Chiefs, L.J. Reach Settlement

ESPN.com under the name of Chris Mortensen is reporting Saturday evening that the Chiefs and Larry Johnson have reached a setttlement on his suspension and his appeal will be withdrawn.

Johnson will remain suspended for two weeks, but it will cost him just one weekly paycheck, rather than two. NFL players are paid on a 17-week calendar during the season, so L.J. will be out $267,647, rather than double that amount.

His contract calls for him to receive a per-game bonus of $62,500. Since he won’t be available for the Jacksonville game, he will also lose that money, so his total ticket in money-lost for his use of slurs on his Twitter account and in the team’s locker room will be $330,147.

Under terms of the suspension, Johnson will return to the team on Monday, November 9th, the day after the Chiefs game in Jacksonville.

A settlement was sought by both the NFL and the NFL Players Association. Johnson’s suspension is new territory for the league and players and if the appeal had been heard, the decision of an arbitrator had potential pitfalls for both sides. That was especially crucial at this time when the parties are trying to reach a new collective bargaining agreement.

Mirror Images: L.J. And His Future

I have no problems with complaints. The ability to gripe is engraved in our nature; it’s basic, it’s necessary and it constitutes one of our most important rights.

Of course, Larry Johnson took it one step too far.

In the aftermath of the Chiefs’ disastrous loss to the Chargers this past Sunday, Johnson could not take it anymore and vented his frustrations in a freewheeling rant that could be traced to Twitter (I’ll spare you the details, ’cause you already know them). Certainly, the timing was odd. Just the week before, Johnson had delivered his best performance of the calendar; and if you take into consideration that he entered the season walking a zero-tolerance tightrope that permitted him to be a part of this team in the very first place, it made absolutely no sense for him to go-off in such an apparent careless way.

After I learned the generals of the matter, I must confess that curiosity rose up and my conspirator side proceeded to suggest that this may have been a plot to get out of Kansas City. And you know what? That could very well be a strong possibility. But not with the purpose that you think.

To me, Larry Johnson has been a very difficult player to follow. …Read More!

Book Review: Warren Moon’s Story

Never Give Up on Your Dream, by Warren Moon with Don Yaeger. Published by Da Capo Press. 264 pages. $25. Available through amazon.com and barnesnoble.com.

Warren Moon’s time in Kansas City with the Chiefs was short, just two seasons tacked on to the end of a remarkable career. If the reader is looking for a lot of insight on the 1999-2000 seasons that Moon spent with the Chiefs, this book will not prove satisfying.

There’s still every reason to read this autobiography, Never Give Up on Your Dream. Moon and writer Don Yaeger take the reader from childhood days in Los Angeles through his unique career as a quarterback, where he was a star at the high school level, the college ranks, the Canadian Football League and finally the NFL.

Most of the book is basic stuff that can be found in dozens of other books written by or with the help of the athlete. What makes Moon’s book a bit different is that he did not try to sweep under the rug or ignore some of the bumps in the road that came in his life. In fact, he talks at great length about the altercation with his first wife which led to him being charged with spousal abuse. He also covers his arrests in the last few years for driving under the influence while living in Seattle and working as a color commentator for the Seahawks Radio Network.

In a chapter titled “Not Perfect,” Moon recounts his arrest in July 1995 for spousal abuse. …Read More!

Around The AFC West … Bye-Weekend Cup O’Chiefs

While the Chiefs enjoy the weekend off, the rest of the AFC West plays on Sunday, so we thought it would be a good time to step back and take a look at the division.

There’s no way to consider the Chiefs part of a race for the AFC West title this season. Certainly, no way unless pharmaceuticals are involved. They are 1-6, Denver is 6-0. The Broncos could collapse, but the Chiefs would have to enjoy one of the greatest team comebacks in league history to get involved.

So consider this more of an assessment of the rest of the division and an indication of just how far the Chiefs are going to have to travel to get back to contender status. Right now, it looks like a long, long road.

DENVER BRONCOS (6-0)

Rookie head coach Josh McDaniels takes his Broncos to Baltimore to face a suddenly struggling Ravens team that is just 3-3 on the season. This would have to go down as probably the biggest test of Denver’s schedule to date; New England was a better team, but they played that game at Invesco Field.

The Broncos are 9th in offensive yards and second in fewest yards allowed on defense. They are the No. 1 scoring defense in the league, allowing just 66 points in six games. That’s an incredible 72 points under the league average at this point. Hiring Mike Nolan as his defensive coordinator was the smartest and most productive move that McDaniels made in the off-season. The Broncos are playing the best defense they’ve seen in the Rockies in some time. …Read More!

Texans End Losing Streak Behind Abner

The Texans-Chiefs franchise is celebrating its 50th season of play in 2009. This is another look at the founding team of the American Football League and its first season of play.

The Texans stopped their three-game losing streak by going on the road and beat the Denver Broncos 17-14 on Sunday, October 30, 1960. A crowd of 13,102 turned out at Bears Stadium in Denver to watch the contest.

It was also the breakout game for one of their best players in that first season: rookie RB Abner Haynes out of North Texas State. From this game on, Haynes became the focal point of the Texans offensive attack and combined with his duties as a punt and kick returner, the Dallas native established a legacy in the franchise’s very first season.

Dallas never trailed in this game, scoring first and leading throughout. But the outcome was not decided until 29 seconds remained to be played in the game. That’s when Broncos K Gene Mingo missed a 29-yard FG that would have tied the game. Remember, at that time there was no overtime in the regular season.

Playing under clear skies and cool conditions, this game turned into a defensive struggle. Twice the Texans put together long drives, going 61 and 78 yards, but came away from both without a point. Denver turned the ball over five times. That topped Dallas, as the Texans had four turnovers.

“The defense played well today,” coach Hank Stram said after the game. “Offensively, other than Abner it was disappointing.”

Haynes had a big game as he started a push that would eventually lead him to the AFL’s rookie of the year and player of the year honors for the inaugural season. Haynes had 177 yards in total offense against Denver, including a three-yard TD run in the second quarter. …Read More!

College Preview: Top 32 For ’10 Draft

We looked at the top 32 players among the seniors two weeks ago and last week we covered the top underclassmen in the country who could make themselves available for the 2010 NFL Draft.

Today, we bring the lists together, for what is a top 32 list here at the end of October. There’s plenty of possibility of changes, additions and deletions before the college season is over.

And certainly, before the Draft comes in April, there will be a lot of shuffling.

But after talking with a handful of scouts and personnel types around the country, here’s a list of 32 players who barring injury will be considered by some team in the first round. It’s dominated by defensive guys, including the top four positions and five of the first seven.

There seems little doubt right now among scouts that Nebraska DT Ndamukong Suh (top right) is at the top of just about every team’s draft board, whether No. 1, 2 or 3. As one scout said, “He’s a physical freak.” To be that big at 6-4, 300 pounds, and to have the quickness and speed that Suh has displayed makes him a very desirable player for any defensive system.

Close behind Suh is Tennessee safety Eric Berry (top left), who is physically gifted and NFL scouts are excited about his exposure to Monte Kiffin, an NFL coaching legend who is handling the defense for his son with the Volunteers. …Read More!

Bye Weekend Thoughts … Friday Cup O’Chiefs

“Everybody has to be together on whatever we’re doing.”

As the Chiefs scattered on Thursday afternoon to enjoy a long weekend away from football, the words of OLB Mike Vrabel should never leave their thoughts.

Everybody has to be together on whatever we’re doing … Vrabel was speaking specifically of the Chiefs defense, but his words are compatible with every player on this team.

Whether they are headed to the bright lights of Vegas, or back to their alma mater, or home to a weekend of Mom’s cooking, the Chiefs need to ponder their season, the calendar and their commitment.

Essentially, it’s put up or shut up time. …Read More!

As The L.J. Turns … Thursday Cup O’Chiefs

Somewhere under the bad boy façade he loves to wear, Larry Johnson is a very intelligent young man.

So why does he keep doing stupid things?

There are dozens of coaches, counselors, psychologists, friends, teammates and family members that have pondered this subject for years. They haven’t come up with any answers.

Just listen to what Larry Sr. told the Kansas City Star after the most recent La Affaire Larry:

“That’s just not who we are and not what we believe. It’s not how he was raised. It’s tough for me as a father. He does not hate gays. That’s not Larry, and that’s not our family. He’s my son. You can’t disown him. We just talk to him, listen to him, and help him move forward.”

That’s what everybody has said for years with Johnson and his stumbles – we are going to help him move forward. Eventually, however, L.J. ends up going backwards. It’s happened again, and again, and again. Yet I’ve seen so many times when he’s spent extra time signing autographs, intent on making sure everyone got what they wanted or came for. I’ve seen him do things like this while teammates, some with far better public perceptions, snuck out the back door to avoid the fans.

In case you’ve been incommunicado over the last 48 hours, L.J. shot off his mouth and twitter, said several things that were very inappropriate and was suspended Wednesday evening by the Chiefs for two weeks. He’ll lose two paychecks and a game bonus, pushing his loss on this case to right around $600,000.

But Johnson is not going down without a fight. His agent Peter Schaffer out of Denver says they will file an appeal challenging the suspension on Thursday. Schaffer said they will seek an expedited hearing. Any appeal would be heard by an arbitrator. Obviously we’ve not heard the last of this one. …Read More!

Chiefs Slap L.J. With Suspension

The Chiefs investigation is over and RB Larry Johnson has been suspended by the team.

Here’s the team’s statement:

“The Kansas City Chiefs have suspended RB Larry Johnson for conduct detrimental to the club effective immediately.  Johnson will not be permitted to participate in any team activities or be on team premises until Monday, November 9th.  The Chiefs will have no further comment on Johnson’s status at this time.”

Johnson’s suspension is related to his use of slur on a Twitter posting Sunday evening. He then used a similar slur when speaking to the Kansas City media on Monday.

It’s the second time in two seasons that Johnson has been suspended for his behavior. Last year, he was held out of three games by head coach Herm Edwards and suspended for one game by the NFL.

NFL players are paid on a 17-week schedule, so Johnson is in line to lose two weekly checks.

RIP Darvin Wallis

Darvin Wallis was unknown to most Chiefs fans during his 19 years working for the team. But believe me when I tell you he was one of the most remarkable men to ever pass through the doors of Arrowhead Stadium.

Wallis passed away over the weekend in a family cabin in Colorado. Details are sketchy at this point but he apparently died in his sleep. He was 60 years old.

Back in the most recent days when the Chiefs actually played good, sometimes great defense, Wallis was a big part of that. In his role as defensive quality control coach, Wallis worked with every defensive coordinator and head coach that passed through Arrowhead Stadium from 1989 through 2007.

He came to Kansas City with Marty Schottenheimer in 1989 and stayed through Gunther Cunningham, Dick Vermeil and Herm Edwards before retiring after the 2007 season.

“He was the best, just the best when it came to analyzing the opponent and the trends in their play calling,” said Schottenheimer. “I think anybody that worked with him would tell you he was the best. He was meticulous.” …Read More!

In Your Face With Tweets … Wednesday Cup O’Chiefs

One wonders what Vince Lombardi would have made of Twitter and Facebook.

The 21st Century and its modes of communication can leave the old school guys scratching their heads. There’s a story in the current Sports Illustrated about Penn State coach Joe Paterno and how this coaching legend supposedly doesn’t have a computer, cell phone and has no understanding of social communication systems like “facemask.” That’s what Joe Pa called it.

Todd Haley is half Paterno’s age, but he’s old school. Haley texts, he e-mails, but the whole Twitter thing, well he’s out of the loop on that one.

“I’ve never looked at it or seen it,” Haley said of Twitter. “I ask the question every time the word comes up: what exactly is it?

“I understand this is a new age and there are a lot of different ways to communicate but I’m really worried about one thing and that’s trying to get this team going. That is my number one job and all that I really care about outside of the man upstairs and my family.”

Haley’s gotten an education this week about Twitter thanks to one of Joe Pa’s old charges, Larry Johnson and the running back’s tweets on Sunday night after the 30-point drubbing from the Chargers. …Read More!

NFL Power Rankings: Week #7

Defense wins championships. There are no excuses, shortcuts or disguises that will allow you to avoid that concept; it is the one constant that reigns supreme in the National Football League. Winning teams always rely on units that can make the necessary stops to give their squads a chance to succeed every weekend.

In Week 7 of the 2009 season, Brett Favre took his Minnesota Vikings to Pittsburgh looking to stay undefeated. For the next three hours, a slugfest took place in Heinz Field. Both the Steelers and the Vikings had the resources and they made use of them. But there was one glaring difference. While Minnesota enjoys playing defense, Pittsburgh takes it to yet another level. And whether it was Ryan Clark separating Percy Harvin from the ball; or James Farrior stuffing Adrian Peterson at the goal line; or Keyaron Fox (left)
putting down the final nail in the Vikings’ coffin, the Steelers made a collective effort to remind the rest of the League that the Lombardi trophy still belongs to them.

Yes, defense is the name of the game; and after Minnesota fell from the unbeaten ranks, the contenders know for sure that the road to Miami still goes through Pittsburgh.

And appreciative of the second coming of the Steel Curtain, we salute the Terrible Towels in bringing you the game that acknowledges the top defenses in the sport of professional football.

Enjoy your NFL’s Chutes ‘N Ladders for Week 7: …Read More!

Bye-Week Practice Report 10/27

From the Truman Sports Complex

The Chiefs ran through a 90-minute practice session on Tuesday afternoon, the first of three bye-week workouts on their schedule.

“Very productive day; this is a very important week for us,” said head coach Todd Haley. “I think these bye weeks are important, especially to teams like us.  This is an opportunity to do a little catchup offensively so to speak and to clean up some of the issues that have consistently given us problems.”

The Chiefs got what sounds like good news on the left knee injury suffered by C Rudy Niswanger. He underwent an arthroscopic procedure on Monday and the report was good. Haley said Niswanger would return this season and he  wouldn’t even rule him out for the Chiefs next game on Nov. 7 against Jacksonville.

FS Jon McGraw did not participate in practice, and Haley said only that he has a strained leg muscle. WR Lance  Long did not practice, as he deals with the after-effects of the head trauma he sustained on Sunday. And out of the work on Monday was NT Ron Edwards, who was ill.

Oh, and RB Larry Johnson was not with the team, told to stay home by the club until investigations of his comments from Sunday and Monday are concluded.

LT Branden Albert worked with the No. 1 offensive line and seemed to be moving around quite well on that left ankle.

Back on the field was WR Quinten Lawrence, added to the Chiefs practice squad after being released from the active roster over the weekend. Lawrence took the spot held by Long, who was promoted to the 53-man roster over the weekend.

The Chiefs announced no other roster moves.

Twitter Dee, Twitter Dumb … Update

From the Truman Sports Complex

The Chiefs have suspended RB Larry Johnson without really suspending him.

Confused? Welcome to the world of L.J. and discipline. Call it a not so secret double-secret probation, or in this case a pre-suspension.

The team announced  on Tuesday that until investigations by the Chiefs and the NFL of recent comments by Johnson are completed, they’ve asked him to “refrain from practicing with the Chiefs or  participating in other team activities.”

Those activities include a bye week practice early Tuesday afternoon at the team’s facility.

On Tuesday, Johnson issued an apology for his use of the slur “fag” on his Tweeter page on Sunday night and on Monday infront of group of Kansas City media. The apology came out of the office of his agent Peter Schaeffer.

“I regret my actions,” the apology reads. “The words were used by me in frustration and they were not appropriate. I did not intend to offend anyone, but it is n o excuse for what I said.”

All this comes almost exactly a year after he was inactive and suspended last season by the Chiefs (three games) and the NFL (one game) for his behavior on and off the field. That ranged from an October 19 game against Tennessee through a November 9 game at San Diego.

Discipline could be imposed by the Chiefs and/or the NFL.

Still Searching For A Team … Tuesday Cup O’Chiefs

Certainly, Todd Haley learned a lesson in the last few days, actually there were probably quite a few teaching moments for the rookie head coach.

His running back is tweeting, his center has a knee injury that makes his 2009 future very much in doubt, the offense, defense and special teams are coming off a combined failure in performance, his credentials are being questioned and his team is 1-6.

T.G.I.B.W. – Thank God it’s the bye week.

With a weekend off coming up, there’s no opponent to prepare for, no game plan to implement. The Chiefs can study and prepare for their most serious foe of this season – themselves.

One of the lessons Haley learned, if he didn’t already know, was that just because a team practices well on Friday, doesn’t mean it’s going to play well on Sunday.

Especially in the case of the fragile ’09 Chiefs, a group that simply can’t be called a team seven games into the season.

A group of players that has come together and created the internal chemistry needed to win games in the NFL has its best Friday practice of the season, and shows that on Sunday. Maybe they don’t win the game, but they certainly play better than what was seen at Arrowhead Stadium against the Chiefs.

What happened?

“I don’t know if I have a theory,” Haley said on Monday, after brushing aside questions concerning Larry Johnson’s Tweeter rampage from Sunday evening. “I don’t think there was a player on the team after we got off the field Friday that didn’t think we were going to have anything but a great chance to win the game.

“I think when the game didn’t start out positively or quickly went south it kind of caught some guys off guard and really threw some people off. That’s the closest I can come to a theory. We didn’t execute in all phases and you’re not going to have a chance to win if you don’t.”

That’s evidence enough that the ’09 Chiefs remain a group of ever changing 53 players. They are not a team.

Would Haley agree? …Read More!