one thing, they have hopefully put together a 53-man roster that can weather adversity. They are about to be tested.
“The Chiefs surrendered at halftime Sunday. …Right now, Todd Haley and Scott Egoli are in way over their heads. (They’ve) created a team far worse than anything we’ve seen represent this city.”
Jason Whitlock, Kansas City Star
GH: In a city that the Kansas City Royals call home, the thought that Scott Todd’s team could be historically bad is almost inconceivable. Almost.
“It’s almost impossible (for the Chiefs) to make the playoffs. We’re hoping they can win a game.”
Al Wallace, Fox 4
“To me, this year is extended training camp.”
Soren Petro, 810 AM
GH: Unfortunately, they still charge full price for exhibition games.
“This team tried. They just don’t have the personnel right now.
Nick Wright, 610 AM
GH: Both gratifying and alarming. The effort looked to be there but the talent in the Chiefs’ huddle is woefully lacking.
“I wasn’t so worried this year about talent but I wanted a team that would come out and just fight. Today, I didn’t see much of that in the first half. …We’ve got to come out with a different attitude.”
Richard Baldinger, MetroSports
“Obviously, (Haley) would like to go into Arizona mode but I don’t think he’s quite there yet.”
Herm Edwards, 810 AM
GH: Haley and his Chiefs are a lot closer to Alaska mode.
“I think we can compete with anybody in the NFL. …As quarterback and leader of the team, you have to stay positive.”
Matt Cassel, Fox 4
GH: I do not share Cassel’s optimism about this team’s talent. This is going to be a painfully long season for Chiefs’ fans. Where is that first win? Read on for Clink’s pick.
“December 27th, here against Cleveland– that’s what we’ve targeted as the date for the Chiefs’ first win.”
Danny Clinkscale, 810 AM
GH: Merry F-ing Christmas.
“I sat here and watched part of that (Eagles/Chiefs) game. I moved in and out because I wanted to watch Trent (Green as a TV analyst).”
Dick Vermeil, 610 AM
GH: Hard to criticize Dick this week for surfing during the Chiefs’ game in Philly. I was mowing grass late in the fourth quarter.
“It’s a (rebuilding) process and it’s no fun. I’ve been through it.
Dick Vermeil, 610 AM
“Thank god they haven’t fallen as far as the Royals yet.”
Caller, 810 AM
GH: I believe they have reached those depths and beyond. The Chiefs have lost 32 of their last 36 games. If the Royals projected that winning percentage over one season the Boys in Blue would win 18 games.
“I have to work at it all the time. I have to work at it when I’m driving down the road. I have to work at it all the time.”
Todd Haley, on remaining in control of his emotions, Metro Sports
“I’m not worried about (Haley’s) emotions. …Some of these guys need a little kick in the butt once in awhile. If he wants to lose it, go ahead.”
Richard Baldinger, MetroSports
GH: There are plenty of Chiefs’ butts in need of a good launching. But the talent level of this franchise appears to be so barren that a kick to the can might only produce more crap.
“It is a struggle. It’s a lot easier to make good wine.”
Dick Vermeil, reflecting on his two passions, 610 AM
“That’s why the coach showed up in a limo to pick him up. He’s Brett Favre. He’s magical. He’s a guy who can make a play when the train is delayed.”
Herm Edwards, on Favre’s game-winning TD past against the 49ers, 810 AM
GH: Favre might be a pain in the ass when it comes to his retiring and un-retiring act -- but that pass was worth the drama. While listening to 810’s Chiefs’ postgame show, there was an explosion of cheers in the background when Favre hit Greg Lewis with a 32-yard dart. It was nice to know some NFL fans have a reason to cheer.
Greghall24@yahoo.com and Twitter.com/greghall24
Grunhard says former Chiefs players not feeling the love
Posted
9-25-09
“Heartbroken. Completely heartbroken. It’s just like they’ve thrown the last shovel of dirt on the ex-players.”
Tim Grunhard, former starting center for the Chiefs, when asked how he feels about the depths that the Chiefs’ franchise has sunk to and the distant relationship that now exists between the Chiefs’ new regime and the organization’s former players, 810 AM
GH: I have been in support of Scott Todd’s hard-line approach since their arrival at Arrowhead. I backed Haley’s dismissive treatment of Brian Waters when he asked for a sit down last February. It was my thinking this franchise needed to be shocked and overturned. Grunhard’s words,z though, have me reconsidering my opinion of Scott Todd and how things have changed in the house that Lamar built. Read on.
“They don’t even want us to be seen out there (at Arrowhead). I’ve talked to some of the older (ex-Chiefs’ players) who are around a lot and they’re basically aced out also.”
Tim Grunhard, 810 AM
GH: The reason the Kansas City Chiefs have a history and an 80,000-seat stadium is because guys like Ed Budde, Otis Taylor, Willie Lanier and other ex-Chiefs excited a growing Midwestern town in the 1960s to the point where they cared enough to elevate a fledgling American Football League team to become Super Bowl Champions. Without deference to the Chiefs’ past and those who constructed it, the next 40 years of this franchise might as well be spent back in Dallas.
“It’s kind of disappointing because when you hear about places like Green Bay and (former Packer) Frank Winters goes back and some of the Pittsburgh Steelers go back (to Pittsburgh), and even Neil Smith when he goes back to Denver, they’re treated like gold.”
Tim Grunhard, 810 AM
GH: Lamar loved his players. L-O-V-E-D them! For Clark to allow Scott Todd to dismiss these same men as if they were disposable is, well, unforgivable. Maybe it’s because these men were the players who introduced me to the AFL. Maybe this rips me because my memory still harbors so many Sunday afternoons sitting Indian style in front of my dad’s black & white Zenith watching Lenny the Cool battle the Mad Bomber, Willie Contact Lanier vs. Oakland’s Mad Stork, Stram vs. Madden. Clark, please, do the right thing. Your dad would not want his warriors to be outcasts.
“I think that’s a shame. The (Chiefs) organization has been disappointing. I know they have more important things to worry about than a bunch of grumpy old football players have to say – and believe me they have some things they need to worry about – but that was kind of the last straw for me.”
Tim Grunhard, 810 AM
GH: This needs to change today. Pioli is a busy guy but he is also a smart guy. I hope he is smart enough to realize he has made a grievous error in alienating the men whom this city associates most with the team and uniforms they love. Fix this NOW!
“To lose 24 out of 26 football games with a Kansas City Chiefs uniform on is disappointing. To have the offensive line playing the way they are, as the Achilles Heel of that team, is disappointing.”
Tim Grunhard, 810 AM
GH: Grunhard and I go way back, as far as columnist and subject go. I loved his crazy evening radio show at the Levee when he was a young, passionate NFL player. Back then and even shortly after he retired he detested negativity directed toward the Chiefs and saw those who would criticize as anti-fans. I regularly poked him for it and stated it is my opinion the best fans question their team’s decision makers and players. Unconditional love is reserved for your children, not your linebacker. Grunhard has grown since he became a high school coach – at least as a radio analyst and commentator. He retains the passion that first made him such a fan favorite but it is now tempered with experience and depth that makes him all the more enlightening and entertaining.
“You still have that 10% of (Chiefs’ fans) who are crazy (about the team) and you have 10% who couldn’t give a rat’s ass about the Kansas City Chiefs. But that other 80% is kind of on the fence and I think they are gonna sink.”
Tim Grunhard, 810 AM
GH: Two thirds of WHB’s original Crunch Time trio, Grunhard and the retired but everywhere Frank Boal, have reconvened for a Wednesday night radio show on 810 called Grunny & Pudgy. Somewhere, Bill Maas is smiling.
“I’m hoping that Haley and Pioli can get this thing turned around and if they do I think that 80% will still jump onboard. But boy, oh boy, it’s gonna be tough. Especially with all those renovations and the Taj Mahal of the club level, all these restaurants – that’s not Chiefs’ fans! I guess you don’t need to have 80,000 fannies in the seats if you have 20,000 paying $5,000 a ticket.”
Tim Grunhard, 810 AM
GH: It will be very interesting to see if the atmosphere at Arrowhead changes dramatically once the renovations are completed for the 2010 season. The sound and fury that was once known as the most feared home-field advantage in the NFL may soon be reduced to glass-enclosed burping.
“I talked with some of the people in the (Chiefs’) organization – the marketing people have never been to the football side, and they’re not really allowed to go over there. I mean there’s a lock and key, there are passwords, there’s security after security. There’s like three levels of security! It’s like the Pentagon out there now.”
Tim Grunhard, 810 AM
GH: Have Scott Todd moved too quickly to emulate New England in a place that more resembles Detroit? Is their cold-turkey, tough-love approach the best way? Does a chasm have to exist between our former heroes and the guys off the street who now populate our team’s jerseys? Maybe they are right and I am wrong. But it sure doesn’t feel that way to this fan.
Greghall24@yahoo.com and Twitter/greghall24
KU Fight Club update
Posted
9-24-09
“niggas be muggin me … you know I’m mugging back. …keep my name out ya mouth for you get smacked in it.”
Tyshawn Taylor, KU basketball player (who by the way is a black man) on his Facebook.com page
GH: This post by the KU basketball guard supposedly led to the first of three fights between some Jayhawk basketball players and some Jayhawk football players, all within about 14 hours the past two days. I think KU now has its own version of Mizzou’s “crackers be shakin,’ ” quote.
“For some reason this collection of football and basketball players seem to be at odds with each other and it’s got to stop.”
Tom Keegan, writer for Lawrence Journal World and KUSports.com, 610 AM
GH: Keegan believes this animosity between the two KU sports team is more than a year old and that other altercations between them have been covered up or hushed up. Read on.
“I think it more immaturity and machismo and they need to grow up – and the athletic department needs to make them grow up and be accountable instead of covering up for them.”
Tom Keegan, 610 AM
GH: Keegan’s accusatory tone toward the KU athletic department’s “cover up” squarely points a finger at the coaching staff and Lew Perkins. Why was this allowed to fester for a year and eventually boil over into three on-campus fights? Lew was probably too busy of late running down rogue t-shirt sellers and high schools sporting the colors red and blue.
“You see a lot of eighth-grade behavior here. A fight over a girl.”
Tom Keegan, 810 AM
GH: No fight over a girl lasts more than a year, does it? (If so, please send me a photo of this girl.) Keegan appeared on both Nick Wright’s morning show on 610 and Kevin Kietzman’s afternoon show on 810. I thought KK did the better job of getting Keegan to discuss the background of this feud and delve into Keegan’s personal opinion on University’s spin on these altercations. Wright did a good job getting Keegan as the story began to break but appeared to rush Keegan off the air and seemed unwilling to share time on his show with the one guy with some insight into this story.
“I draw a parallel of this to an after-practice football fight. I think these guys need to be punished, humiliated, run their butts off, do some community service but I’m not calling for their heads. I’m not calling for them to miss any practice or games. It’s college – that stuff tends to happen.”
Mick Shaffer, Metro Sports anchor, 610 AM
GH: I think Shaffer is either auditioning for a job in Lew Perkin’s mafia or just plain wrong. In-practice fights between teammates happen almost daily in football. They end almost before they begin and rarely have any lasting effects on the participants. This was obviously different. And these combatants were not teammates.
“I haven’t quite seen anything like this – to go after each other in the daylight. It’s bizarre!”
Jack Harry, 810 AM
GH: I can’t remember an incident that even compares to what has been occurring in Lawrence between their two high-profile athletic teams. This is the kind of embarrassing publicity that Kansas fans will detest and their rivals will use as fodder for years. I can already see the Antlers at Mizzou Arena dressed as KU footballers “muggin” for the camera.
“I agree with the way they are handling it. I don’t expect any suspensions to come down. I think both coaches will handle it. This is not going to affect the job status of Mark Mangino or Bill Self. At a program that stinks, (the coach) would be in big trouble.”
Chris Hamblin, 610 AM
GH: Hamblin and Shaffer on 610 favored nothing more than a hand slap to the guilty players. KK had a bit different view of what he thought would be appropriate punishment. Read on.
“The only way it’s going to end is real, meaningful discipline. And that is not sitting out a game against nobody cares about. You have to lose something. You lost your right to be on the team, you lost your scholarship. Something. It will be interesting how Bill Self, Mark Mangino and Lew Perkins handle this disciplinary action.”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
GH: KK, an avowed Kansas hater, would love to see Lew Perkins resign, the basketball team be given the death penalty, the football team be forced to play K-State barefoot and a posse be formed in Liberty, Missouri to ride directly to Lawrence and burn Allen Fieldhouse.
“I know what Kansas athletics is about – it’s about winning. Period. I don’t think they will do anything meaningful (in reprimanding those athletes involved in the fight). I just think it’s very, very risky.”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
“I’m going to stand up for Mark Mangino and Bill Self. Sure they want to win but they’re not bringing in thugs just because they can play sports.”
Jack Harry, disagreeing with Kietzman’s assessment of Kansas athletics, 810 AM
GH: Neither Harry nor Todd Leabo would bite on KK’s attempt to get them to side with giving KU the electric chair for these inner-team fights. Read on.
“I’d think you’d be much more likely to get kicked out of school cheating on a pop quiz. I think schools treat those things differently. I don’t think they care.”
Todd Leabo, disagreeing with KK that non-athletes would be immediately expelled if they were making similar posts on Facebook, 810 AM
“I think any university would immediately have a hearing on any Caucasian student who would have posted those kinds of (racial epithets).”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
GH: What does race have to do with this incident? KK kept trying to bring race into this issue. I am guessing because Taylor used the term “niggas” in his Facebook comments. This is akin to drawing a comparison to having Caucasians write in Korean because Korean students do the same on their Facebook page. Not every altercation in life is race related, unless you host a radio show or write a newspaper column.
“We’ll be in the stands rooting for each other like we always have.”
Official Statement from the combined athletes on both the KU football and basketball teams issued Tuesday afternoon in an effort to squash the negative publicity and move forward.
GH: Translation: But mug my ass on campus and I be muggin’ ya back – aite?
Greghall24@yahoo.com and Twitter/greghall24
K-State's future? Mired in the north along with Iowa State
Posted
9-23-09
“Please, do not ask me if Nebraska has turned the corner until they stop this streak of 20 straight losses to top 20 teams. Missouri’s better, Kansas is better, until they get above those two teams, don’t ask me.”
Dennis Dodd, CBSsportsline columnist, 810 AM
GH: Nebraska is not going to return to its former status as an elite college football program. Those days left Lincoln when the Big 8 became the Big 12 and the other schools in the North decided to take football seriously. K-State caught NU first and then Kansas and Missouri started out-coaching and out-recruiting the Big Red. Is Nebraska better under Pelini? Much. But Husker fans need to burn those arrogant “Restore the Roar” t-shirts and start sniffing the reality of life in a state where the sold-out stadium is the third largest city.
“Maybe that was a once-in-a-lifetime thing with Tom Osborne. Maybe they are an 8-4, 9-3 team for the foreseeable future.”
Dennis Dodd, on the 40 years of dominance the Huskers enjoyed from 1962 to 2001, 810 AM
GH: This is exactly where Nebraska should fix their focus. NU, KU and Mizzou should expect their football teams to challenge for the North title and every 10 years or so go on a run at the national championship game. K-State faces far more issues geographically and being the little-sister school in a sparsely-populated two-school state. I see KSU’s future mired in the North basement with Iowa State – a school whose issues are far more similar to KSU than the Wildcats would like to admit.
“They (Nebraska) need to get better on offense. They are not going into Columbia and not score a touchdown and win the game. They need to do better than that on the road (than at Virginia Tech) because they’re going to Columbia and they’re going to Lawrence.”
Todd Leabo, 810 AM
GH: It has been brought to my attention that Hitler was/is a Nebraska fan. And he is not happy about the outcome of VA Tech’s miracle win on Blacksburg Saturday. Here is a link to the video evidence of Hitler’s unhappiness. Nice to know Husker fans still have a sense of humor.
“Why do I include Nebraska (when talking about the local college football teams)? Because there are as many people around here who care about Nebraska as care about K-State. It’s just true. That’s why I include them amongst the local schools.”
Nick Wright, answering a caller who appeared upset that Wright includes NU in his local coverage, 610 AM
“(Bo Pelini) just doesn’t look very Nebraska to me.”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
GH: Pelini just doesn’t look like a head coach of a BCS school. His sloppy attire and open-mouth chewing look more suited for an Arkansas high school sideline. But he has brought some pride back to a state that sorely needs to feel good about their football team. The Cornhusker fans love him. I just hope they understand how difficult a job he now has in competing against the B12 South, the SEC and the other top 25 programs in the country.
“(Jake) Sharp is not necessarily a big-league back.”
Pat Jones, FoxSports college football analyst, 610 AM
GH: Sharp starts at Kansas and the Jayhawks are ranked in the top 20. In my opinion, that defines Sharp as a “big-league back.” Plus, he is really, really fast – despite being a white guy in a black guy’s world.
“Kansas seems a little bored with the competition.”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
“When they (Kansas) play a better team, I’m sure the attention to detail will be there.”
Jason Anderson, 810 AM
GH: Does a soft non-con schedule help or hurt when you play a big game in October? Is your team healthier because you were not tested or unprepared? Count me among those college football fans who detest these walk-over September games. It’s my opinion only wins over BCS schools (or their ilk) should count toward bowl eligibility. Charging for these farcical executions is criminal. Actually paying for a ticket to attend is worse.
“I’d like to see a nice clean ball game and maybe Kansas come out and score on their first three possessions.”
Danny Clinkscale, on KU’s upcoming game against Southern Mississippi, 810 AM
GH: Southern Miss is a decent test for the Jayhawks. A big win Saturday for KU would be impressive. A tight game will force Pork Chop to pen another BA Homer column.
“Kansas Athletics announced Monday that the KU football team's game Saturday against Southern Miss is a sellout. The contest, scheduled for 11 a.m., will be televised on FSN. The announcement means that KU has sold out its last six home games at Memorial Stadium. It is also the 10th time in the last 12 home games that the Jayhawks have had a sellout.”
KUSports.com
GH: When I was a younger, single man, I made a point to attend a couple of KU homes games each year. The ticket takers were so nonchalant that I rarely needed a ticket to gain entrance. Open seats were more than plentiful and I often sat in three or more different sections during the course of the game. The KU fans that did show up were always friendly and rarely distracted by the game on the field. The Jayhawks were the perfect hosts, absorbing their beating and waved as we left Lawrence. Those days are gone. Kansas is now a program with a coach, a facility and a future. I now bring cash when I head to Lawrence.
“I don’t feel sorry for Bill Snyder at all. He is really enjoying this (season). I know him very well. Bill Snyder is and will always be about the process. He likes that more than results, the actual game or whatever. He is a very unique person. He will not panic. He will not get in a hurry.”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
GH: This is the coach many refer to as Juco Bill, for his tendency to speed up the process. Snyder did not appear to be enjoying “the process” when he either quit or was forced to quit in 2005. I am not so sure KK knows BS quite as well as he states. Snyder is discovering why what he did 20 years ago is held in such legendary status. It was a miracle…and miracles are rare in places like Manhattan and Bethlehem.
“Those of you who think Kansas State coach Bill Snyder doesn't have enough gas in the tank to revive the football program, check this story: The Wildcats' charter flight home from their loss to UCLA arrived in Manhattan at 5:45 a.m. Sunday. After a quick stop at home, Snyder, who turns 70 next month, was back in his office game-planning for Tennessee Tech by 7:30 a.m.”
Lee Barfknecht, columnist, Omaha World Herald
“I don’t think the bottom three teams in the North are getting any better. As a matter of fact I think they are getting worse! There’s a clear chasm between the top three and bottom three.”
Chris Gervino, Mizzou sideline reporter, 810 AM
“I picked Nevada to beat Missouri in the preseason picks but they’ve looked terrible in their first two games. I still think this could be a trap game for Missouri. I still think they could lose this football game.”
Steve St. John, 810 AM
GH: St. John, who loves Mizzou more than he loves Elvis (but just barely) always thinks his Tigers will lose. Nevada has been very disappointing. I see no reason to see them waking up in time to beat MU this Friday.
“It still looks like a classic trap game on ESPN on Friday night. I hate to bring this up to Missouri fans but ‘Troy’ a few years ago. Missouri should win it if they take care of business.”
Dennis Dodd, 810 AM
GH: Troy State was better than Missouri when they beat them 24-14 in 2004. That was not an upset. Nevada beating MU would be a tough blow to take for a program that has improved dramatically in the past five years.
“Everything. Fastball velocity from 91 to 97. Movement. Probably the best slider in the game. Occasional change up. Location. Feel of pitches. You can put a lot of adjectives and he’s all of them.”
Terry Francona, Red Sox manager, after Zack Greinke shut down Boston on Tuesday at The K, ESPN
“I’ve never seen stuff like this. It’s amazing! It’s Greg Maddox with movement and location and 96 mph velocity. …If CC (Sabathia) wins it, this is going to be the reason why – because he has more wins than Zack Greinke. You put Zack Greinke in New York and CC Sabathia in Kansas City, Zack Greinke is liable to have 22 wins by now. That’s how dominant he’s been with all the one-run games and the no decisions he got because he plays for a team that doesn’t score runs. …Zack Greinke has better stuff than both of those guys (CC and Felix Hernandez). That’s what settles it for me. What I saw tonight against Boston was just unbelievable.”
John Kruk, comparing the Yankees’ ace to the Royals’ Zack Black, ESPN
GH: Zack Black is not only back he is on his way to winning the 209 Cy Young Award as the AL’s best pitcher. Even the “biased east-coast media” have come around and are singing his praises. 58% of the respondents to an ESPN poll chose Greinke as the CY Young winner. Some believed the inept Royals would cost Greinke this prestigious award. Instead, their clownish play has secured it for him. As Kruk points out, imagine what Greinke would accomplish with teammates who didn’t take the summer months off.
Greghall24@yahoo.com and Twitter/greghall24
Sports Illustrated writer sees more gloom on the Chiefs' horizon
Posted
9-22-09
“I can’t handle bad football in this town anymore. It’s got to get back to where it was or I’m going to go crazy.”
Steven St. John, 810 AM
GH: All signs point to St. John losing his marbles before the Chiefs return to what we remember in the 90s. And it appears it could become JaMarcus ugly. Read on.
“I didn’t see all of (the Raiders/Chiefs) game but I saw enough of it to know the Chiefs are going to have a lot of problems in the next four or five weeks.”
Jeff Chadiha, SI writer, 810 AM
GH: The NFC East is big, bad, fast and knocking on the Chiefs’ door. Unfortunately, our house is made of straw – much of it imported from various NFL dumps.
“I don’t think so. Those (Eagles’ defenders) are going to have a field day against the Chiefs’ offensive line.”
Jeff Chadiha, when asked if the Chiefs’ offense would have any success against the Philadelphia defense, 810 AM
GH: Chadiha is not at all high on the Chiefs chances this season. Just how down is he on our team? Read on.
“I think (the Chiefs) are going to get blown out (in Philly) to be honest with you. It’s going to be the first of four or five embarrassing losses for the Kansas City Chiefs. You talk about chemistry issues, it looks like they’re just slapping a team together every week over there (at Arrowhead) and not really explaining to guys who get demoted or moved to the sidelines. There are some communication issues over there, there are some chemistry issues over there and when you’re getting beat, those issues seem to be bigger problems.”
Jeff Chadiha, 810 AM
GH: When Bobby Wade shows up on a Tuesday and becomes your go-to receiver on Sunday, it is hard to argue with Chadiha’s assessment. This season will be difficult for us Chiefs’ fans. Unfortunately, it is only September.
“They may not be favored for the rest of the year, or at least until the very end. They’re not going to be favored for awhile.”
Danny Clinkscale, 810 AM
“(Matt Cassel) really, really stares down his receivers. …You watch a Roethlisberger move a defense with his body and his face. He’s really making it happen for them. And there was nothing like that with Cassel. He looked like a second-string college quarterback at best in his decision making and his ability to read defenses and staring the receivers down. It was bad.”
Bill Maas, 610 AM
GH: Not what you expect to hear about a $60-million quarterback. I thought Cassel looked nervous and new. The schedule makers did him no favors with the teams lining up to test his poise over the next month. Confidence is a HUGE ally in sports. Cassel may have to forego any injections of this miracle drug until November.
“I was extremely disappointed with Matt Cassel in this game.”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
“That throw to the sideline at the end of the half would never have happened with Brodie.”
Bill Maas, 610 AM
“There’s some stink eyes going around in the locker room and on the practice field and some rolling of the eyes and stuff.”
Mark Collins, former Chiefs’ DB, when asked if the Chiefs’ defensive players would be upset with the offense, 810 AM
GH: All football teams above the HS level are actually two teams in one – an offensive team and a defensive team. Cassel referred to the defense in his postgame comments as “they.” Derrick Thomas leveled more stink eyes in the locker room than he received from his many girlfriends.
“I don’t know what I’d do because it never happened to me. But it wouldn’t be a positive thing.”
Len Dawson, when asked how he would have reacted if a head coach had f-bombed him on the sideline like Todd Haley did Brodie Croyle in Baltimore, 810 AM
“I loved when Cassel yelled back at (Haley). I just think it’s inexperience from a coach who clearly lets his emotions get the best of him.”
Steven St. John, 810 AM
“I’m not concerned about all this yelling with Todd Haley. I kind of like it. The only thing is when he’s yelling at them and he’s wrong. But they don’t show him enough telling them they’re doing a good job. He’s the first one out there telling them their doing a good job. It works both ways for television but it makes a better issue when he’s screaming. That’s dramatic and catches everybody’s attention. You certainly heard Kevin Harlan emphasize a couple of times, ‘Oh boy, Todd Haley is really going to go off on this one!’ And a camera cuts to him. That’s just television.”
Bill Maas, 610 AM
GH: Haley’s f-bomb tirades are enhanced by the network cameras but far from a creation of the TV producers. Haley’s a hothead and he will either eventually learn to control his emotions or become consumed by them.
“They’ve been trying to get a message across to Mark Bradley since they got here. They really feel he is their most talented offensive receiver but they just can’t get him to do the things they want him to do during the course of the week. He doesn’t take it totally serious. They know he’s talented. He’s got blazing sped and really good hands. If (Bradley) was doing the things they want him to do, a guy like Bobby Ingram wouldn’t be on the team. Bobby, God bless him, but he can’t move anymore, he really can’t block anymore. He’s just out there.”
Bill Maas, 610 AM
GH: Bradley is more talented than Dwayne Bowe? If so, this coaching staff needs to get him on the field and get the ball in his hands. The lack of talent at receiver is making Cassel’s job all the more difficult.
“There couldn’t have been 55,000 in (Arrowhead) Sunday. I know the number was 69,000 or something like that. There were just giant patches of empty seats in the upper deck not sold.”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
GH: The NFL blackout rule is a farce. They do not want to blackout games but they have no idea how to rescind this antiquated rule. So instead, they fudge the numbers each week and close their eyes to the empty seats that all of us see.
“I think at some point they’re going to put it all together and beat a team they shouldn’t beat.”
Mark Collins, 610 AM
GH: Had to end this column with an upbeat comment from Collins. Unfortunately, that could be any team on the Chiefs’ schedule.
Greghall24@yahoo.com and Twitter/greghall24
Haley must carry the weight of this loss; 610's analyst didn't watch the game
Posted
9-21-09
“Ultimately, it’s my responsibility.”
Todd Haley, 810 AM
GH: Haley spoke the right words in his postgame press conference but I did not get the feeling he saw himself as owning this loss. Unfortunate, because the headline for this one could have read, “Haley loses to Raiders.” Read on.
“Haley’s got to wear this one just as much as any of his players do that he screams at on the sideline during games.”
Nate Bukaty, after the Chiefs allowed Oakland to escape Arrowhead with a 13-10 win, 810 AM
“I didn’t think Todd Haley came out and took responsibility for the loss in the postgame press conference. You can’t be such a hard ass and then absolutely blow it at the end of the half and not take responsibility.”
Nick Wright, 610 AM
“The thing you know as a head coach is that the thing you can’t control is once the players take the field. As a head coach, all you can do is coach them and trust them and hope they can make plays to win games for you.”
Herm Edwards, evaluating the Chiefs’ loss in studio Monday morning, 810 AM
GH: Plausible deniability. It wasn’t me, it was them.
“The first week of training camp, all they did was run these (end-of-the-half, end-of-the-game) scenarios. To come up empty, that’s not on only the players but the coaches as well.”
Josh Klingler, 610 AM
GH: Haley is a rookie head coach in his second game. It is my hope he quickly sees this team as his and not Herm Edwards’ creation. I still get the feeling he believes he is coaching guys he doesn’t want and will be gone next year. That may be true, but as long as the Chiefs are going to charge for tickets, he needs to fully invest himself into the players we have, not those who are to come.
“That’s what happens when you change offensive coordinators after the third preseason game.”
Solomon Wilcots, CBS analyst, on the confusion the Chiefs had getting the proper personnel in the game, CBS
GH: Wilcots took a shot at Haley here and it was warranted. Haley thinks he is Coach Multitasker but after the Raiders’ debacle it is woefully clear he needs help on a number of levels.
“When you start challenging, ‘Are we smart enough,’ the players start going the other way when you do that too much.”
Roger Twibell, 610 AM
“I think you have to be very, very careful (about saying the team needs to be smart). Because I always say there is no such thing as a dumb football player. There is no such thing as a dumb athlete. It’s impossible to be dumb.”
Danan Hughes, on Todd Haley’s continued pronouncements that he will have a smart football team here in Kansas City, 610 AM
GH: This might be the quote of the month. Who is Danan trying to kid with this comment? No dumb athletes? “It’s impossible” to be dumb?” Has Danan ever met Plaxico Burress? Been inside a MLB locker room? Walked outside his house?
“They’ve got to finish. That’s the whole thing that’s missing right now – similar to lass year.”
Herm Edwards, 810 AM
GH: We remember “lass” year well, Coach. Those two wins you snagged are starting to look like a hurdle for this squad.
“They were -2 in turnovers. Statistically speaking, I’d say they left themselves about a 22% chance to win the football game
Dick Vermeil, appearing live on 610’s Monday morning show, 610 AM
GH: Since 810 has Herm on Mondays, it appears 610 went out and signed the other ex-Chiefs’ coach as their Monday morning analyst. I am not sure 610 is getting their monies worth, though. Read on.
“The Oakland Raiders aren’t a bad football team anymore. I don’t think they are.”
Dick Vermeil, 610 AM
GH: What the hell? Did this guy even watch the game? As a matter of fact, no he did not. Read on.
“I was traveling (Sunday) so I didn’t see the football game. All I saw were the highlights.”
Dick Vermeil, 610 AM
GH: You got to love an expert analyst who I am sure 610 is paying to analyze the Chiefs’ game with Roger Twibell and Josh Klingler and one of the first sentences out of his mouth is that he didn’t even see the game! 610 should dump Dick immediately and go with someone who at least understands the job.
“The Kansas City Chiefs are in desperate need of getting a win today.”
Solomon Wilcots, network analyst for the Raiders/Chiefs game, CBS
GH: Ah, the wisdom of Solomon! After losing 23 of the last 25, I’d say that is a given for our Chiefs.
“You gotta love what you’re seeing from Matt Cassel. He’s playing with a great deal of poise.”
Solomon Wilcots, early in the second quarter after passing for 41 yards, CBS
GH: I thought Wilcots was a bit premature in lauding Cassel’s play. Yeah, he did that cool emphatic first-down gesture in the first half but he wasn’t making anyone forget Brodie Croyle’s play in Baltimore. Just kidding…kind of.
“We’re going to keep our heads high. Like I said, we’ve got 14 more of these so we’ll be ready to go.”
Matt Cassel, MetroSports
GH: Unfortunately Matt, that is exactly what we are afraid of. 14 more losses like this might turn have Arrowhead’s attendance rivaling the “crowds” at Bannister Mall.
“I like Matt Cassel and I’m not writing him off, but the guy played like a dog! You can’t treat one guy that different than everyone else on the team. You cannot treat 52 guys like dirt and Cassel differently. You can’t do it!”
Nick Wright, on Haley’s tendency to go soft on criticizing Cassel, 610 AM
GH: Sure you can. Happens all the time on almost every team at every level. Winning makes it invisible. Losing makes it a problem.
“We put ourselves in a position to win at the end of the game.”
Matt Cassel, in his postgame press conference, MetroSports
GH: I HATE this kind of philosophy. Ron Prince used to preach this incessantly. “All we ask is to have a chance in the fourth quarter to win the game.” Why not go out and kick ass and make the fourth quarter irrelevant? Almost every NFL team has a chance to win late. Chiefs’ fans know this better than anyone. It’s winning that matters. This ain’t field day at Pembroke Country Day School!
“JaMarcus Russell now has two wins in your building and it’s inexcusable.”
Josh Klingler, 610 AM
GH: I have not done the research but I believe there is little need to discover whether or not any other NFL stadium holds this ignominious shame…or ever will.
“The Raiders played dead and won.”
Jason Whitlock, Kansas City Star
GH: Great freakin’ line!
“If you get a chance to make this play, you gotta seal the deal!”
Solomon Wilcots, on Brandon Flowers whiffing on a made-to-order Pick 6, CBS
GH: Flowers’ drop is not being discussed nearly enough. This was a gift from the worst quarterback to ever wear Raiders’ colors. It would be more difficult for an athlete to drop such an easy pick than to catch it. Losers make these kinds of misplays all the time. Winners almost never allow these gifts to go unopened.
“A poor decision by Kansas City. They get no points out of that drive.”
Mitch Holthus, after the Chiefs allowed the clock to expire w/o getting their field goal team on the field at the end of the first half, Chiefs Radio Network
GH: When even Holthus is criticizing the Chiefs live on the team’s radio broadcast, you know something bad occurred. This was a junior-high mistake that somehow Todd Haley, Matt Cassel and Dantrell Savage all managed to make on the same play.
“He is the most reliable lineman that they have.”
Len Dawson, after All-Pro guard Brian Waters was injured, Chiefs Radio Network
GH: Lenny wins the NSS award this week.
“I don’t think Oakland wants to put the game in the hands of their quarterback.”
Len Dawson, with eight minutes left in the game, Chiefs Radio Network
GH: Lenny drops his NSS #2.
“Another classic in the history of these two franchises!”
Mitch Holthus, at the two-minute mark, Chiefs Radio Network
GH: Classic? This mess of a game wouldn’t constitute a classic at Wendy’s.
“Todd Haley gave Larry Johnson a cut-up (video to study) how Corey Dillon runs.”
Solomon Wilcots, CBS
GH: How well do you think that went over at Larry’s house? I am guessing LJ took that DVD home and cracked it over the head of whichever woman he is currently dating.
“He was sacked the most (in the NFL) last year while playing with the New England Patriots.”
Kevin Harlan, CBS
GH: I am getting a feeling as to why. Cassel doesn’t appear to recognize pocket heat as well as he should. He holds the ball too long for a guy who does not possess Croyle’s arm.
“(JaMarcus Russell) was not down! He was not down!”
Todd Haley, on the personal foul called on Chiefs’ defensive lineman, Wallace Gilberry, that allowed the Raiders’ game-winning drive to continue, CBS
“He was well down.”
Mitch Holthus, Chiefs Radio Network
“(Wallace Gilberry) has got to be cut right now!”
Jack Harry, 810 AM
“Jack (Harry) really vilified Wallace Gilberry for that late hit. He said Gilberry needs to be cut today. That was a terrible call! I went back and watched it and that was a terrible call! The quarterback was never touched. Jack was saying he speared him. He didn’t spear him!”
Nate Bukaty, 810 AM
GH: Gilberry is an idiot. It doesn’t matter if the QB was knocked down or fell down on his own accord. You don’t, as a 300-pound defensive lineman; jump on a QB in the fetal position. Tag him and go back to the huddle and get the win. Idiot. Believe me, every offensive player on the Chiefs was thinking exactly that.
“One of these games we’re gonna shock somebody.”
Caller, 810 AM
GH: So what? We need to get back to where the Chiefs are the team getting shocked instead of us being the annual cow prodder.
“Oakland came into that (game-winning drive) with no passing yards in the second half.”
Mitch Holthus, Chiefs Radio Network
GH: F-ing unbelievable.
“That’s three false starts (on Oakland)! Give credit to this crowd that is going crazy!”
Mitch Holthus, as the Arrowhead faithful (and I do mean faithful) coerced three false starts from the Raiders’ offense during their game-winning drive, Chiefs Radio Network
GH: The fans inside Arrowhead were amazing. They deserve so much more than what they are getting.
“Everybody’s going to play hard. I’m looking for the ones who are going to play smart.”
Len Dawson, Chiefs Radio Network
GH: Amen.
“Monte Beisel is supposed to be a special teams’ ace, He should be cut. He should be gone tomorrow and Bernard Pollard should be back.”
Cowboy Cory Anderson, after the veteran allowed a punt to slowly roll into the end zone for a touchback, 610 AM
“That was one of the most pitiful performances I’ve seen in my life by an NFL quarterback until the last 2:30 of the game.”
Jack Harry, 810 AM
“In the last drive, (Russell) out-performed Matt Cassel.”
Danny Clinkscale, 810 AM
“This (Chiefs’) football team couldn’t get arrested.”
Jack Harry, 810 AM
“This is really just the Detroit Lions of the AFC.”
Caller Paydirt, 810 AM
Greghall24@yahoo.com and Twitter/greghall24
Petro and Nick Wright have quite a war of words underway
Posted
9-18-09
“After I got done talking to Tyler Thigpen (at Arrowhead on Wednesday), in full view of a dozen people, including some members of the media, Soren (Petro) called me a two-faced bleep-sucker. ...He said, ‘Nick I don’t have time for you. You’re a two-faced lying cocksucker.’ That’s when he reminded me again how many friends he has around town.”
Nick Wright, on the altercation he had with his fellow Syracuse grad and rival sports talk host on WHB, 610 AM
GH: Not since Jason Whitlock walked out of the Entercom studios and quit in mid-show have we had this kind of drama on the local sports talk scene. Few things are more entertaining to me than people in the media acting out publicly what they feel about each other privately. Let’s get ready to rumble!
“(Petro) said, ‘I just hope you end up being as famous as you think you are because if you ever come to me for anything, you’re not getting any help. … Soren acting like I am going to have to come to him for a job.”
Nick Wright, 610 AM
GH: Dom Petro apparently sees himself as the Godfather of sports talk radio, granting wishes to only those who defer to his, uh, to his, ummm, actually I’m not sure what the hell anyone would defer to Soren for or about. Isn’t this the guy Whitlock referred to as Pistro? How does a sports nerd like Soren, who can barely function outside a press box, manage to grow an ego the size of Tony Soprano?
“Who says that? What is this Hollywood? ‘You’ll never work in this town again!’ Thank you! Thank you! ‘You’ll never work in Kansas City again!’ How will I ever recover?”
Lazlo, afternoon host of The Church of Lazlo, while interviewing Wright Tuesday evening, 96.5 FM The Buzz
GH: Wright actually broke this story on The Buzz on Tuesday night. He is a regular on The Church of Lazlo show with sidekick, Slimfast. Wright often lets his hair down far more on the FM side than he does on the AM dial. His FM buddies had some fun with him after he told his tale. Read on.
“I wish I was friends with Soren right now and not you. He just won! Soren just made you look like a bitch!”
Slimfast, 96.5 FM The Buzz
“(Soren) punked you like a bitch! You got the finger in the chest and walked away with your tail between your legs. Like a dirty bitch!”
Lazlo, 96.5 FM The Buzz
“You should have talked trash right back to him and told him, ‘Look here Pork Chop, I’m not putting up with your crap! Get your finger out of my chest. You’ve been Kietzman’s bitch since you moved here. I hope Kietzman doesn’t get fired or you’re gonna have to start looking for a job. Nobody will hire you because you do nothing but carry Kietzman’s water. You’re a water boy for Kietzman. You’ve been on the bench your whole life. You’re not good at sports. You’ve never been able to shoot a basketball. You sat on the bench and now you’re a backup to Kietzman. That’s all you are, you’re Kietzman’s bitch. Now get your finger outta my chest. ’ ”
Lazlo, 96.5 FM The Buzz
“I feel like Costanza of Seinfeld in that shrimp episode. I now have the perfect comeback thanks to Lazlo.”
Nick Wright, 96.5 FM The Buzz
“I just want to know who the mole in the (Entercom) office is. He said, ‘On and off the air.’ He said, ‘I have friends in that building. What you say off the air, that gets back to me too.’”
Nick Wright, 96.5 FM The Buzz
GH: Possible Entercom moles;
1) Darla Jaye: No other real reason this talking Marlboro has an on-air job. She must be there solely as a plant for Petro.
2) Staff at KUDL: Moles 300 days of the year, too busy playing Christmas music the other 65.
3) KXTR Classical’s Staff: Must be a mole operation since they haven’t had a listener since Walt Bodine died. What’s that? He’s alive?!! I thought they were just playing a loop of him over at KCUR saying, “Right, right, right…”
“Everyone knows that (WHB) made itself by ripping the old guard in town. Now they’re the old guard in town. … I don’t have the knowledge (that Soren has). I’m just more entertaining and do a better show.”
Nick Wright, 610 AM
GH: You have to wonder why Petro would concern himself with Wright, who is still a little-known sports talk host on the second-string station. Are the new kids on the block getting into the heads of the guys at 810? It appears they are not only inside their domes but putting up a Jumbotron.
“You know, if I was Soren, I’d be a little jealous of me too. Yeah, he makes more money than me and he’s got more listeners than me -- but I’ve got about 15 years to catch up. In about 15 years, I ain’t gonna be doing what Soren’s doing. He knows it and I know it. And it burns him up.”
Nick Wright, 610 AM
GH: For too damn long the sports media in this town acted like they all belonged to the same fraternity. Only Jason Whitlock refused to play nice with his competition. Kietzman did his best to hire or court anyone he considered a possible threat. Instead of competition between radio, TV and print, we got a bunch of back-slapping golfing buddies. I am one consumer who welcomes some real rancor between the local media outlets.
“It really started for me (Wednesday) when someone tries to make you feel small and intimidated and calls you a two-faced sucker. So you know what? I don’t know if the gloves were ever on, but the gloves are off!”
Nick Wright, 610 AM
“If this makes the press conferences more awkward for me, if this makes working in this building where he has friends more awkward for me, if this makes my life a little more difficult, you know what? So be it. … Is this the best career decision? Probably not.”
Nick Wright, 610 AM
GH: I emailed Petro Thursday morning and asked for his side of the story. If he has one, he’s not sharing. I have known Petro for 15 years, since he was answering the phones for Pete Enich at 1510. He has always been an encyclopedia of sports knowledge with a ridiculously juvenile temper. Apparently, he now has a ridiculously large ego to pair with that temper. I don’t think this is the last we’ve seen of the out-of-control Petro rage – which makes writing my OTC all the easier.
Greghall24@yahoo.com and Twitter/greghall24
KC media discussion: Can Chiefs beat the Raiders?
Posted
9-17-09
“I didn’t realize we had to be cheerleaders, and we get this a lot. We’re being real! The teams in this town have been awful. So to sit here and be a cheerleader for the Chiefs and pretend this is a good football team makes us look stupid, because they’re not.”
Cowboy Cory Anderson, to listeners who criticized Chris & Cowboy for being too negative and not “real Chiefs fans,” 610 AM
GH: Some fans, and I believe they are a shrinking minority, still believe that a “true fan” never criticizes his favorite teams. That is what the owners of professional teams have shoved down fans throats ever since they started charging for tickets. But the best fans know when to demand more from their teams than simply putting on the uniforms correctly.
“I was thinking you ought to get yourself a little part-time job working in the Chiefs’ PR department. Bob Moore would put you to work out there, buddy!”
Jack Harry, to Kevin Kietzman, on his overt homer-esque cheerleading for the Chiefs this season, 810 AM
GH: We have already discussed why KK is so supportive of the Chiefs this season, it has to do with the Chiefs’ radio rights which WHB hopes to land. But when even his cronies start making fun of him for his over-the-top charade, it puts KK’s act in a very entertaining light.
“It doesn’t look like it’s going to get any brighter for this (Chiefs’) defense. At least it looks like they are out there playing hard. I just don’t think they are going to win many more games.”
Tim Grunhard, 810 AM
GH: I have been searching for those (besides Kietzman) who think the Chiefs will beat the Raiders here at Arrowhead Sunday. There are very few takers. Read on.
“Those two signs spell disaster for the Chiefs. (Oakland) was able to run the ball against San Diego and they were able to stop the run.”
Steven St. John, 810 AM
“The Chiefs need JaMarcus Russell to be bad. I’ll say this, after Monday night I feel considerably worse about the Chiefs’ chances (against Oakland) than I did before.”
Kent Babb, KC Star Chiefs’ beat writer, 810 AM
“The odds are that there are no answers for this team this year. Because no matter who you go get, it’s some other team’s trash.”
Nate Bukaty, 810 AM
“The Raiders are very simple. They just believe they can just line up and hit you in the mouth and beat you in a street fight.”
Richard Baldinger, MetroSports
“If the Chiefs don’t beat the Raiders on Sunday, they might not win a game until the second week of November. Just look at that schedule – it’s brutal!”
Jack Harry, KSHB TV 41
GH: It seems almost ridiculous to think the Chiefs could go 0 for September/October. Doesn’t it? It might be time to go get those 22 guys off the street to secure a couple of wins for this season.
“I think the Chiefs will milk this for everything it is worth, even if they know definitively that Matt Cassel is going to play.”
Adam Teicher, 610 AM
GH: The growing consensus around town is that Cassel will start…but after KK stubbed his credibility last week, no one has quoted any independent sources for confirmation.
“They don’t have to have Matt Cassel back to win this game.”
Adam Teicher, 610 AM
GH: I agree. Brodie played well enough at Baltimore in a tough environment. I would even argue that Croyle deserves a second start. But there are $60 million reasons why Cassel will start if he is able.
“Is this a must win game? Absolutely! Especially the way this schedule lays out in front of (the Chiefs).”
Roger Twibell, 610 AM
GH: The second game of the season is never a “must win.” There are no “must wins” for this Chiefs team. Does it really matter which four games they win this season?
“Playing at home during the preseason is one thing. I’m anticipating a whole different crowd this Sunday.”
Mike Vrabel, Fox 4
“A lot of the matchups are definitely in the Chiefs’ favor. A lot of it is going to come down to game-day matchups. I think the coaching matchup is definitely in the Chiefs’ favor.”
Kent Babb, 810 AM
GH: Let’s put Babb in the Chiefs’ camp for Sunday’s game. We now have KK, Teicher, Babb and I believe Nick Wright. Oh yes, and Chris Stigall of KCMO 710. Stigall has flat-dog guaranteed a Chiefs win.
“I don’t want to compare him to #58 (Derrick Thomas) but he does have some of those qualities. …Hopefully, Tamba Hali can find a little bit of that magic.”
Tim Grunhard, on the Chiefs’ defender, 810 AM
GH: I haven’t recognized a lot of DT in Hali. Let’s hope Grunhard is right and the Penn State grad starts to show us why Carl Peterson drafted him.
“I know (Carl Peterson) is doing well and I speak to him every once in a while. And I think he still loves Kansas City.”
Denny Thum, Chiefs’ president, MetroSports
GH: Thum has been busy this week making appearances on every media outlet who will have him. The Chiefs need to sell some tickets and it is a big part of Denny’s new title to see that Arrowhead is sold out each home game. When Dave Stewart asked Thum if King Carl was now a season ticket holder and if he’d be attending Chiefs’ home games (GREAT question, BTW), Thum smiled broadly and answered, “I would hope so.” So would I and a lot of the other “fake” Chiefs’ fans. Sure hope Carl hasn’t joined the ranks of the unwashed who have not purchased a season ticket.
“You can’t treat everybody the same. If Brian Waters jumps offside and he comes to the sideline and (Todd Haley f-bombs him like he did Brodie Croyle), I think you guys are going to be looking for a new head coach.”
Eric Hicks, former Chiefs’ defensive end, 810 AM
GH: I think that meeting already took place earlier this year in the hallway.
“What if your wife cheats on you with a 65-year-old man? You know, he’s got a lot of money… The normal reaction is to beat the guy’s face in. If you fight somebody that old, you have to worry about killing him. He might have a pacemaker or something.”
Chris Hamblin, discussing with Cowboy and B-Dub how old is too old to throw down with another guy, 610 AM
GH: This conversation took place last week and I was both amused and amazed what passes for sports talk at times on C&C’s show. Read on.
“What about Clint Eastwood? He looks like a bag of bones. He can barely walk! What about Bob Barker?”
Cowboy Cory Anderson, checking with his co-host on how old is too old, 610 AM
“Would you throw down with Grandpa Jack Harry? Would you just pat him on his flattop or throw down with him?”
Chris Hamblin, 610 AM
GH: Paging Nolan Ryan!
Greghall24@yahoo.com and Twitter/greghall24
Snyder coming to a stadium near you as part of Kill Bill 2
Posted
9-15-09
“I understand what our limitations are.”
Bill Snyder, in his postgame press conference, Wildcat Radio Network
GH: Snyder’s postgame press conferences used to contain less meat than a falafel sandwich. But Kill Bill 2 has some serious bite in the credits. Read on.
“Really, the destiny of this football team is in their hands right now.”
Bill Snyder, Wildcat Radio Network
GH: Whoa! Coach played the “their” card on Ron Prince’s players. It must have sounded as bad to Coach as it did to me because he quickly swooped in and cleaned up the hovering mess. Read on.
“Uh, not just in their hands, but we need to do a better job of coaching.”
Bill Snyder, Wildcat Radio Network
GH: Translation: Get me some real players quick…and could someone tell me why the hell am I playing a hyphenated school in the state of Louisiana in September?
“The inconsistency there (in the quarterback play) is disturbing.”
Bill Snyder, Wildcat Radio Network
GH: Bam! Coach Snyder went and morphed into Glen Mason while he was on his three-year hiatus.
“It sounds like – what do you call it, coach-speak? But we’ve got to get better at all of it. This is kind of a long-haul thing.”
Bill Snyder, Wildcat Radio Network
GH: That’s not coach-speak, Coach. That’s reality in Manhattan.
“It’s probably disheartening to a lot of people. It is what it is and we knew what we were getting into.”
Bill Snyder, Wildcat Radio Network
GH: The agony in Snyder’s voice during this postgame presser was palpable. He is not used to losing – especially to Louisiana Laughing Stock. Is he built to withstand two or three years of this? No way. Kill Bill 2 coming to a Big 12 stadium near you soon.
“This team needs a huge injection of offense.”
Matt Walters, K-State radio sideline reporter, on the Wildcats’ offensive struggles at Louisiana Lafayette, Wildcat Radio Network
GH: The K-State radio crew might be the most vanilla in the North when it comes to team criticism. (KU’s Bob Davis would fit in well here.) For Walters to make this comment is almost revolutionary. I hope he continues to impersonate MU’s Chris Gervino because it makes for a much better broadcast.
“It shouldn’t be over! It shouldn’t be over! No way! K-State needs to get its field goal team ready! The referee’s acting like the games over! He’s throwing the ball down and he’s saying, ‘I’m out of here!’ ”
Stan Weber, as the game clock expired and K-State was denied one more play at Louisiana-Lafayette, Wildcat Radio Network
GH: As Weber pleaded for the refs to do their job and give the Wildcats another down (which I am sure they deserved), it reminded me that too often referees quit early. If the clock is close to expiring, they will almost always opt to allow it to run out instead of blowing their whistle and marking the ball for play. Maddening stuff – especially when you’re stuck listening on the radio and pulling for your team to make a comeback.
“They are already so much better than they were last year. It is ridiculous what a little coaching has done. It’s not going to happen overnight. He’s going to have to recruit skill-position players to fit his offense. I am not discouraged at all.”
Kevin Kietzman, following K-State’s 17-15 loss to LA-La, 810 AM
GH: An independent source has confirmed to KK that his habit of preaching what he does not believe is not healthy for him or his radio show.
“That’s what we’ve got to do! Run that football!”
John Kadlec, Tiger Radio Network
GH: I believe the Tiger Radio Broadcasts have a cue card guy like the Tonight Show, holding up Kadlec’s three favorite phrases and he continually repeats them throughout the broadcast. His other two faves? “Run it up the gut!” and “I’ll tell you what…”
“That is a dangerous play on short yardage! I’ll tell you what, that is a dangerous play! What do you think, Chris?”
John Kadlec, after Bowling Green attempted a short shuttle pass on third down, Tiger Radio Network
GH: Kadlec obviously forgot (or possibly was not aware) that a dropped shuttle pass is simply an incomplete pass. When he invited Chris Gervino to respond, he was made aware of that fact. Read on.
“You know, that shuttle pass is just an incomplete pass if it’s dropped.”
Chris Gervino, sideline reporter, responding to Kadlec, Tiger Radio Network
GH: You can hear Gervino and Mike Kelly tiptoe around Kadlec during Tiger football broadcasts. Gervino’s response upset Coach Edsel, uh, I mean, Coach Kadlec, to the point that he refused to back off his embarrassing remark. Read on.
“I still say it’s a bad play on short yardage! Sorry, Chris.”
John Kadlec, Tiger Radio Network
GH: Kadlec proves each week why he has no business in the Tiger booth. I understand many Mizzou fans love him for being old and bleeding Mizzou black & gold. But have him do his bleeding some place far from a live microphone.
“Hey, I just wanted to make sure folks knew (a dropped shuttle pass is not a fumble) because a lot of people are confused.”
Chris Gervino, sideline reporter, Tiger Radio Network
GH: And the most confused of all is Coach Edsel.
“Missouri is a team that is supposed to wilt under pressure and they didn’t. I’m impressed with both of Missouri’s wins.”
Soren Petro, 810 AM
GH: Mizzou looked bad in this game. Old Mizzou bad. The Tiger offensive and defensive lines were pushed around and dominated even into the third quarter. But the old Tigers wilted when faced with an upset opponent. These Tigers rose to the occasion and found a way to win. Impressive.
“Mizzou lost NFL talent (on defense) and they are better at least at this point in the year.”
Soren Petro, 810 AM
GH: Mizzou’s defense will be tested in October and November. I have still never seen a Pinkel-coached Mizzou team play good team defense. I am not convinced they can.
“(Jake) Sharp says he is now running his 40s in the high 4.2s.”
Danny Clinkscale, on the KU running back, 810 AM
GH: KK did not believe this claim and I too find that number hard to accept. 40 times are often more blow than go. But Sharp looks healthy and while his straight-ahead speed is good, it’s his change-of-direction speed that has impressed me. He is a Salina kid that a lot of white farm boys can smile about and hope to someday emulate.
“I think Todd Reesing is the most exciting quarterback in college football today. He’s Fran Tarkenton.”
Mike Price, head coach at UTEP, 810 AM
GH: For those younger than 40, Tarkenton basically invented the scrambling QB when he played for the Vikings. Reesing has yet to show what we have all come to love about his game, but he remains a modern-day Brian Dowling. (On the recommendation of a reader, I rented the documentary Harvard Beats Yale 29-29. Get it and you too will be wowed by BD’s prowess.)
“My personal opinion (on Reesing’s less than stellar start to the season), it’s the level of competition they are playing. If they’re playing Missouri he’s not making those (poor) throws.”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
“I think Nebraska has a heckuva shot in this game (at Virginia Tech). If they lose, they’re going to have a lot of explaining to do. They should win this game.”
Dennis Dodd, college columnist for CBSsportsline.com, 810 AM
GH: Huh? How can Nebraska be expected to travel to one of the toughest road stadiums in college football, against a team expected by most to play in a BCS bowl, and win or be left to explain why they did not? Talk about your tough expectations! And I thought Husker fans were a bit out of whack.
“I too think Nebraska will win this game outright.”
Steven St. John, 810 AM
GH: I do not. I like the direction of the Huskers but they are still learning to walk under Bo Pelini. Zac Lee looks good as NU’s new QB but this is a tough task for a veteran let alone a kid starting his first road game.
“They extended Dan Hawkins a year ago and I’m not so sure they can afford to fire him. Colorado is a mess. They’re undersized and they don’t have many athletes.”
Dennis Dodd, 810 AM
“I believe (Dan Hawkins) is the right man for this program but unfortunately it hasn’t translated to wins on the field. To say they’re not going to win a game is crazy.”
Mike Rice, of KOA Radio in Denver, on Colorado’s embattled head coach, 810 AM
GH: Colorado has started out ugly in seasons past and managed to resemble a real football team by October. This version of the Buffs though, looks uglier than a shaved bison.
“Dan Hawkins has made the ultimate professional sacrifice for his son.”
Nick Wright, on Hawkins decision to start his son at QB despite his lack of talent, 610 AM
“The Oklahoma State facilities now are ridiculous, over-the-top, top-of-the-line, I mean, their stuff is gorgeous. I’ve been in a lot of professional clubhouses, locker rooms, stadiums, it’s second to none. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen. Boone Pickens’ money was very, very well spent. But with that come those expectations and that makes the loss (to Houston) that much harder to take.”
Emily Jones, reporter for FoxSportsNet, 810 AM
“It looks like Iowa is going to win the Iowa Class A State High School championship over Iowa State.”
Greg Sharpe, Husker Radio Network
Greghall24@yahoo.com and Twitter/greghall24
Can you find six wins on the Chiefs' schedule?
Posted
9-11-09
“It is looking to me like it’s very, very, iffy. I don’t expect Matt Cassel to play (in Baltimore). I don’t think the guy is playing.”
Cowboy Corey Anderson, 810 AM
GH: Cowboy reported that he caught a glimpse of the Chiefs’ practice on Thursday and reported that while the other three quarterbacks were jogging from station to station, Cassel was the only player walking. KK mentioned that having Cassel meet with the media on Thursday, as the starting QB typically does, was a sign that he would be the starter. Chris & Cowboy said they thought it was simply a ruse by Scott Todd to confuse the Ravens as to whom would start. Come Sunday at noon we will know who was correct.
“I think Derrick Johnson is really, really close to being out of Haley’s doghouse and just completely out of here.”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
GH: I loved this draft pick when it went down in 2005. It appears both King Carl and I were wrong.
“It’s a painful, tumultuous process.”
Todd Haley, on the process of building a winning franchise in Kansas City where we have experienced little success of late, 610 AM
GH: While watching Tennessee and Pittsburgh Thursday night, I couldn’t help but think how different those teams looked compared to the Chiefs. Haley sounds to me like he is preparing us for a long, even painful trip back to NFL respectfulness.
“Anybody who says they can’t find six wins on this (Chiefs) schedule is lying to you and they’re lying to themselves. I am sick of the pessimism! I’m sorry, but I love football too much to already start looking to 2010.”
Nick Wright, 610 AM
GH: I don’t see six wins for the Chiefs. Maybe four. Maybe not. Oakland will be much better than most believe. My four wins: Denver, Buffalo, Cleveland and one upset win.
“I don’t think it’s a good way to begin it. We’re going to come in here and play well. And I don’t think they’re really going to want to play us by the end of the game.”
Joe Flacco, in a quote from the Ravens’ QB that was posted for the Chiefs’ players to read in the Chiefs’ locker room, Fox 4
GH: I am not much for posting quotes to inspire your team. Good teams just go out and kick ass. Teams in transition look for anything to help their cause.
“Nothing out here (at Arrowhead) happens without a reason. Let me tell you that right now.”
Todd Leabo, on the fact that the bulletin-board quote from Flacco was also in full view of the media, 810 AM
“I don’t think much of it at all. You’ve got four darn quarterbacks? How are you going to give the first team defense a good look without enough linemen on the scout team? You think I’m crazy but that’s what it’s all about!”
Tim Grunhard, unhappy that the Chiefs chose to keep only eight offensive linemen but four quarterbacks, 810 AM
“Once again we have fallen into the trap of picking up other team’s garbage for the most important position on the team and that’s the offensive line. You’ve got a couple guys from Miami who wouldn’t have made the team 15 years ago. There’s no way!”
Tim Grunhard, 810 AM
GH: You don’t get quotes this raw and this good from Jayice Pearson or Trent Green. Give me an hour with Grunny each week and I’ll fill two OTC columns.
“I understand what Missouri fans have been conditioned to think but at some point this program needs to get to a point where Missouri expects to win these games. The fact of the matter is that Missouri should win this game. Bowling Green can’t run the ball at all.”
Gabe DeArmond, on the feeling of many Mizzou fans who have come to expect disappointment to follow big wins like last week’s victory over Illinois, 810 AM
GH: Bowling Green comes to Columbia on Saturday night and is one of those teams that have beaten Pinkel and the Tigers in the recent past. But Tiger fans want those kind of upset losses to remain in the past. A loss to BG at this juncture would not be devastating to Mizzou but pretty damn close.
“(Mizzou) beat a team that was 5-7 last year from the Big 10 Conference. That’s a big win.”
Matt Davidson, NU radio analyst and the guy on the receiving end of the famous flea-kicker catch in 1997, in his best tongue-in-cheek voice, 810 AM
“I think Illinois is pretty similar to K-State and Colorado – and maybe not even that good.”
Kevin Kietzman, following Mizzou’s big win over the Illini, 810 AM
GH: KK is downplaying Mizzou’s win over Mizzou by belittling Illinois. Is Illinois great? No. Are they one of the best teams in the Big 10? Yes. Mizzou was the only Big 12 North team to schedule a real opponent for their opener. Even in Mizzou’s best Chase Daniel years, the Illinois game was always competitive. Mizzou’s blowout of the Illini should not be discounted.
“I thought K-State was exactly what I thought they would be. …I think (Bill Snyder) was up 21-3 and just wanted to go home. I think one year beat Ohio 21-19 and went on the win the Big 12.”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
GH: KK doesn’t appear to share the pessimism about K-State’s football program this season that I have expressed. Are the Cats headed toward a Big 12 title after their scary win over UMass? Now that would be a story! Read on.
“We have no chance to know anything about Kansas State yet. We’ll know more this week. They might be a pretty good little football team. If they go down there (to Louisiana Lafayette) and win by 10, they might turn around and beat UCLA next week.”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
GH: KK told his listeners that Snyder wanted to keep his defense and offense “boring” in the opener so not to tip his hand to future opponents. Maybe, but it is comments like Kietzman’s that have me questioning the unrealistic expectations of some Wildcat fans.
“Colorado under Dan Hawkins hasn’t been as good as K-State under Ron Prince! And I picked Colorado. I should be fired!”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
“That wasn’t very nice. Nobody wants to be talked to like that.”
Kevin Kietzman, after Mark Mangino answered a question from Danny Clinkscale in what KK considered a condescending manner, 810 AM
GH: I watched the video of Mangino answering Clink’s question and I did not get the feeling Mangino was attempting to talk down or embarrass Clink. Mangino can be difficult with the media but I didn’t think he deserved the criticism he received for this answer.
“I just don’t understand where all the love for Nebraska is coming from.”
Cowboy Cory Anderson, on the Huskers being picked as the favorites in the North by many prognosticators, 610 AM
GH: Cowboy’s opinion of the Huskers’ chances in 2009 were quickly echoed by Mick Shaffer, who is also an Oklahoma State alum. Read on for Omaha World Herald columnist’s, Tom Shatel’s, opinion of the Men of Corn.
“I would love to tell you, dear reader, that the Blackshirts will have 40 takeaways, Ndamukong Suh will devour Jayhawks for Thanksgiving, Larry Asante is the next Mike Brown, the ‘pipeline’ is back, Roy Helu will rush for more than 1,000 yards and hurdle 35 defenders, and the Huskers will win nine games and take me to my favorite beach bungalow next door to the Holiday Bowl. But I would be making all of that up. I have no idea. However, if my wife let me gamble, I would bet the house on this one sure thing: Nebraska will be better in November than September. And that would be no small achievement in this building-block year. Look, I’m not here to rain on anybody’s Rose Bowl parade. Optimism reigns in August. When folks have asked for an opinion, and I’ve said, ‘I really think next year is the year,’ I can see the disappointment in their eyes.”
Tom Shatel, columnist, Omaha World Herald
“I wouldn’t be surprised if Kansas puts a whuppin’ on Nebraska down there at Kansas.”
Mick Shaffer, 610 AM
“If I’m a Kansas fan, I’m not worried about that Nebraska game too much. I don’t want to say they win that game easily but maybe they do.”
Jason King, former Kansas beat writer for The Star and currently writing for Yahoo Sports, 610 AM
GH: If Mizzou handles the Huskers in Columbia and Kansas trips over all those obstacles from the South, the NU at KU game November 14th might be an easy ticket to score.
“He may be the most important Jayhawk to ever wear a uniform. He might not be the best, but he’s not far from it. Because Kerry Meier is so unselfish, he sets the tempo for the entire program.”
Mark Mangino, on the Jayhawks former QB turned receiver, Hawk Talk
GH: Meier has as good of hands as anyone catching football in the game – at any level. I love watching him play the game.
“I’ve thought for the last 10 years that this (Royals’) team doesn’t have an identity. We’ve always floated around in the middle of what kind of team we are. Every manager who has come in here has always mixed and matched. They’ve had a lot of different lineups. You forget who the starters are and who the reserve guys are. I think that’s one thing that’s puzzled me over the years. Why you can’t have a manager come in here and find a set lineup and run with it? I just think an identity is you have to find out what kind of team you want to be.”
Frank White, 610 AM
GH: White continues to be as bold about criticizing the Royals as was Paul Splittorff. Thank God. I cannot think of another organization that deserves the criticism more.
Greghall24@yahoo.com and Twitter/greghall24
Clark Hunt succeeds at marriage but will his Chiefs succeed on field?
Posted
9-10-09
“The business-savvy (Clark) Hunt has plenty of other things going for him as well, including a refurbished Arrowhead Stadium and, according to one of his peers, “the best-looking wife in the NFL. I’d trade my starting quarterback for her. That immediately shoots him to the top of the list.” For the record, the owner in question was joking about trading his quarterback for Tavia Hunt, a former Miss Kansas and second runner-up at the 1993 Miss USA pageant. At least, I think he was.”
Michael Silver, YahooSports.com
GH: Clark’s daddy, Lamar, didn’t too badly in the wife-picking department either. Norma can still turn the heads of men half her age. Also for the record, Silver, who formerly covered the NFL for Sports Illustrated (is YahooSports the future home for JoPo’s column?) has picked our Kansas City Chiefs to win the AFC West. Surprisingly, he is not alone in his optimism for the Chiefs. Read on.
“I think it’ll be a much better game than people think.”
Jayice Pearson, on the Chiefs’ chances in Baltimore on Sunday, 810 AM
“I think it’ll be a low-scoring game because both offenses are struggling. I think it’ll be 16-14, Chiefs. …A lot of people of people talk about Ray Lewis, but Ray Lewis is too old to play linebacker right now.”
Eddie Kennison, former Chiefs’ receiver, 810 AM
GH: But not everyone thinks the Chiefs will steal one from the Ravens. Read on.
“The Chiefs are definitely one of the five worst teams in the NFL. If the Chiefs go 6-10 with this schedule, I think it’s been a good season.”
Cowboy Cory Anderson, 610 AM
“The Chiefs are not getting the surgically enhanced chick with the blonde hair, great smile and the great body. It’s just not happening. They’re getting a plus-size model.”
Chris Hamblin, expressing his assessment of the Chiefs’ season in his own unique way, 610 AM
“The Sporting News came out with their top 100 NFL players in the game today and the Ravens had five players on the list. The Chiefs have none – unless you count Tony Gonzalez and Jared Allen, but you can’t count them.”
Roger Twibell, 610 AM
“I think this offense is a little bit too predictable. I think that’s why Chan (Gailey) is where he is.”
Eddie Kennison, 810 AM
GH: Eddie has some ‘tude to go with his commentary. Unlike the predictable, say-little former Chiefs Jayice Pearson and Trent Green, Kennison is more Grunhard-like in his radio interviews. He will be a regular on the Border Patrol this football season and he should provide interesting fodder for my OTC – at least Eddie believe he will be entertaining. Read on.
“I’m looking forward to being behind the mic because now I get to say the things that Derrick Johnson didn’t get to say. I get to speak my mind. And I’ll tell you what, listen in because I have a lot of things to talk about about football – and they’re good!”
Eddie Kennison, 810 AM
GH: Kennison’s comment about DJ was in reference to some remarks from the demoted Chiefs’ linebacker where Johnson appeared to be cool with his non-starting status. Kennison feels DJ was simply keeping his mouth shut and masking his true feelings to make sure he didn’t catch the wrath of Scott Todd.
“I don’t think it was a demotion or anything.”
Derrick Johnson, when asked how he was handling his demotion to second and third team linebacker, 810 AM
“Most of these (Chiefs) guys are afraid to say anything because the organization doesn’t want them saying much.”
Nate Bukaty, 810 AM
“There shouldn’t be any man, woman or child that should tell you how to say it or when to say it.”
Eddie Kennison, differing with the Chiefs’ brass on muzzling their players, 810 AM
GH: It is obvious to me that Eddie’s never held a desk job. The guys or gals signing your paycheck – no matter what your business – have always been able to tell their employees what not to say and how not to say it. Unless you don’t like/need those paychecks, you kowtow and keep collecting them. It’s called an employee/employer relationship. I have had one or two of those in my career.
“I want the listeners to know we have independently confirmed that Matt Cassel will start Sunday unless he has another setback or a doctor refuses to clear him on Saturday, which probably won’t happen since he has been cleared to practice.”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
GH: KK has been riding this horse for two days. Tuesday he said he had a source inside the Chiefs organization that had confirmed to him Cassel would start. Wednesday he said WHB had “independently confirmed” Cassel will start. He mentioned this Chiefs’ source almost as often as he mentions the Cookie Diet. Please note that this is the same KK who earlier this preseason told listeners not to believe anyone who said they had a source inside Arrowhead because the new Chiefs’ regime was not leaking any accurate information. If you are wondering which KK to believe, you have more problems than I can attend to.
“Basically, (Lamar Hunt’s) dying wish was, ‘I want to see those uniforms on those boys.’”
Kevin Kietzman, on the late owner of the Chiefs’ desire to have his team wear the Dallas Texans throwback uniforms, 810 AM
GH: Apparently, KK was at Lamar’s death bed or had a source in the room.
“I want Todd Haley to succeed in every fashion but do you need to tell everybody that, ‘I’m a tough dude and that’s how it is?’ There are just some things that bother me.”
Jack Harry, 810 AM
“Hey, this is what I live for! This is my job and I’m excited to be here.”
Scott Pioli, CTN
GH: I like this guy. He appears to be a refreshing change from King Carl’s style-over-substance persona. Pioli is meat and potatoes – or maybe meatballs and pasta.
“If Corey Mays is anything but a liability, they’ve done an amazing thing and they’ve really kind of lucked into something.”
Kent Babb, on the surprising play of the Chiefs’ backup linebacker turned starter, 810 AM
“He’s still got a ways to go before he’s a real productive player. There’s probably a little more there than I initially anticipated but he’s still got a long ways to go.”
Adam Teicher, on the Chiefs’ third overall pick in the draft, Tyson Jackson, 610 AM
“When I first got to Kansas City, Marty Schottenheimer pulled me aside and told me how much I was going to enjoy playing in Arrowhead. I thought, how different can it be? But the first time I walked out into that stadium… Arrowhead is a very special place to play. I got to play here for only two years. I wish it could have been four or five.”
Joe Montana, 810 AM
GH: Listening to the legendary Montana speak reverently about Arrowhead inspired goose bumps. Our football home has not been special for some years. It can be again. I hope Scott Todd are the guys to make it so.
Greghall24@yahoo.com and Twitter.com/greghall24
Will Cassel get the start?
Posted
9-10-09
“They still can’t score points.”
Adam Teicher, when asked what he saw different in the Chiefs’ offense now that Haley is the offensive coordinator, 610 AM
“I think we’re being a little too extreme on how awful the Chiefs’ offense is.”
Nick Wright, 610 AM
GH: As Chiefs’ fans, let’s hope Wright is correct. But from everything I have observed, extreme may be a kind way of describing this offense’s woes.
“Tyler Thigpen actually gives the Chiefs a better chance to beat the Ravens than Brodie Croyle.”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
GH: Will Cassel start against the Ravens or are we stuck with two guys who could not start for half the teams in the Big 12 – at least definitely not at Colorado.
“The Chiefs best case from what I saw (in the final preseason game in St. Louis) is five wins. I say five.”
Al Wallace, 610 AM
GH: Haley supposedly told Brian Waters he could win two games with 22 guys off the street. I just wish he wasn’t so determined to prove it.
“I’ll take the Chiefs and the points. I don’t think Kansas City gets embarrassed in week one.”
Nick Wright, 610 AM
GH: The points are hovering at around 14. That is a monster of a spread for an NFL game. Whenever it looks too good to be true, take the opposite. I like the Ravens by three touchdowns.
“Baltimore is going to be ridiculously hard on the road. Philadelphia in week three is going to be Michael Vick’s first game back is going to be a circus. For the first two months of the year, it is just going to be impossible.”
Kevin Harlan, assessing the Chiefs’ chances for success this season, 810 AM
GH: Do not say you have not been warned. The start to this season looks to be as difficult on Chiefs’ fans as any other. There will be many a Kansas City lawn mowed during the second half of Chiefs’ games this fall.
“I don’t see anything that makes me think (the Chiefs) are moving in the right direction. To me it looks like they are worse than last year.”
Jeff Chadhia, NFL writer for Sport Illustrated, 810 AM
GH: Chadhia was particularly puzzled by Scott Todd’s release of Pollard. “It just makes no sense,” was how he described the move.
“It would be suicidal to start (Cassel) against a team they have no chance of beating.”
Jack Harry, KSHB 41
“If he can’t go, they’re not going to play him. If he can, they will.”
Mitch Holthus, 810 AM
“They’re going to blindfold Matt Cassel and have him smoke a cigarette and put him in front of the Baltimore defense.”
Steven St. John, 810 AM
“People aren’t going to want to hear this but (Mike Vrabel) has been the more important part of this trade so far.”
Kent Babb, saying the ex-New England linebacker’s contribution to the Chiefs has been more significant than Matt Cassel’s, 810 AM
GH: Let’s hope this is a positive about Vrabel’s play and leadership rather than a hit on Cassel’s play.
“Is Brodie Croyle going to develop into a top-flight quarterback in this league? I think he has the potential to.”
Bill Maas, 610 AM
“If he could stay healthy, Brodie Croyle can really play this game.”
Jayice Pearson, CTN
GH: Croyle has an NFL arm that is unfortunately attached to a soccer body. What is even a bigger mystery is what lurks between his ears. Can he perform under pressure? Is he a leader? Will he ever learn to step up into a throw instead of relying on that golden arm and throwing off his back foot? If Cassel is out, we may get some answers this Sunday. I thought Brodie was done last season but it appears he has one more chance to prove he belongs in the league.
“I’m excited about (Cassel) because he gets it. This guy’s not cocky. He’s got an embracing personality. He’s a tough guy. The knock on him around the league is that he maybe can’t make the deep throw. But I didn’t see that during the preseason. I saw him make every deep throw. He’s the next decade of Chiefs’ football and I’m all about him. I’m excited about him.”
Mitch Holthus, 810 AM
GH: Holthus appears to be in full season-ticket-sales mode. I want Cassel to be the man as well but judging from what we have seen, there is little reason to be excited at this point. Hopeful? Yes. Excited? No. Scared for the guy? Hell yes.
“His attention unquestionably is divided.”
Adam Te
“To me, it’s fraught with peril.”
Roger Twibell, on Haley as the OC, 610 AM
GH: This is a decision Haley will look back on and regret. It is a rookie coaching mistake that he appears to be too stubborn to recognize before it bites him and his team.
“It’s been amusing to watch and I say that in a very complimentary way. I’ve enjoyed watching them out there.”
Kevin Harlan, on the actions of Scott Todd in their first year at Arrowhead, 810 AM
GH: I do not know Scott Todd well but I am going to guess that “amusing” is not what they have been shooting for at One Arrowhead Drive.
“I think this (AFC West) division is really poor right now. I don’t have much faith in what Denver is doing. I’m thinking this division is as weak and as shallow as any in the NFL.”
Kevin Harlan, 810 AM
GH: This might be the Chiefs’ best hope for 2009 – that a number of other teams stink as bad as they do. Unfortunately, not enough of them are on their schedule.
“His goal this year is to get back to rushing for 1,700 yards and average five yards per carry.”
Jayice Pearson, on Larry Johnson’s rushing goals for 2009, Chiefs Television (CTN) Network
GH: If LJ can accomplish his goals this season, I might just buy him a new Maybach.
“From the very start, Scott Pioli said he wanted to build a tough, physical football team. Well guess what, you’re going to play a tough, physical football team (in Baltimore). It’s a litmus test. This is a tough way to start but hey, swing away, let’s see what we’ve got.”
Mitch Holthus, 810 AM
“You can’t hold players to one standard and then hold yourself to a different standard. We don’t ask players to do things on a daily basis that we don’t do or expect from ourselves.”
Scott Pioli, CTN
GH: I like what I have seen and heard from Pioli. He makes a point to let you know he and Haley will be held accountable. What impresses me most is that it does not appear to be just words with this guy.
“This might be a decent matchup for the Chiefs’ defense. If they get in a low scoring game, I’ll take that.”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
GH: Have you noticed the non-stop positive vibes coming from KK on the Chiefs? Here is a hint at the reason for his pimping – WHB is negotiating for the future Chiefs’ radio rights contract. We experienced this when 810 went after the Royals radio rights and KK’s Between the Lines show became a propaganda machine for the Boys in Blue.
“I don’t know when we’re going to win, but we’re going to win. And until we win, you’re going to get hard work.”
Scott Pioli, 610 AM
“Working hard should just be part of the deal. … It wasn’t an optimistic assessment at (Tuesday’s Chiefs’ kickoff luncheon) but it was honest.”
Josh Klingler, 610 AM
“People were so mad you would have thought we had Lin Elliot on the show!”
Steven St. John, on listeners who complained loudly that former Chiefs’ head coach, Herm Edwards, is a weekly guest on the Border Patrol, 810 AM
“You don’t want (Bernard Pollard) playing in space. He needs to play in a box.”
Herm Edwards, when asked his opinion of Pollard being cut by the Chiefs, 810 AM
GH: I found this comment from Herm to be odd. Unfortunately, Herm had Pollard playing in a lot of space as the Chiefs’ safety. When did Herm realize he needed to play in a box, when he became an ESPN analyst?
“Next to God and my family, it’s all I care about. In season, that gets a little out of order. You have my word on that. … You have a group of guys who will fight to the end.”
Todd Haley, 610 AM
GH: I tend to think this kind of talk is great if you’re going to fight the Germans but is it really necessary for a football game? Todd, go ahead and take in a movie or something. You might find it makes you an even better coach than your 24/7 regimen.
Greghall24@yahoo.com and Twitter/greghall24
Gabbert has Mizzou fans thinking. . . and saying big things
Posted
9-8-09
“We’ve never seen Blaine Gabbert before. Not in a Missouri, Kansas or Kansas State uniform in the last 30 years. …Before he departs for the NFL, Gabbert should be in the Heisman race, and Mizzou should be in the national-title hunt.”
Jason Whitlock, following the Mizzou QB’s impressive debut against Illinois, Kansas City Star
GH: Pork Chop is known for issuing hyperbole of this magnitude too often to take him seriously. The Chiefs’ 16-0 prediction comes to mind. I too think Gabbert is special. But from a reader’s standpoint, I would like to see Whitlock invest more effort into his declaration that Gabbert is the next Brady Elway Tiger Woods of football. Before Saturday, I would be surprised if JW would have been able to pick Gabbert out of a lineup that included Juice Williams, Zac Lee and Bobby Lee.
“Oh my God! I almost fell out of my chair! …(Gabbert) has more tools than both Brad Smith or Chase Daniel.”
Steven St. John, on Gabbert’s play against Illinois, 810 AM
“Brad Smith’s debut may have been more surprising, but I think Gabbert’s debut was more impressive.”
Gabe DeArmond, 810 AM
GH: I am going to disagree with GD. Smith was flat-out brilliant against the Illini in his debut, in a game that was pressure packed and filled with clutch runs. Gabbert was great, but it was far easier and with a much more talented cast of teammates.
“Gabbert’s going to make every Mizzou fan on this planet forget all about Brad Smith and Chase Daniel.”
Jack Harry, KSHB 41
GH: Okay, a quick reality check here. One game does not a Heisman-winner make. Gabbert was sensational. He has incredible physical tools topped off with a right arm we haven’t seen since the likes of Sidd Finch. But he is a sophomore QB with one start under his belt. He looked bothered when pressured Saturday. His mechanics were less than text book (but that rifle at his side made up for his back-foot throws). He played in his hometown with the Illinois crowd out of it early. He will struggle at times this year – possibly mightily at times. Does this mean he’s not great? No. It means he’s a rookie QB in a very good league. Keep that in mind and you’ll be able to enjoy the ride much better.
“Call me a homer but we’re supposed to fill out these Heisman ballots each week and I have Blaine Gabbert at the top.”
Dennis Dodd, MU grad and a well-known Mizzou homer, CBSsportsline.com
“(Blaine Gabbert) reminds me of Brad Smith as a runner.”
John Kadlec, Mizzou radio analyst, Tiger Radio Network
GH: I saw nothing in Gabbert that reminded me of the one-dimensional (but deadly) Smith. Kadlec on the other hand reminded me of Kadlec from last year and the 10 years before. He offers so little to the Mizzou football radio broadcast that it cheats the listeners. He also sounds like he is winded after four words. John needs to retire now and allow the MU football radio broadcasts to attain new heights that the program has on the field.
“It will be a three-team race against Missouri, Kansas and Nebraska – and any one of those three teams can win it. You’re crazy if you can separate one of those three teams right now. All three of those teams should be considered the favorite. The other three teams (in the North) I think have no chance.”
Steven St. John, 810 AM
GH: I still like Mizzou to win the North by a couple of games. Nebraska and Kansas did what was expected in week one but neither looked as impressive as the Tigers. I am also a bit concerned about the turmoil Mark Mangino apparently has brewing with Dezmon Briscoe and some of his suspended teammates.
“Look at how our expectations have completely changed for some teams after one week of college football.”
Nate Bukaty, 810 AM
“For people who were looking or hoping for Colorado to be the dark horse, well, that’s fine. The Colorado offensive line play was terrible!”
Steven St. John, in a not-so-subtle message to KK and Clink, who both picked the Buffs to win the North, 810 AM
GH: It appears the North can be divided into the haves and have nots. CU, ISU and KSU look to be hapless. Of these three, the Cyclones may be the only one who ekes out a conference win. The Colorado/K-State game could end in a scoreless tie.
“I don’t really mind the hire (of Bill Snyder at KSU) because I don’t know who else you could have got. I don’t know who else wants that job. Maybe they did the best they could.”
Jason King, 810 AM
GH: There are plenty of qualified and talented college coaches who would love to accept the challenges that Kansas State presents. It is my opinion that K-State never bothered to look.
“Not only is this (K-State) team bad, you just don’t know how bad. Having 19 juco guys in the program and having to rely on a bunch of them. ”
Mick Shaffer, 610 AM
GH: I listened to the UMass game and it sounded a lot like what Snyder’s last few teams at KSU. Coach Snyder’s postgame remarks where he sounded embarrassed by his team’s play and lack of “spirit” were telling. I really wish Coach would have stayed retired.
“If you’ve got issues offensively (in the Big 12 North) then you’re already behind the eight ball, because everybody’s defense is crap! Everybody’s defense is crap and Kansas’ offense is by far the best in the North.”
Mick Shaffer, Metro Sports sportscaster, 610 AM
GH: Mizzou Fan might want to argue with Shaffer’s assessments but it is a bit too early to tell. Let’s play a few games into October and see how these teams shake out.
“I just don’t believe that we’re supposed to believe this (Notre Dame) team has turned the corner… I’m not even going to mention (Lou Holtz’s) name because his credibility is about shot, the former Notre Dame coach.”
Dennis Dodd, college columnist for cbssportsline.com, refusing to speak the name of Voldemort Holtz, after Holtz predicted Notre Dame would play Florida in the BCS Championship Bowl game, 810 AM
“I think you’re on an island right now with that Notre Dame pick.”
Kirk Herbstreit, to Holtz, ESPN
“I wasn’t the only one! There were a lot of people who picked Nevada (to upset Notre Dame).”
Dennis Dodd, after he was reminded Tuesday that his Nevada pick was a stinker, 810 AM
“A heck of a television game.”
Bobby Bowden, Florida State’s head coach on Miami’s 38-34 win over his Seminoles, FoxSports.com
GH: Love Bobby but man, does he need to retire! Watching him on the sidelines Monday night, he stood mostly alone with no headphones and often a scared fan-like look on his face. He may as well have been sitting next to me on the couch. When he did step up late in the game and offer a possible play to the offensive coordinator, the OC never even looked away from his clipboard. Should Bowden’s wins even count now that he is simply a placard of a head coach?
Greghall24@yahoo.com and www.Twitter.com @ greghall24
Media predicting bad things for Chiefs, and the AFC West in general
Posted
9-3-09
“It’s very realistic that this (Chiefs) team could be 0-6 or 0-7 right out of the gate.”
Jeff Chadiha, NFL writer for SI, 810 AM
GH: That home win against the Raiders we all have penciled in is starting to look more iffy with every Chiefs’ press release. This season is going to test our mettle to the max. As Herm would advise us, “Get over it, it happens, it's called life.”
“The Silver & Black is back. This is my sleeper team in the West. Not that they’re necessarily going to the playoffs, but they’re going to get more than six wins. They’ve got three outstanding backs and they are talented on defense. I think the Raiders in the black hole get rockin’ again this year!”
John Gruden, ESPN
GH: Let’s hope this is just Chuckie spewing some leftover Raider love on his former team. But I did think the Raiders looked improved late last season.
“The Chargers have a lot of good things going on. Everybody else in the AFC West has issues.”
Stuart Scott, ESPN
“I’m gonna say (the Chiefs win) less than six. I just think they’re too young on defense. …Who are the playmakers? Is Larry Johnson back or not? I’m gonna say it’s less than six.”
John Gruden, ESPN
GH: Whether you like Gruden or not (and he still looks like a Raider to me) he is very good as an analyst on ESPN. Chad Ochocinco might even say Chuckie makes Herm look and sound like it’s time to kiss the baby.
“I didn’t think this guy (Haley) was ready to be a head coach when he got the job and I don’t think it now.”
Jeff Chadiha, 810 AM
GH: The firing of Chan the Bland has the experts questioning Haley’s leadership abilities. Was this simply a forward move to avoid the inevitable or does Haley have a problem with delegating authority?
“For the record I do think he is biting off more than he can chew. Three full-time jobs is too much for a first-year coach. I’ve gotten to know Todd Haley pretty well. Todd Haley is not a hands-off guy – not at all. He’s a very hands-on guy. He’s got a very particular way he wants players to do things and a very particular way he wants coaches to do things.”
Kent Babb, 810 AM
GH: I (along with a lot of Chiefs’ fans) am rooting for Haley to succeed. I don’t expect much in this transition year and I think most right-thinking fans agree. But red flags are starting to unfurl above Arrowhead. The greatest leaders are those who understand they cannot be successful alone. Haley looks like a young, rookie coach who thinks he can do it all – but more disturbing to me is that he appears to think no one else can do it as well.
“Gailey was the OC for a 2 and 14 team – WTF! And if they are going 2 and 14 again, they'll do it Todd's way!!! They are trying to change the ‘culture’ and build with a solid foundation....not the same old CP'ing.”
Reader email, kcconfidential.com
“They’re not going to be very good, so how much difference does the offensive coordinator make?”
Jack Harry, 810 AM
“There’s never a good time (to fire your OC) but if you’re going to make that move you may as well make it know. He wants to do it his way and nobody is going to call plays like you are.”
Jayice Pearson, 810 AM
“It’s the worst division in football right now. I think the Chiefs could finish second. They also might win just five games and finish second.”
Kent Babb, 810 AM
“I think the (Chiefs’) linebacking situation still has a ways to go.”
Jayice Pearson, 810 AM
“I think the Chiefs win a little bit more than six because of Matt Cassel.”
Ron Jaworski, ESPN
“(Matt) Cassel hasn’t been stunning. He hasn’t been all that impressive in preseason and even in training camp.”
Kent Babb, 810 AM
“Brad Cottam can’t catch a cold.”
Frank Boal, on the Chiefs’ choice to replace Tony Gonzalez, 810 AM
“I just don’t know if that guy (Derrick Johnson) has superstar potential anymore. I think he’s a good player but I think the expectations for him go down from this point.”
Kent Babb, 810 AM
“Chiefs remove benign Toomer.”
Chris Stigall, morning talk show host, after the Chiefs release veteran wide receiver Amani Toomer, 710 AM
“It would be complete Armageddon if the Chiefs were to put on another stinker in St. Louis – because St. Louis is just bad!”
Danny Clinkscale, 810 AM
“I think there should always be four preseason games. It gives you a chance to hone your skills.”
Will Shields, 810 AM
GH: If ever there was a Chiefs’ team in need of additional honing, it is this bunch. After Thursday night in St. Louis, the games start to count.
“You need something to believe in. And right now if you’re the Kansas City Chiefs you don’t have much to believe in.”
Jeff Chadiha, 810 AM
GH: Here is some good news; rarely in the NFL do things that appear to be certain work out as expected. Teams that look to be slam-dunk playoff teams in September often falter and disappoint come December. The opposite is also true. Please, please let this be the Bizzaro World Chiefs’ season.
“I think this Chiefs’ team will be better than they were last year. They may not look like it now but they are headed in the right direction.”
Jayice Pearson, 810 AM
GH: There are now many odd spellings of seemingly familiar names, but Jayice was one of the first I encountered in my early days as a sports writers. I still have no idea how he gets JC out of Jayice.
“I don’t know if Trey (Hillman) is the right man for the job or not, but they seem to think so. …If (Dayton Moore) thinks Trey’s the right guy with everything that has happened, then he’s made a lot of mistakes.”
Mike Boddicker, former Royals’ pitcher, 810 AM
GH: In an interview with SSJ and Nate Bukaty, Boddicker expressed the same frustrations with the mismanagement of the Royals’ franchise that most fans feel. Read on.
“I think Dayton Moore gets an ‘F’ for what he’s done at the major league level.”
Greg Schaum, Royals post-game host, 610 AM
“One of my questions is the handling of the bullpen and where that’s going. Do we just have the wrong people or what? I mean look at (Tuesday) night – three innings work from the bullpen and six walks. That’s unacceptable! That’s totally unacceptable! It is!”
Mike Boddicker, 810 AM
GH: The day before I quoted Dayton Moore bubbling with praise for the job Hillman has done. Earlier this year both Moore and George Brett castigated those who criticized the Royals’ front office and manager. We were told we were ignorant if we questioned these hand-picked brilliant baseball men. We may be ignorant but it appears we ain’t the only ones.
“I think Greinke needs to win every start from here on out to win the Cy Young Award.”
Robert Ford, Royals’ post-game host, 610 AM
“He is the leader right now. We’re at mile 22 or 23 of the marathon and Zack Greinke has a 100-yard lead on everybody else.”
Buster Olney, ESPN MLB analyst, 810 AM
“You have to give (the Cy Young Award) to Zack Greinke! You have to vote for him! There’s nobody out there better. Nobody! He’s pitched for a team that’s just been horrendous this year. You look at the body of his work and you just say, ‘Wow!’ ”
Mike Boddicker, 810 AM
GH: I think Zack Black is going to win it. He needs to pitch as well as he has of late in his last six starts but if he does, I think he wins it in a landslide. Instead of the Royals’ ineptness hurting his chances, I think voters will look at this broken franchise, shake their heads and hand him the trophy.
Greghall24@yahoo.com and www.Twitter.com @ greghall24
The Big 12's unpredictability
Posted
9-3-09
“I think it is insecurity (on K-State fans’ part).”
Nick Wright, on K-State fans complaining about The Star’s KSU beat writer, Kellis Robinett, who is a Kansas grad and previously hosted a website called “The Jayhawk Lounge,” 610 AM
GH: Are K-State fans more insecure about their school, their teams and their hometown than the fans of teams from Lawrence, Columbia and Lincoln? Yes. All college fans are somewhat insecure (except Texas) but the Wildcat faithful have always had a difficult time letting go of their Silo Tech roots.
“I give KU fans a lot of flack but I think KU fans are mature enough in their program that they don’t care who writes for them.”
Nick Wright, 610 AM
GH: I would be more concerned about some guy who is named “Kellis Robinett” who is covering my sports teams. Did this guy get lost on the way to the FYI section? He sounds like a figure skater – only not as tough.
“The (K-State) recruiting class, on paper, was horrific, ranking last in the Big 12 and one of the worst nationally. Did you know that Iowa State's recruiting class was actually ranked higher, a team starting this season with a 10-game losing streak? But despite all that, there is still cautious optimism about what the Wildcats can accomplish this season, because of one thing -- Bill Snyder and his coaching staff.”
Joshua Kinder, columnist, Manhattan Mercury
GH: The expectations for K-State from those who believe Bill Snyder’s presence on the sideline means it is 1998 again, floor me. What Snyder did is the stuff of legends. Maybe even Zeus-like. But what is about to happen over the next three years might undo all that he has done. I believe it will be that ugly a homecoming in Manhattan.
“Time, as it never has been from this perspective for Kansas State football, is of the essence, and the man with his name on the highway leading into Manhattan – and the stadium that also bears his moniker – is the reason for it. From the start of Bill Snyder take two, the coach has in his own way pleaded with the fan base for two things: heal the rifts that had developed in the past five years and, maybe more importantly, patience. Both take time. …Snyder wants and needs time. The fan base has its own schedule. The question is whether everyone involved can get their watches synchronized.”
Curtis Kitchen, 810whb.com
GH: They better trade those watches for a calendar – preferably one that deals in decades.
“The difference between a six-, seven- or eight-win season (for KSU) rests with the Kansas and Missouri games. Kansas has the offense to blow the Wildcats off the field, but a defense with almost as many holes in it as K-State's, which is saying something. The Tigers enter the season with vacancies at every major offensive skill position, the reason they won't win the North.”
Joshua Kinder, Manhattan Mercury
GH: Kinder predicts a 6-1 start for the Wildcats and a regular-season record of 7-5 or 8-4. Wildcats who believe this are setting themselves up for devastating disappointment.
“The fear of doing poorly on these (predictions) outweighs the competition for some people.”
Soren Petro, as he attempted to fill out a sheet predicting the outcome for all Big 12 games this season, 810 AM
GH: Making preseason predictions on paper (or the Internet) that can be recalled and shoved in your face are risky. But bold has always been far more palatable to me than placid. Let’s venture on.
“Anybody can have a bad century.”
Mark Mangino, making light of the KU football program prior to his arrival, Lawrence Journal-World
GH: One reason Mangino is not one of my favorite people is that he has a habit of reminding us that Kansas football reeked before he was wearing a sweater vest on the KU sideline. We remember. We were here. Reminding us of that fact seems a bit too self-promoting for my tastes. BTW, Gary Pinkel is pretty good at this maneuver as well.
“Kansas, which opens with a double-frosted cupcake in Northern Colorado, definitely has the offense to compete all season. If the defense has Mangino feeling as chipper in November as he sounded on Monday, that first outright north title might not be far-fetched.”
Curtis Kitchen, 810whb.com
GH: Kansas should be good, possibly very good. The rest of the Big 12 is thinking (hoping) their defense is weak. Mangino is publicly saying people will be surprised by how good his D is this season. If he’s correct, Kansas may even be Top 10 good. Their biggest obstacle remains their hideous schedule…and Todd Reesing’s health.
“He is certainly a guy who will do more with his feet than Chance (Daniel) did. … I think he’ll be an exceptional quarterback. I’m more concerned about everybody around him than Blaine himself.”
Gary Pinkel, on his sophomore QB, Blaine Gabbert, 810 AM
“This should be the best quarterback Missouri has ever had.”
Kevin Kietzman, on sophomore Blaine Gabbert, 810 AM
GH: Gabbert dumped Nebraska for Mizzou once Husker Nation parted ways with Bill Callahan. Nebraska fans hope desperately that Gabbert’s career at MU will mirror that of another big, talented QB that jilted the Huskers – a guy named Josh Freeman. Freeman’s motor never scared me as a Husker fan. Gabbert’s does.
“For all the hoopla that surrounded Gabbert during his recruitment to Missouri, very little of his sparkling profile had to do with his track record in what you might think counts most, the games. In three seasons as Parkway West’s starting quarterback, he completed just 49 percent of his passes — a rate that will find you the bench on most college teams. He threw 36 touchdown passes but also 24 interceptions. He won 14 games but lost 12. He made one playoff appearance, a two-point loss in the 2006 quarterfinals. His shortened senior year was anything but spectacular: In five games, he completed 44 percent of his throws with five touchdowns and five interceptions.”
Dave Matter, reporter, Columbia Tribune
GH: Wow! These are some alarming stats. Gabbert has looked great in practice. He is rounding into the offensive leader of the team. All we need to see now is if he is a gamer. His resume says we might need to pay attention to this burr in this Tiger’s tail.
“I guarantee you Missouri is going to have some rushing yards this year. Everybody thinks this Illinois game is going to be a wild 52-51. I think it’s going to be (much lower scoring). I really do.”
Jack Harry, 810 AM
GH: I love that this game is the season opener and hate that these two schools are ending this great rivalry game. I think Mizzou wins this one by two touchdowns. Yes, I think the Tigers will be very good this year.
“Nobody cares. Do you think our fans care that we’re young? Nobody cares.”
Gary Pinkel, 810 AM
GH: Having to start youth can be a curse to a college program. But Mizzou’s youth has Big 12 South kind of talent. They may stumble at times this season but they will also play with even the best of their opposition. BTW, Kietzman’s interviews with Pinkel are excellent. KK has an easy rapport with the head Tiger and he practices something that too few interviewers do – the art of listening. Kietzman’s follow-up questions are predicated on what Pinkel is saying, not just the next bullet on his list.
“Sean Weatherspoon is a phenomenal athlete. Honestly, the guy has no weaknesses. I’m just glad he decided to stay another year. He’s not just a good football player; he’s got all the other stuff. He is a very, very special guy. If any of you people sat down and had dinner with Sean Weatherspoon, you’d walk away saying, ‘Wow!’ ”
Gary Pinkel, on the MU linebacker, 810 AM
GH: My favorite part of the Mizzou TV commercial is Weatherspoon patting the young Tiger fan on the head and telling him he’ll have to wait his turn to be a Tiger. Weatherspoon’s hand looks like a catcher’s mitt as he bounces it atop the boy’s noggin. Read Pinkel’s assessment of Weatherspoon again and then sit back and enjoy this kid’s senior year. He and Ndamukong Suh at Nebraska might be my two favorite Big 12 defensive players.
“I have Nebraska going 2-6 in the North.”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
GH: Yes, KK hates the Big Red…but there are legit reasons for his pessimism concerning NU. I too fear the Huskers won/loss record will be far worse than expected. I have the Huskers picked to go 3-5 in conference play. BTW, I sure miss the KK/Jim Rose interviews on 810. Wonder what happened to the Great White Rose since he quit the Big Red’s radio booth?
“I think Nebraska is a good team but I think their schedule is really (difficult).”
Danny Clinkscale, 810 AM
“Look, I’m not here to rain on any (Nebraska fan’s) Rose Bowl parade. Optimism reigns in August. When folks have asked for an opinion, and I’ve said, ‘I really think next year is the year,’ I can see the disappointment in their eyes.”
Tom Shatel, columnist, Omaha World Herald
“Nebraska is dangerously thin at quarterback and running back. But so are Kansas and Missouri; if they lose their quarterback, it’s sayonara. Colorado has some depth at quarterback and running back, but how good is it? CU seems to be mentioned here because the other three have to traipse out to Boulder.”
Tom Shatel, columnist, Omaha World Herald
GH: A new ban in Boulder will limit fans from bringing alcohol and fruit into CU games. Fruit you ask? You must have never been to Boulder for a game. When they institute a ban on Buff fans from entering the stadium, that’s when I’ll return to East Oakland.
“I have Colorado winning the North. I don’t know why!”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
GH: Here is a clue as to why KK is picking the Buffs – his other viable options are all teams he has grown to despise. Maybe next year KK will pick the Cyclones.
“I think this (Texas A&M) team is a little bit better than everybody thinks because a lot of people don’t know much about these young players. The skill guys are there on offense. The big question is what’s going to happen with the big uglies. Last year’s offensive line was the worst in A&M history and all those guys are coming back.”
Gabe Bock, 610 AM
GH: A&M and Iowa State are considered the worst teams in the conference. But I heard recent interviews from both camps where they believe each has a chance to make a bowl game this year. Nothing like the preseason to get the sap of one’s imagination flowing. Gawd, I love college football!
Greghall24@yahoo.com and www.Twitter.com @ greghall24
Maas, Whitlock disagree on the firing of Gailey
Posted
9-2-09
“I think it’s a great move – and I applaud it. I think it’s going to pay off.”
Bill Maas, on Scott Todd’s decision to fire Chan Gailey, 610 AM
GH: Maas doesn’t think Gailey’s passing philosophy was aggressive enough for Haley’s type of vertical, field-stretching offense. And more importantly, Billy Bob thinks Haley sees a chance to win…now! Read on.
“Haley watches Denver play (on TV Sunday night) and you’re looking at your division and go; ‘Denver’s a mess! Oakland’s a mess! There’s four wins there! …I’m looking at six to eight wins possibly.’ I think that’s a reality and I think that’s why he pulled the trigger now.”
Bill Maas, 610 AM
GH: If firing Gailey will get the Chiefs eight wins, are there any other Chiefs’ coaches lurking in the shadows we can lance in exchange for Ws? How many would we get for Rufus Dawes?
“Despite their rich football bloodlines, we can now officially say that Haley and Egoli are learning on the job. …This smells of panic and frustration and insecurity.”
Jason Whitlock, Kansas City Star
GH: Whitlock’s take is a popular one – and one that deserves air. But in th
“Should Haley give up? No. Should he have kept Gailey as coordinator even though it wasn’t working? Probably not, but I could argue either direction.”
Jason Whitlock, Kansas City Star
GH: It appears to me JW did argue both directions, to the confusion of at least this reader.
“The (Chiefs) players are just like children on the first day of school. …As long as the situation is explained and expressed to the players, it sure qualms a lot of the problems that could occur with the players.”
Bill Maas, 610 AM
“It’s a panic type move.”
Chris Hamblin, on the Gailey firing, 610 AM
“Everyone is freaking out, FREAKING OUT, about the offense. And I understand it to some extent. But you know what else people need to recognize? How many drives has Matt Cassel been on the field for? How much has Matt Cassel been involved in (this offense)?”
Nick Wright, 610 AM
GH: Does Wright really believe the offense’s woes will dissipate once Cassel gets more snaps? Has Cassel been moved to right tackle? There is a reason Chiefs’ fans are freaking out about the offense, it has an excellent chance of being the worst in the NFL. My advice to Chiefs’ fans? Freak away.
“(Scott Todd) are impressed with this guy (Brodie Croyle). They are enamored with his arm.”
Bill Maas, 610 AM
GH: Okay, here is an unlikely but attractive fantasy; Brodie Croyle starts all 16 games and leads the Chiefs to the AFC West title. Talk about your Kurt Warner déjà vu! (And Kelli is a lot easier to take than Brenda.) Okay, back to reality.
“It may not be the worst deal to have Matt Cassel miss week one against that Baltimore defense. Because something could happen to him in week one that could make him miss every week. He will get hit with reckless abandon over and over again in Baltimore. Go ahead and keep him out of that one. I’d leave him here (in Kansas City). Let’s just focus on Oakland in week two.”
Steven St. John, 810 AM
GH: Baltimore’s defense matched up against our new offensive coordinator in week one does not appear to be a fair fight. Larry Johnson has slid down most fantasy cheat sheets faster than I can switch off a Tracy Thomas commercial. BTW, who is the second most annoying voice on radio commercials? Tim Grunhard is quickly gaining ground on this crowded celebrity field. His singsong reads of his weight loss ads are harder on my ears than a Zulu pierceologist.
“Baltimore’s defense in week one – Whooo-Hooo!”
Josh Klingler, 610 AM
“(Haley) only went 9-7 with Arizona last year, what do people expect him to do with this nonsense?
Caller, 610 AM
“If you’re trying to wear me out, you’re probably not gonna do it. Unless you kill me.”
Todd Haley, 810 AM
GH: Todd Leabo compared this comment form Haley to Gunther’s odd rants. I and my OTC can only hope that Haley is as fertile with the English language as Herr Cunningham.
“When I’m coaching I try to have very little ego involved.”
Todd Haley, 810 AM
GH: I would suggest when Haley is coaching he have less rabbit ears involved.
“(Dayton Moore) really hasn’t done anything to get an extension. Let’s be honest, Dayton Moore got an extension because the Glasses like him.”
Kevin Kietzman, after the Royals GM was handed an extension that will have him here in KC through 2014, 810 AM
GH: If you are going to be liked by only a handful of folks, it is good to make sure a couple of them are the guys who sign your paycheck.
“(Moore) had a total whiff of an off-season last year and it seems like an odd time to tell your fans he’ll be here for five more years.”
Danny Clinkscale, 810 AM
GH: Odd? How about Michael Myers scary? (BTW, those hockey mask wearing kids at Halloween still give me the creeps).
“I think Trey has done a tremendous job this year…and the leadership he has shown day in and day out. I think Trey is the absolute right person to continue to lead our baseball team.”
Dayton Moore, 610 AM
GH: We just got five more years of this? Somebody call Todd Haley over to The K and make sure he brings his Chan Gailey speech.
“I would just ask you to put yourself in his shoes.”
Dayton Moore, to those who have been critical of the Royals’ manager, 610 AM
GH: I did and I was overwhelmed with a desire for Peking Duck, an urge to read from the book of Ecclesiastes and a burning need to say one thing and do the opposite.
Greghall24@yahoo.com and www.Twitter.com @ greghall24
Media's reaction to the firing of offensive coordinator Chan Gailey
Posted
9-1-09
“Like my mother always says, there’s too many roosters in the hen house. …I guess it was only a matter of time.”
Larry Johnson, explaining why he thinks Gailey got canned, 810 AM
GH: Roosters…offensive coordinators, what’s the diff? Sad to think that Todd Haley made it through only three exhibition games working with an OC.
“It's always been one of the golden rules in coaching: surround yourself with as many good people as possible then delegate, let them do their jobs. That's why Todd Haley committed his first major sin as head coach of the Chiefs on Monday. He fired an offensive coordinator who's resume' he'll never be able to match. …Haley's dead wrong when he said this gives the Chiefs the best chance to win. Less than two weeks before the season opener, it's a major setback in continuity. There is none.”
Dave Stewart, kcondemand.com
GH: I fielded emails and calls Monday from friends around the country who are all asking; “What the hell is going on with your Chiefs?” My answer is simple. “I have no earthly idea.”
“I think in Haley’s mind it was just a matter of time unless Gailey could show he could do things the way Haley wanted them done. Gailey’s been around awhile and he’s 57 years old. It’s kinda hard to change and adapt to what somebody else wants you to do when you’ve done things your own way and you’ve been a head coach in the NFL. This thing was probably doomed to failure from the start.”
Mike Florio, NFL insider, who has been credited with breaking this story on Profootballtalk.com
GH: Gailey’s age and resume should have had no effect on his job performance as the Chiefs’ OC. As a coordinator, Haley was his boss. If this was part of the reason for Gailey’s dismissal, I would side with the guy who does the hiring and firing. BTW, Nick Wright had Florio on his show less than 30 minutes after reports surfaced about Gailey’s firing.
“I think it’s a wrong move flat-out – and I’ve been onboard with everything Scott Haley has done since the start of OTAs. I’m just saying I like Haley, but I think it’s a big, big, big mistake.”
Cowboy Cory Anderson, 610 AM
“There is nothing good that can come out of this shakeup at Arrowhead. …I think we’ve just seen another side of Todd Haley. He’s coming across as some kind of a control freak. …This very well could be the first major mistake by this new regime. Time will tell.”
Jack Harry, nbcactionnews.com
“Whatever you knew about the way things worked (with the Chiefs) is not the case anymore.”
Todd Leabo, 810 AM
GH: That ain’t all bad.
“I gotta think this is a mistake made by Todd Haley and Scott Pioli. They tried to keep a guy against his will and it didn’t work out.”
Soren Petro, who said Gailey had a chance to go to Tampa in the off-season but was forced to stay with the Chiefs by Scott Todd, 810 AM
GH: Petro makes it sound like Haley was trapped inside Auschwitz. It’s not like Gailey had to pay to watch the Chiefs’ offense…like us.
“It's also disingenuous of Haley to say none of this is about ego. What 42 year old who's never been a head coach before (not even in high school) thinks he can be a first time NFL head coach, offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, all at the same time? Oh yea, and do all that with a franchise that's won six games in two years.”
Dave Stewart, kcondemand.com
GH: Does Haley have a bigger ego than we know or is this just a move that was inevitable? Either way, the timing is atrocious. Let’s hope Haley’s clock management skills aren’t just as poor.
“This sounds to me like it was a decision that went past Scott Pioli. This sounds to me like a decision that was made by Clark Hunt.”
Todd Leabo, 810 AM
GH: What makes Leabo think Clark Hunt is making decisions pertaining to the Chiefs? Shouldn’t Clark be more involved in attaining an offense before he concerns himself with the coordinator?
“The 2010 coaching plan just became the 2009 coaching plan. It is not necessarily a negative but it is a red flag.”
Soren Petro, 810 AM
“Anytime you are forced to make a change it is not a positive.”
Kurtis Seaboldt, 810 AM
“One can assume that Chad Gailey was the leak to yahoosports.com, who had the story earlier this morning.”
Kevin Kietzman, who also provided make-believe dialogue that he imagined took place between Haley and Gailey during the firing process, 810 AM
GH: One can also assume that KK doesn’t have a clue what he is talking about. But you already knew that.
“About 25 minutes after it was on Mike’s site, ProFootballTalk.com, it was on the KCChiefs.com.”
Nick Wright, 610 AM
GH: The explosion of information now available on the Internet has forced professional organizations to respond to news they might otherwise delay. This story hit KC’s radio during the nine o’clock hour Monday morning and was then everywhere within minutes.
“It’s not nearly as bad as it might seem on the surface. I know there are going to be people who panic but I don’t think it’s a cause for panic. Hey, it’s better to get rid of the guy now when you have an opportunity to get things back up to speed and get things working than to do it in the middle of the season. …It’s better to get it out of the way”
Mike Florio, 610 AM
GH: My initial reaction was shock and even a bit of despair. But Florio’s take seems plausible…and much more palatable. I’m going with it for now.
“I am willing for now to defer to Pioli based on his pedigree and we’ll see what happens in a year or two. It may be good, it may be bad, it may be something in between, but time will tell.”
Mike Florio, 610 AM
GH: The importance of Pioli’s pedigree fades with each day. It is his record with the Chiefs over the next few seasons that will determine his worth. I have a feeling his rookie season as the GM is going to start rough and not end soon enough…especially for the fans.
Greghall24@yahoo.com and www.Twitter.com
Reports are indicating Cassel could miss at least a month
Posted
8-31-09
“ESPN Radio’s senior NFL reporter, John Clayton speculated on Freddie Coleman’s Sunday afternoon radio show that Kansas City Chiefs quarterback, Matt Cassel, may have suffered a medial collateral ligament (MCL) sprain in Saturday night’s loss to the Seattle Seahawks.”
Dan Rose, columnist, Examiner.com
GH: No official word from the Chiefs has surfaced on Cassel’s injury but plenty of sources are now speculating that Cassel will miss at least the month of September. Who do the Chiefs play in September? At Baltimore, the Raiders here, at Philly and then home against the New York Giants’ football club. That is a 1-3 start WITH Cassel on the field. Without? Who the hell knows?
“Clayton noted during his segment on the radio that many football players miss anywhere from 4-6 weeks of playing time with this kind of an injury, but quarterbacks often return earlier than that.”
Dan Rose, columnist, Examiner.com
GH: Maybe the docs can get him upright by the September 27th game in Philly. But do you really want to send your franchise quarterback for the next decade into the Eagles’ nest half-healthy? Especially with an offensive line that is spending more time chasing pass rushers than hitting them. Let’s just hope the news is better than an MCL or we are looking at one Al-Davis-ugly season.
“Current speculation is that (Tom) Brady will be okay for now. But the Matt Cassel injury is more serious, as Cassel did not return to the game. The Chiefs claimed that he was okay after the game, but fans are obviously worried.”
Robert Dougherty, reporter, AssociatedContent.com
GH: Worried? Talk about your understatements. Cassel’s injury will have almost zero effect on the 1.7 kazillion fantasy football drafts that will take place this week, Cassel is simply not on any radar outside the shadows of Arrowhead. But here in Chiefs’ Country, it is as if our football souls have been doomed to another set-back season even before the real games begin.
“Change is hard. Change is painful, and this is one of those painful moments. Whenever you feel like you take a step back, it's disappointing. It's not demoralizing because we're going to be back to work and we're going to do everything in our power to get it the way we want it. Right now, it's not there.”
Todd Haley, following the Chiefs’ third preseason loss, AP
GH: If Cassel is hurt as badly as is being reported, demoralizing might not be a bad word. Change is what we Chiefs’ fans are searching for – we’ve had plenty of demoralizing of late.
“I guess (Haley’s) just tired of losing. We've been working hard, had a tough training camp. Everybody wants to win, and we keep losing. We need to put it together and get a win.”
Jamaal Charles, Chiefs’ running back, AP
GH: How bad has the losing been here in the land that King Carl created? The Chiefs are 2-17 since last season’s opening-day loss in New England. That is a LOT of losing going into a season that offers very little relief.
“Free agency for us is resigning the guys we want back on our football team. There are a lot of old-school philosophies that permeate down from Dan Rooney that makes business here a lot different than a lot of places.”
Mike Tomlin, head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, in an interview with Bob Costas, NBC
GH: Something tells me the Steelers aren’t surfing the waiver wire looking for castoffs to sign to start on their offensive line next week.
“I can’t think how furious (Blaine Dalton’s) parents would be. He got pretty lucky in his first situation and then he screws up again. He had a clear supposed wake-up call and he didn’t wake up.”
Danny Clinkscale, after the Missouri true-freshman quarterback was kicked off the Tigers team Friday, 810 AM
GH: I spoke to a source close to Dalton on Friday and the source said Dalton is done at Mizzou. Forget about the reports you are reading or hearing that say there is a possibility of Dalton returning to the program at a later date. He is removing himself from school and had plans to clean out his house in Columbia this past weekend.
“Blaine Dalton to me deserves to be kicked off the Missouri football team but I don’t think it’s fair to pile on an 18-year-old kid who obviously has problems. This kid made a mistake at the age of 18 but lay off him! I don’t understand why Missouri fans would want to take shots at him and call him out for it. …I feel bad for his family.”
Chris Hamblin, 610 AM
GH: Word is there are plenty of people who are giddy about Dalton’s dismissal. That is sad. Others are surprised that Gary Pinkel would boot a freshman off his squad after only strike two. When asked this question in his office on Friday, reports are that Pinkel confided this was not strike two…it was strike five. That is a lot of swinging and missing in six months Dalton has been enrolled.
“What happened to holding kids to a higher standard?”
Caller, who disagreed with Hamblin’s take that this while he agreed with the dismissal, he felt badly for both Dalton and his family, 610 AM
GH: Dalton told sources that Pinkel had called him into his office on Wednesday and told him he had won the role as the team’s number-two QB. “You have been the best quarterback in camp the past two weeks,” Pinkel is supposed to have said to Dalton. Thursday night he went out – alone – to celebrate.
"I didn't do anything wrong. I look for everything I've been charged with to be dropped. I had a bottle of pills. They were my friend's, and he left them in my car. I wasn't taking the pills or anything like that. There was an unopened beer in the car, but we weren't drinking. A single beer. There was one."
Blaine Dalton, explaining his arrest in May by Columbia police, Kansas City Star
GH: I revisited this quote from Dalton to examine his mindset on accountability. It is painfully obvious he has none – but he is very good at providing excuses. That must change before he ever even considers where to play his college football. His is not yet a tragic story. Those who love him most need to stop enabling him and start slapping him.
“(Zack Greinke) could have been working on a no-hitter had center fielder Mitch Maier gotten a better jump on Johjima's soft fly to center with two outs in the second. Instead, Maier broke late and let the ball drop in front of him for a hit.”
Larry Stone, reporter, after Greinke tossed a brilliant one-hitter in Seattle Sunday afternoon, Seattle Times
GH: Greinke retired 22 batters in a row to close out the game. He has maybe six starts remaining this season to improve on his 13-8 record and continue to woo Cy Young Award votes. His next start should be Saturday (6:10 PM CT) at The K. I think it might be the place to be Saturday night. Get your tickets here.
“You stay away from my tomatoes.”
Lara Moritz, to weatherman, Bryan Busby, after Larry Moore gave both some maters from his garden, KMBC Channel 9
GH: This is merely a guess on my part but I am pretty sure Busby has no designs on any of Lara’s fruits. Now, Larry’s assets might be another story.
Greghall24@yahoo.com and www.Twitter.com @ greghall24
Is the Chiefs O-line Holy Crap?
Posted
8-28-09
“I think they should be pretty concerned.”
Will Shields, when asked if he thought the Chiefs should be concerned about the play of their offensive line, 810 AM
GH: When one of the best offensive linemen in the Chiefs’ 50-year history speaks about O-line play – I listen. Read on.
“You’ll get to know (Ikechuku Ndukwe). He’s a really nice guy. Nothing personal but he’s a very mediocre player. He’s nothing more than a backup. You’ll probably have to try and hide him inside (the tackles). (Andy) Alleman is probably the guy who is of value of the two guys.”
Orlando Alzugaray, Miami reporter at WQAM, on the Chiefs’ offensive line acquisitions from the Dolphins, 610 AM
“These are two guys (from the Dolphins) who were fighting for their positions down in Miami and they get the opportunity to come up here and be a starter from day one. I think it’s a pretty big concern.”
Will Shields, 810 AM
GH: So should Matt Cassel and Scott Pioli, who has invested millions into Cassel as the franchise’s future. A leaky offensive line will make running the ball difficult and force Cassel into many vulnerable passing situations. This offense may not be able to afford to have Larry “The Matador” Johnson on the field for even 40% of the plays with the way he pass whiffs.
“I don’t think either one of them is any good. I think this team is screwed no matter what if Matt Cassel goes down.”
Cowboy Cory Anderson, on the debate about whether to keep Tyler Thigpen or Brodie Croyle, 610 AM
GH: This team may be screwed for the 2009 season no matter who is at quarterback. This is a transition year where about the best we can hope for is to get to December with a healthy Cassel and then find him some help at receiver and in the O-line for 2010.
“The Chiefs are not ready to compete this year.”
Nick Wright, 610 AM
GH: I agree with Wright in that the Chiefs probably won’t be chasing a division title, but it would be disappointing if Haley’s team is not competitive…like Herm’s final two teams.
“No it doesn’t! It doesn’t!”
Roger Twibell, responding to a listener who said Chiefs’ fans need to be patient and that turning around this franchise will take time, 610 AM
GH: Twibell has railed against almost every move Scott Todd has executed. Twibell is a leftover Carl Peterson apologist. I don’t remember Twibell demanding Peterson build a winner in one season – instead he made excuses for King Carl’s failures. But he expects Scott Todd to turn CP and Herm’s bloated roster into contenders in their first year. It sounds to me like Twibell should stop taking CP’s phone calls and be his own man.
“This is just going to be a nutty, weird year. I mean weird in the sense that this is nowhere near the team they want to put on the field. Weird in the sense that Tyler Thigpen has no shot at starting. Weird in the sense that Chan Gailey is the offensive coordinator…but Todd Haley’s going to call the plays.”
Soren Petro, 810 AM
“He’s going to surprise you with his speed. He has a different running motion. He doesn’t pick his knees up. And I know at that level it’s all about speed. The other thing that’s going to surprise you is he’s not only a physical runner that has speed but he can make you miss. When it’s all said and done, I think these fans and coaches in Kansas City are going to say they can’t figure out why this guy was still sitting out there in the seventh round. You’ve got a quality young man and a quality football player.”
James Webster, head coach at Tennessee State, shortly after the Chiefs chose running back Javarris Williams as their seventh-round pick, 610 AM
GH: Unfortunately for Javarris, it doesn’t look like anyone at Arrowhead is wondering why he was available in the seventh round. He’s had about as much of an impact with the Chiefs’ revamped offense as Tony G.
“Something they’ll have to do that we didn’t have to do here is working off the press. With his speed, he was faster than everybody we played so they chose not to press him much. I talked to him the other day and told him, ‘You’ll get pressed in the NFL.’ He’ll have to work on that. But once he gets on top (of a defender), he can really run. I believe he’ll be able to get some separation in the NFL as well.”
Matt Viator, on the Chiefs’ sixth-round pick, wide receiver Quinten Lawrence, 610 AM
GH: Viator told Twibell and Klingler they played Lawrence at wide out, corner and kick returner last season at McNeese State. Word out of River Falls was that Q was in jeopardy of getting lanced.
“Everybody thought Herm was going to be good (on ESPN) and he’s terrible. He doesn’t say anything. Period.”
Danny Clinkscale, on Herm as an NFL analyst on ESPN, 810 AM
GH: Clink is right, Herm says absolutely zero when it is his turn to speak as an ESPN NFL analyst. Steven St. John had Herm on his show earlier this week and the interview was worthless. I would like to know what Herm thinks of Scott Todd basically saying his Chiefs’ teams were fat, out-of-shape and poorly motivated. Unfortunately, that never came up.
“I like Herm. I can’t go there. It’s just personal for me.”
Kevin Kietzman, refusing to discuss Herm’s work on ESPN, 810 AM
GH: Huh? It’s too “personal” for KK to critique Herm’s work as a TV analyst? Have there been any reports I missed of Herm and KK driving through Mission Hills?
Greghall24@yahoo.com and www.Twitter.com @ greghall24
Big 12 football predictions
Posted
8-28-09
“God help them if (Blaine) Gabbert goes down.”
Chris Gervino, MU sideline reporter, on the quarterback situation at Mizzou, 810 AM
GH: Gabbert is going to be good – very good. This is not good news for the rest of the North who were hoping Chase Daniel’s departure meant the Tigers were a bit more vulnerable. But Mizzou’s backup QBs are Kansas City kids who might not be ready for prime time. Blaine Dalton, from Blue Springs South, is a true freshman who is still trying to get acclimated to big-boy football. Jimmy Costello, a former walk-on from Liberty, might be swimming in a pool a bit too deep for his talents.
“I think defensive end has the chance to be the best position on this (Mizzou) team. I think that’s going to help. Missouri had trouble last year getting to the quarterback off the edge.”
Gabe DeArmond, 810 AM
“Missouri was 117th against the pass last year. How can it get any worse than that? Sometimes new players are a good thing.”
Gabe DeArmond, on the number of untested players in MU’s secondary, 810 AM
GH: Amen. Too often far too much emphasis is giving to the number of “returning players.”
“I think it’s a huge question mark.”
Gabe DeArmond, when asked about MU’s special teams, 810 AM
GH: Mizzou lost both their punter and All-Conference place kicker and the best weapon on their special teams, Jeremy Maclin. This will be an area where opponents will make up some ground on the Tigers.
“I think it has the potential to be the best offensive Pinkel has had at Missouri.”
Gabe DeArmond, 810 AM
GH: I am picking Mizzou to win the North. I think/hope Nebraska will be in the hunt but the Huskers have to play in Columbia and in Lawrence. Neither venue of late has been kind to the Red. I think Kansas is equally good and Colorado is not far behind. But unlike most prognosticators, I think the Tigers will win the North outright – even if they drop their conference opener to Nebraska. The Tigers will be the best team in the North in November…and that is when it will matter most.
“I can see Missouri finishing anywhere from first to fifth.”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
GH: You could make this statement about every team in the North – except Iowa State – and sound plausible.
“Yeah, I look at (the preseason polls) a little bit. I look at it as a sign of respect. I wish we were picked to win it every single year. You earn that respect.”
Gary Pinkel, when asked by Kevin Kietzman if he pays attention to the preseason polls, 810 AM
GH: Nice to hear Pink admit to sizing up his team’s ranking in the preseason mags. Mizzou isn’t getting much top 25 run this season, which will make them all the more interested when pigs fly for real.
“I’m going to tell you right now; Kansas is going to win that (Nebraska) game in Lawrence.”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
GH: Not all that bold of a prediction if you’ve watched what Mangino has done to Nebraska in Lawrence their past two trips. Pelini has the Huskers playing more physical and they were too tough for KU in Lincoln last year. If Reesing is still alive on November 14th, you have to favor the Hawks.
“I think my prediction that Kansas will win the North looks better all the time.”
Dennis Dodd, college columnist for cbssportsline.com, after discussing Nebraska dismissing back-up running back, Quentin Castille, 810 AM
“I don’t think Iowa State is going 0-8. Somebody (in the Big 12) is writing down a W for their game at Iowa State and they are going to come out with a loss. Maybe Nebraska is that team that goes to Ames and loses.”
Todd Leabo, 810 AM
GH: Sure is a lot of anti-Big Red sentiment flowing through the local radio waves. Nebraska fans could be in for a shockingly poor won/loss record. Losses to Virginia Tech, Mizzou, Texas Tech, Oklahoma State, Baylor, Oklahoma, Kansas and Colorado would not shock any pollster. Winning half of those games would be laudable for a second-year coach and an untested QB. What I’m saying is my Big Red Brothers need to temper their expectations to bowl eligible rather than North champions.
“The division is Nebraska’s to lose, but after that, take your pick. I have K-State second because Kansas and Missouri will have at least four conference losses (KU - Oklahoma, Texas Tech, Nebraska and Texas; MU – Neb. Okla. St., Texas and KU), Colorado can run but not throw and Iowa St. isn’t capable of winning a title among the Independents this year. K-State will lose to Texas Tech, OU and Nebraska, but home games against Texas A&M, Colorado, Kansas and Missouri give the Wildcats a reasonable shot to win those games (again, if all else goes right).”
Curtis Kitchen, whb810.com
“It is completely illogical to consider that Kansas has a better team than last year. It is completely illogical to think that Kansas is going to go 6-2 or 7-1.”
Caller, 810 AM
GH: I did not get this caller’s name but let’s just call him Spock.
“I’m all over Baylor. They can squeeze out six victories out of that schedule and that’ll get them to a bowl.”
Dennis Dodd, 810 AM
“It might stink for them. They’re used to having a game off. There won’t be any more games off.”
Robert Griffin, Baylor QB, on teams looking at the Baylor games as an easy win, redraiders.com
“Robert Griffin from Baylor; this is one of the most exciting young players in all of college football.”
Kirk Herbstreit, ESPN
GH: With the emergence of Baylor, is A&M the Iowa State of the South? How did that happen?
“One thing about Kansas State is that they have two 1-AA schools on their schedule so they need to win seven games to get to a bowl.”
Wendell Barnhouse, 810 AM
GH: Coach Snyder has his work cut out for him. I think the Wildcats go 1-7 in the conference with their only win over a spiraling Texas A&M team.
“Colorado has some really good running backs. They could be the exception in the Big 12 and be a team that runs it 60% of the time. Conceivably, they could sneak up and win six, seven or eight games. Again, they’ve got to have a lot of things fall right.”
Wendell Barnhouse, columnist for Big12Sports.com, 810 AM
“It has been seven or eight years since Colorado has mattered in the landscape of college football.”
Kirk Herbstreit, when asked what team in the Big 12 is under the most pressure to win, ESPN
“I think Oklahoma State has a chance to be the best offense in the Big 12. They have a chance to light things up like we haven’t seen in a few years.”
Dennis Dodd, 810 AM
“If Iowa State coach Paul Rhoads can make a spread offense work in Ames, Iowa, forget coach of the year. He should win a Nobel Peace Prize.”
Tom Shatel, columnist, Omaha World Herald
GH: The head coach at Iowa State should win some kind of award every year for having to stand outside in that god-awful wind tunnel of a stadium. International Falls has nothing on Ames in November.
“Iowa State would sell their souls to the devil for a 6-6 record.”
Danny Clinkscale, 810 AM
“I think Paul Rhodes is a good hire. I don’t know if Rhodes can get it done this year, but I think Iowa State should be interesting and fun to watch. If they can find a way to stop some people, I think they could be kind of a pest for people in the Big 12. I think offensively they are going to put up some points. That’s going to be a fun team to watch.”
Wendell Barnhouse, 810 AM
“Without a doubt, the most entertaining football conference in the country last year was the Big 12.”
Brent Musburger, ESPN
“I think we’re going to see the same kind of (exciting play in the Big 12) because of the quarterback play.”
Kirk Herbstreit, ESPN
GH: I am ready to find out. Buckle your chin straps and put fresh batteries in the remote
Greghall24@yahoo.com and
