Good morning, Kansas City Chiefs fans! Welcome to the weekend. Today's news includes labor mediation updates and a little more on the Arrowhead photo contoversy among other things. Enjoy.
In the last few days, four letters were filed with the court and exchanged between the parties, two from each side discussing their thoughts on mediation. That led to a conference call Friday morning that lasted just over one hour. The last words spoken apparently were by Judge Nelson who told both sides to keep the content of their discussion private and in the strictest confidence.
It will be interesting to see how long that lasts, but right now not the league or the players want to do anything that would tick off Judge Nelson. This legal dance figures to have many episodes ahead, and it's way too early for either side to go to the mattresses just yet.
Judge Tells NFL-Players to Zip It from Bob Gretz
Football fans who fell in love with the new Arrowhead Stadium last season should brace themselves. Many of the Chiefs photos saturating the place may have to come down.
So demands the man who took those photos over a 40-year history with the team but who says he was never paid for their use at the stadium...
...Young, who said he worked as an independent contractor and not a Chiefs employee, now wants those images torn down and destroyed if he isn't paid.
"Hank's preference, obviously, is to be paid," said Patrick Stueve, Young's attorney.
Photographer Sues Chiefs, Others Ober Use of Photos to Decorate Arrowhead from KC Star
Attorneys for the NFL and the players held a conference call Friday to discuss mediation with U.S. District Judge Susan Richard Nelson, who is currently deciding whether to lift the lockout.
League spokesman Greg Aiello confirmed the call took place and said Nelson wanted details to remain private. Jeffrey Kessler, a lawyer for the players, declined to comment.
Lawyers for NFL, Players Talk Mediation With Judge from KC Star
They might be looking for a backup more reliable than Croyle, 0-10 lifetime as a starter. Croyle might be looking for a fresh start elsewhere, too. Palko isn't the answer.
Stanzi, of Iowa, might be. I had a tough time choosing Stanzi instead of Nathan Enderle of Idaho. One of the best draft analysts I know, Shawn Zobel of www.draftheadquarters.com, thinks a lot of Enderle, who has considerable skills but plays erratically.
Fifth-Round: QB Ricky Stanzi from The Red Zone
Nevada standout quarterback Colin Kaepernick is conducting a private workout today for the Indianapolis Colts with head coach Jim Caldwell and top personnel executives traveling to Reno to audition the rising draft prospect, according to a league source with knowledge of the situation...
...Among Kaepernick's other workouts: the Miami Dolphins, Denver Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs, Cleveland Browns, San Francisco 49ers and the Philadelphia Eagles.
Colin Kaepernick Working Out for Colt's' Jim Caldwell Today from National Football Post
Meanwhile, another current pro who didn't play his college ball at Queen's also has been chipping in a guest coach - Kingston-born Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Cory Greenwood.
"I'm training at Queen's," said the personable Concordia University graduate. "I see all the guys and all the coaches at Queen's. I just said that I'd love to come out. It's either this or helping little kids. I get more out of helping these guys because I'm fresh out of the CIS game."
Wearing a Chiefs sweater and shorts in cool weather this week, Greenwood was assisting the linebackers and the special teams units. He was a rookie standout for Chiefs special teams during a surprising 2010 playoff campaign.
Gaels Brings in Experienced Staff from The Kingston Whig Standard
The lockout is of concern to places such as Kansas City, where a cancellation of the Chiefs' 2011 season could cost an estimated $100 million-plus in annual economic benefit, including on local businesses such as hotels and restaurants. A lockout also could dip into the pockets of Jackson County taxpayers because of the setup of the Chiefs' lease agreement at Arrowhead Stadium.
NFL Players Seek Mediation to End Lockout from Kansas City Business Journal