Grunhard Feels New Chiefs Regime is Pushing Ex-Players Out
by Joel Thorman on Sep 29, 2009 11:37 AM CDT
in 2009 Kansas City Chiefs Campaign
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Last week, an eleven year veteran of the Kansas City Chiefs organization expressed his disappointment with the way former players are treated with the new regime.
Tim Grunhard ('90-'00) talked with the folks from 810 WHB. The full interview can be heard here. I've taken a few excerpts below (courtesy of these folks).
In short, Grunhard feels he is being forced out by the new regime in Kansas City.
"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." Grunhard cites other teams, like the Packers with Frank Winters and the Broncos with Neil Smith, as those that treat former players "like gold."
He said everything, even the security, has changed.
"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."
He also talked about us - the fans. He said there were 10% of fans that were rabid about the Chiefs and another 10% that could care less. The remaining 80%? They're currently on the fence and he thinks "they are going to sink."
He continues with "that's not Chiefs fans" in reference to club level seating which he likens to the Taj Mahal. "I guess you don’t need to have 80,000 fannies in the seats if you have 20,000 paying $5,000 a ticket," he said.
We're certainly not privy to many of the dealings that go on behind those locked doors in Arrowhead. It doesn't seem like anyone is these days but the Chiefs have generally treated former players very well from my perception.
Case in point: the new Hall of Honor that's currently being constructed is to honor former players. I still see Neil Smith out now and again working on various endeavors. In fact, the ChiefsPR Twitter account posted a picture of Smith and former Chief Bobby Bell in the Arrowhead offices just last week.
Have things changed? According to Grunhard they have. "Heart broken," he said. "Completely heart broken. It's like they've thrown the last shovel of dirt on the ex-players."
I'm not quite sure how to take all of this.
On the one hand, the Chiefs should absolutely not forget about former players. The organization was built on the folks that played this game in the 60s and 70s. On the other hand, Grunhard appears regularly on 810 WHB, which means he's a member of the media, and the Chiefs haven't shown a fondness towards the media.
So, is Grunhard being "aced out" because he's a former player or because he regularly appears on local media outlets? He says this has happened to other former players but fails to cite any names or sources for that information.
Until more evidence appears, we're going to tread lightly on this one.
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My guess is
to keep everything hush hush we all know how secretive they are. They had plenty of ex players at the draft party this year that seemed happy Neil Smith,Curtis McClinton,Derrick Alexander..etc.
It's official...Whitlock isn't the only one calling Pioli "Egoli"
Maybe Whitlock isn’t such a cock sucker after all?
Don't Fuccop Succop
by chicks_love_chiefs on Sep 29, 2009 11:45 AM CDT reply actions
agreed! yeah Jason rubs a lot of people the wrong way, but that's his job ...
bottom line is he makes people THINK – he questions authority, especially this type of authority, and that’s not a BAD thing at all
I’ve seen far too many Pioli/Haley “apologists” on AP, blindfolds and kool-aid and what have you … thanks for the post, Joel … maybe now a few more APers will realize it’s not all the land of milk of honey they’d like to believe it is
Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisiton!
Can't defend Twitlock
Yes, I know his job is to stir up shit and he’s welcome to it, Hell he might even be good at it but I still will not read anything of his. We all know someone who is negative on all subjects and all times. That’s Twitlock, somehow he found a way to get paid for it, Congrats to him for it, but I still will not read him. He lost respect and credibility by going off half cocked and not doing the homework on way too many subjects. He even lost ESPN wanting him to come on and talk, and they will put almost anybody on these days. If you like Twitlock more power to ya, I will not read anything he has to say and will keep hoping he loses his job.
is it me? or isn't about time the Lamar Hunt trophy belonged to His team?
I’m a Chiefs fan Dammit and I’m damn proud of it!
by KC Fanatic on Sep 29, 2009 1:48 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
I'm with you, KC Fanatic.
But history is FULL of false impressions leading to harsh reality. Perception is often more than substance. But that doesn’t mean I have to like it, or I have to read stuff from people who only get it right for the wrong reasons.
No question. Otis Taylor should be in the Hall of Fame.
And I've seen too many haters.
I’m on the optimistic side from UCrawford’s pessimism, but I don’t have any problem with him.
Many of us (except me) will stretch the facts to reach a predetermined conclusion.
No question. Otis Taylor should be in the Hall of Fame.
I mean...
Many of us (except me) will stretch the facts to reach a predetermined conclusion.
No question. Otis Taylor should be in the Hall of Fame.
you're SLIGHTLY more optimistic than I am, Mills
as Ben Franklin once said: everyone’s a liar except me and thee, and I’m not too sure about thee
Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisiton!
I like you...
and UCrawford’s skepticism vs. my defending. I think everyone who thinks exactly alike would make for boring conversation and debate.
by I_Bleed_Red. on Sep 30, 2009 1:07 AM CDT up reply actions
Nah, he still is
it’s just that now there’s a line.
"You can't polish a turd", old guy, Christine
"Let your anger be, like a monkey in a pinata, hiding amongst the candy, hoping the kids don't break through with their sticks!" Master Payne, King Pow
ok
so I understand, I too got booted from an inside source, a friend who lost his job heh.
anyway, personally im glad they are changing it, making it so people cant just walk around, learn things about the chiefs that could come out at the wrong time.
As for the treatment of old players…thats a tough one honestly, The NFL doesnt treat them well, so to expect the teams to….I dont know.
Im content letting haley/pioli have 3 seasons to turn it around and make a new arrowhead, a new chief team, and one that wins….I feel no need to bash haley or pioli ever, but definitely not till that point…I also was one who felt herm deserved more time, but his drafting has me a bit disgusted.
It stinks if they arent helping old players by giving them access to the team, but old coaches dont get that kind of access…there are still the 3 levels of security, and honestly, if he has already come out dissing what they’re doing, I dont blame them for keeping people out.
I think a player that tries to get too involved must realize hes a fan, not a player…I respect teams that respect and treat their own well, but it doesnt mean he needs to get special treatment behind the scenes, he could get some seats….but inside info…..im ok with fort knox, I really am.
by SDChief on Sep 29, 2009 11:46 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs
plus
same rules for everyone means we dont have a situation like gannon with oakland
Out with the Old.
I don’t doubt this 1 bit.I’ll also bet that any F’N pats player would be allowed in there.The guys that want to be apart of this team are old warriors that gave their heart & soul to this organization.And at a time when millions weren’t being thrown around.Pioli is trying not only to emulate the Pats,but become the Pats.He signs or trades for players that he brought in to NE.How’s that working out for this team?Players like Grunhard are exactly what Pioli & Haley say they want so what’s the big deal.Why not let them in!!!!!
John Soellner
I think you start
to have to say, ok you can come in, you cant etc….and we have all seen ex players too close to an organization that let out inside info or use their status to break news…OR….turn someone away like the raiders…
I think its a tough one honestly.
The secrecy did a lot of good in the 2nd half vs. the eagles
And the first 3 games…
Theres a point where the secrecy is really uncalled for..This isn’t the united states government..Its a football team for christ sakes and most other teams can call our bluffs about our game plan, and which players are going to play..
Maybe Haley and Pioli didn’t want the eagles to know we were just planning on running it the ENTIRE game…Damn what a great game plan
by CALIFAN1986 on Sep 29, 2009 12:06 PM CDT reply actions
Secrecy
You guys act like every team in the NFL doesn’t handle stuff the same way!!! GET OUT OF YOUR KC FAN BOX!!!
by flyin_squirl on Sep 29, 2009 12:10 PM CDT up reply actions
Boo-f'ing-hoo
Tim was Herm’s buddy. Tim disgraced himself by saying on his radio show that he would not criticize Herm because they were friends. Tim misses his friend and I think that’s sweet.
Every former player knows players and former coaches on other teams. There is way too much trading of confidential information. The Chiefs………….are playing to win the game.
This is so childish.
+1
Amen brother….A….FREAKING….MEN
Man…..I am almost tired of coming on this site, sooo many negative nancies.
Grunhard….love ya man, but you have no reason to be inside the football operations of the chiefs right now….None. Why would they want you around? My former employers don’t let me in my old offices….and they didn’t want to see me leave.
Well said
Do you guys think that the info that KC puts out doesn’t help the team? Who do you think leaked that we were in talks with Jac for Thigpen? They wanted to try and get other teams involved.
Now when we are trading for players you don’t want that info out there… Cassel and Vrabel for a 2nd rounder? Do you really think that if that got out prior to the actual trade that other teams wouldn’t have tried to push that?
Answer me this… What does it hurt to be secretive?
by flyin_squirl on Sep 29, 2009 12:18 PM CDT up reply actions
Great Post!
Loved Tim when he was playing football. Not sure I like him as well providing commentary against the new management. This does not help the team at all. During a changeover of management, there will always be those complaining of “Sour Grapes”. Tim sounds like one of those now…
"Every day is an evaluation and if you’re not out there how can we depend on you? If you’re out there and you don’t know what to do, how can we depend on you?" Accountability -- Haley-style...
Amen brother!
Ditto on that comment. I loved Grunnie when he played here, and he’ll always be a respected member of the Chiefs and the KC community, but since King Carl is gone, I guess there will be a lot of folks no longer welcome in the Chiefs operations…. is that a BAD thing? I don’t necessarily think it is. Sorry, but I gotta side with Pioli on this one….
…what you've just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. At no point in your rambling, incoherent speech were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone is now dumber for having heard it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul.
If he was JUST a former player that's one thing
But he is now also the media, He has to have something to talk about and to report. I’m pretty sure all people in the media feel like this, but to use the former Chief tactic is a low blow. I am pretty sure Joel had it right with this.
“On the one hand, the Chiefs should absolutely not forget about former players. The organization was built on the folks that played this game in the 60s and 70s. On the other hand, Grunhard appears regularly on 810 WHB, which means he’s a member of the media, and the Chiefs haven’t shown a fondness towards the media.”
Let’s hear from other former players who are not with some media outlet and see if their stoy is the same.
is it me? or isn't about time the Lamar Hunt trophy belonged to His team?
I’m a Chiefs fan Dammit and I’m damn proud of it!
yeah, too much trading of information! the Chiefs are playing to WIN ...
and soon will have hidden cameras at every practice facility in the NFL because damnit, winning is THE most important thing
Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisiton!
1 source?
Im, not calling Grunhard a liar but maybe it’s just the way he’s perceived things. before I assume that his perception is right I’d want to have confirmation from several other players.
Agreed
And that’s kinda what I was getting at in the post. Until more players come forward, or Grunhard names these players, proceed with caution.
by Joel Thorman on Sep 29, 2009 3:00 PM CDT up reply actions
Grunhard's not above using inside access to start a brushfire.
No question. Otis Taylor should be in the Hall of Fame.
I'd just as soon he were pissed about not having insider info as shoot off his mouth after he gets it.
No question. Otis Taylor should be in the Hall of Fame.
unless Timmy is going to come back and play Center
who cares?
seriously, I don’t think they should disresepect the old guys, but it’s not an issue I’m concerned about.
* "I doubt anyone will miss Connor Barth except UCrawford"
* the LB corps may become the biggest strength of the Chiefs in 2009
* The OL is NOT as bad as you think it is... give it time, and you'll see improvement this season
he picked a bad time to say this stuff
This team does not need this kind of crap let them freakin work at getting better not have stupid things like this brought up. whenthe chiefs are winning again then the old guys maybe can come in and give atta boys and stuff but till then let the guys that are on the field focus on work and getting better
Yup. It's more about Grunnie than it is about trying to notch that first win.
Who needs the distraction?
No question. Otis Taylor should be in the Hall of Fame.
I was at Big Charlies on Saturday night (post to follow on that tonight)
I met Pioli, I watched him walk around Arrowhead East, I watched as the proprieters of that place showed him all of the memorabilia. Trust me on this, Scott Pioli knows this franchise and its history. He took the time to look around at everything, he knew about some of the lesser known players that had tributes up on that wall (Art Stills comes to ming). This guy has a respect for our tradition, our fans, and our future. Maybe he’s plpaying things tight to the vest as far as the inner workings of One Arrowhead Drive are (he was asked at Big Charlie’s whether or not Bowe would start and he refused to answer that). But I guarantee you this guy has an appreciation for the game of football, and the rich tradition and history, including the former greats, that this franchise has.
For justice we must go to Don Pioli
I donno man..
Trading Tony for nothing (this year) was my first indication he couldn’t care less about our traditions, or our fans. Sure it might help us in the future….but Tony was the only “True Chief” left and he basically gave him away for nothing (that will help us this year, and won’t ever help us if the pick we recieved is a bust)
Don't Fuccop Succop
by chicks_love_chiefs on Sep 29, 2009 12:55 PM CDT up reply actions
I wouldnt say a 2nd round pick was nothing...
but I do agree that he was the only true Chief left and I wish he would of kept him he kind of started out on a bad note with me on that one.
Yup
A possible bust for an all world tight end with 2-3 left in him.. It seems to be all about ruling with an iron fist. It may be beating a dead horse but when you see how good TG still is, it leaves a bad t aste.
Gonzo WANTED the trade.
If you like Gonzo, you like that Pioli respected his desire.
There’s also the fact that there WAS value in the trade for the future of the Chiefs – more than they were going to get outta Tony, this year, imo. And a 2nd-rounder is pretty much SPOT ON in terms of fair price. Good for the Chiefs. Good for the Falcons.
No question. Otis Taylor should be in the Hall of Fame.
He honored Tony's wishes
if you wanna talk about respecting our players, he respected Tony Gonzales in a way that Carl Peterson was not willing to (not to mention he got a second rounder out of a guy that Carl was wasn’t able to get a third for).
I’ll elaborate on what Scott told those of us gathered at a bar in south philly later, but the one thing that stuck out was “be patient.” He has stayed consistent in that regard. He has told us fans that this team is a work in progress and that it is going to take time to turn us around. But he has remained true to his vision that this franchise doesn’t need to win for winning’s sake. He wants to build us into an elite team that competes every year for a championship. It will take time. Tony didnt have that kind of time or patience, Tony wanted to win now, so we sent him somewhere where he could pursue that goal and we still got good compensation for him. That is respecting our players wishes in the truest sense of the word.
For justice we must go to Don Pioli
by Sudden on Sep 29, 2009 1:11 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Yessir.
The ones who are going on about how bad Pioli is for trading TG are the ones who don’t understand at all that keeping TG around here would be a slight against him, and not help our beloved franchise out at all in the long run.
So we go 5-11 in our rebuilding seasons instead of 3-13, and TG loses out on any chance to retire with a ring.
He deserves that shot, and he won’t get it here before there’s no gas left in his tank.
Chiefs - back in the playoffs in 2011.
Not to mention
Tony was our main weapon and very well could have been hurt from overuse this year if he had stayed.
by Bestofthewest on Sep 29, 2009 3:48 PM CDT up reply actions
Can someone put up the Dead Horse photo?
If we’re doin it for the Bones conversation, then this conversation needs it also…
Loved Tony, hated that he was traded, but it was a win for everyone involved. Wish him the best of luck…
’nuff said?
"Every day is an evaluation and if you’re not out there how can we depend on you? If you’re out there and you don’t know what to do, how can we depend on you?" Accountability -- Haley-style...
Big Charlies is great
been there a couple of times! I look forward to your post.
Blame my wife!
Waiting until August!
My first time in Philly
and finding this place made this trip great… you won’t find another 2-14 team with a fan base that dedicated that stretches this far.
For justice we must go to Don Pioli
I heard the interview...
the only thing I agreed with Grunny on is his disapointment over the loss of the ring of honor. Not because I liked seeing the names but because the new ribbon board is a monstrosity.
"What?!?! I aint no Obama for the weed!"
-Turk McBride
THIGPEN JUST GOT TRADED TO THE DOLPHINS...
FOR AN UNDISCLOSED DRAFT PICK
by Chiefsovermywife on Sep 29, 2009 1:02 PM CDT reply actions
Thigbone Traded
I just got a text from a buddy that shefter is reporting that thigpen traded to dolphins
I like Tim...
…and appreciate everything he did for the Chiefs, but the guy’s always been a bit of an attention-whore. He loves the media, and always has. Nothing wrong with that, but that’s one thing to consider when he says anything about the organization. He was a great at his position in his time, but he’s always kind of championed himself like he’s a Hall Of Fame player who is the face of KC football. He’s not, and I’ve never put a lot of stock in his opinions.
That being said, I like the guy, and he can say what he wants. I’m not ready to make a decision on this regime yet. It’s going to take 3-5 years before we really know anything about what they’ve done. I’m disappointed with how the season has turned out so far, and it sure feels like things are looking bleak at the moment, but I’m carrying hope. Things can change in an instant.
Thigpen to Miami
I called this yesterday. I called my buddy in Dallas that’s a Miami fan and said, “Mark my words thigpen will be in Miami this week.”
by Ryan in Nixa on Sep 29, 2009 1:15 PM CDT up reply actions
He also shot off his mouth at inopportune times in years past.
I think his access would be less restricted if his mouth weren’t so big.
No question. Otis Taylor should be in the Hall of Fame.
Grunhard is a douche
yeah I just said it. Listening to him talk on the radio, all he does is talk about his glory days and how the players nowadays in the NFL don’t compare to the ones when he played. What a bunch of crock. The thing that bothers me about ex-player analysts is it’s obvious they are pissed that they aren’t playing anymore so they take out there frustration on the new generation. Much like music and film critics which are failed musicians/filmmakers. Tim was awesome when he played but he needs to realise that this is a new day and age and he needs to stop being such a curmudgeon like every other ex-player analyst.
I think some ex-players are GREAT pundits
Guys like Marshall Faulk, who continue to keep finger on the pulse of the league, work their sources, study film – stupid stuff like that. But most of the ex-players are just resting on their laurels, and get farther and farther from what is current, the longer they’re out of the league, and even when they were IN the league, they still just had a small window on the larger picture.
Deion is one that’s on the bubble. As a player and as a newsie, he still gets on the horn to people and talks to em. But most of what he takes away from his insider access is claptrap.
No question. Otis Taylor should be in the Hall of Fame.
Sidelines
At the Raiders game I looked at the sidelines through my binoculars and the thing that stood out to me was that there wasn’t anyone on the sidelines that didn’t belong there. By that, I mean that there wasn’t any former players on the sideline. I’m perfectly fine with this. To me they are a distraction. Let them sit in the many suites that the team controls.
I don't understand this
He also talked about us – the fans. He said there were 10% of fans that were rabid about the Chiefs and another 10% that could care less. The remaining 80%? They’re currently on the fence and he thinks “they are going to sink.”
I’d call myself a rabid fan (waking up @ 1 in the morning on a school night to watch the game live, then going back to bed after watching them be waxed), but because I feel that sure, “they are going to sink” (or at least stink), I’m not a real fan to Grunhard? I really feel that this is calling a spade a spade. Whatever. STFU Grunny.
-cw
Watching the 2009-2010 Chiefs 12 hours ahead of you (in Taipei, Taiwan).
Twittering my every move. Don't act like you're not even slightly interested.
Well, here, you're among the 1%ers.
We’re the few who give the many a bad name. And we’re proud of it!
Grunnie is making drama. He’s not about the Chiefs winning.
No question. Otis Taylor should be in the Hall of Fame.
Whitlock a great Journalist
Whitlock makes u think and doesn’t agree with popular opinion so you don’t like him?? LMAO at you Chiefs fans who get upset whenever some one criticizes the chiefs, MEMO TO you kool-aid drinking freaks..The Chiefs suck and Pioli knew that they sucked before for the season and A. did not know or B. knew and did not do enough to fix the problems..
For this team to turn its back on great players like Tim Grunhard is a disgrace, not only is Grunhard a former player but he is a High school coach in the city, a guy who has done alot for local charities I would think the team would want someone like that around.
South Side D
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