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.
Those tweets, along with a comment he made to the Kansas City media on Monday in the Chiefs locker room are being investigated by the team and the NFL. On Tuesday, the club announced that they asked Johnson to stay away from team activities until the investigation is completed.
There really isn’t much for the Chiefs or league to investigate. Johnson has not denied typing or uttering the words that have been credited to him. In fact, he issued a mea culpa on Tuesday.
“I regret my actions,” the apology read. “The words were used by me in frustration and they were not appropriate. I did not intend to offend anyone, but it is no excuse for what I said.
“I also want to apologize to all the kids who view athletes as role models. I was not a good role-model yesterday and hopefully I can become a better role model. We all make mistakes and the challenge is to learn from them.”
Yes, that is a challenge, one that Johnson has failed to learn from over, and over, and over, and over again.
Understand this: the investigation has nothing to do with what Johnson tweeted about the qualifications of his head coach. Without a doubt it was a slam at Haley, but I can tell you it’s not something that bothers Haley much. He’s heard those things before and whether Johnson likes or respects him, Haley could care less.
What is causing his non-suspension suspension is his use of the homophobic slur “fag.”
If Johnson and his behavior had never before crossed the desk of NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, then there wouldn’t be much going on here. Johnson would be fined for being an idiot in public; actually they would call it conduct detrimental.
But because L.J. has a history of detrimental conduct and has been disciplined before, he’s much more likely to be slapped with another fine or suspension.
This is the price of being an NFL player. Johnson broke no laws in this case, just the laws of decency. But all those millions of dollars that a pro athlete receives come with attachments, like their public conduct. Yes, L.J. has rights under the First Amendment. But when he signed the contract and took the money, he didn’t give up his rights to speak. He did give up his right to say whatever he wanted.
What we know for sure at this point is this: no matter what happens here – suspension, no suspension – it is not going to change Larry Johnson. After all this time, we have all come to understand that this is part of the package when it comes to Johnson. The league and/or his employer must make a decision if they want to put up with his antics.
In the past, Johnson’s talents and production were enough to make dealing with his eccentricities and behavior something the Chiefs were willing to do. I think it’s safe to say those days have passed. That was certainly the case last year with the Hunt Family, Carl Peterson and Herm Edwards. Nothing has happened since a year ago that would make him more valuable. In fact, based on his production and the team’s record, he’s less valuable right now than at any point since he was selected in the 2003 NFL Draft.
I would expect No. 27 will be on the field again this year. But, the clock is ticking on the relationship between the Chiefs and Larry Johnson. The curtain is coming down and L.J. is pulling the cord himself.
SIGNINGS, INJURIES & MOVEMENT AROUND THE LEAGUE
- NFC – Eagles WR DeSean Jackson named offensive player of the week, Cardinals S Adrian Wilson named defensive player of the week, Cowboys WR Patrick Crayton named special teams player of the week.
- BUCCANEERS – released OL Marcus Johnson and G Sean Mahan; promoted OT James Lee from the practice squad.
- CHARGERS – re-signed CB Dante Hughes; released CB Simeon Castille.
- FALCONS – placed S William Moore and CB Glenn Sharpe on the injured-reserve list; signed RB Aaron Stecker.
- 49ERS – placed OT Tony Pashos on the injured-reserve list (shoulder); released LB Marques Harris; promoted LB Diyral Briggs from the practice squad.
- JETS – signed CB-KR Justin Miller.
- PACKERS – placed WR Brett Swain on the injured-reserve list; released G Stanley Daniels; promoted WR Jake Allen from the practice squad.
- RAMS – placed long snapper Chris Massey on the injured-reserve list; signed LS Ryan Neill.
- TITANS – released P Reggie Hodges; signed P Brett Kern.
FROM THE PAGES OF CHIEFS HISTORY
On October 28, 1962, the Dallas Texans beat the Oilers 31-7 at Jeppesen Stadium in Houston. The Texans offense punched out a 21-0 lead in the first half. WR Chris Burford had a pair of TD catches and TE Fred Arbanas caught one as well from QB Len Dawson. RB Abner Haynes had a one-yard scoring run. The Chiefs had six INTs of Houston QBs George Blanda and Jacky Lee, with S Bobby Hunt grabbing three.
On October 28, 1979, the Chiefs lost 20-3 to the Broncos at Mile High Stadium in Denver. The Chiefs managed only a 27-yard FG from Jan Stenerud late in the fourth quarter to break up the Broncos shutout bid. Overall, the Chiefs had just 210 yards behind QBs Mike Livingston and rookie Steve Fuller. Denver’s Rick Upchurch caught a pair of TD passes, one for five yards and the other for 32 yards. Defensively, CB Gary Green had an INT and NT Don Parrish and LB Whitney Paul had sacks.
On October 28, 1984, the Chiefs beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 24-20 in front of 41,710 fans at Arrowhead Stadium. The KC defense got the job done even while giving up 350 yards. They picked up four sacks and three interceptions. DE Art Still had two of those sacks and CBs Kevin Ross and Greg Hill and LB Ken McAlister had the interceptions. The Chiefs got a pair of touchdowns from RB Ken Lacy. The first was on a two-yard run and then a five-yard pass from QB Bill Kenney, who also connected with WR Henry Marshall on a 27-yard scoring play. WR Carlos Carson caught seven passes for 131 yards, while Kenney went 26 of 46 for 332 yards
On October 28, 1991, the Chiefs beat the Raiders 24-21 in a Monday night game at Arrowhead Stadium. A pair of fourth quarter touchdowns gave the Chiefs a victory in front of 77,111 fans. RB Christian Okoye scored on a one-yard run and WR Tim Barnett caught a six-yard TD pass from QB Steve DeBerg for the winning points. The KC defense intercepted three passes by Raiders QB Jay Schroeder, with SS Lloyd Burruss returning one of those 83 yards. FS Deron Cherry and CB Jayice Pearson had the other picks. DE Neil Smith, DT Bill Maas and LBs Derrick Thomas and Chris Martin each had a sack.
SAY HAPPY BIRTHDAY …
Born on October 28, 1958 in Brooklyn was G Al Steinfield. He joined the Chiefs for seven games during the 1982 season. He played with Houston and the New York Giants for 13 games total during the 1983 season and was then out of football. Steinfeld came out of C.W. Post College.
“I would expect No. 27 will be on the field again this year”
I hope you’re wrong on this, Bob, but I’m afraid you’re right. Unless they’re waiting to see what the league is going to do first, there seems to be no reason why they wouldn’t have already suspended or cut him if they were going to.
I hope they do one or the other. The guy is a cancer and there is no benfit to the team to keep him around. The other 4 RB’s on the roster can easily match his performance and hopefully do better.
I am personaly tired of all the political correctness. Homosexuals try daily to shove their lifestyle down our throat, we have a president that backs them in doing so and now the one place I thought had some sanity Pro Football is worried because a runningback that should have been let go years ago says “fag” (by the way in England it is a cigerett) and now they are sitting him in a non suspension! What in the world is wrong with this picture. Fire Him not because of the word Fag but because he is a disruptive force on the team. Because he tiptoes to the line, or just because he flat out stinks as a runningback! But not because he was politically incorrect. If the commisioner or the hunts want to be politically correct quit football and become politicians!
For me, the use of his homophobic slurs is not the real issue. Although I know it is to most.
To me, the issue is mouthing off about his coach. Publicly. If LJ had a problem with Haley, he should have done it man-to-man…behind closed doors. The insubordination is why he should be gone, in my opinion. What kind of message do you send to the other members of the team when if you don’t do something about it? It’s time for Pioli to step up, and put this thing out of its misery. He said he only wanted players that wanted to be Chiefs. Time to prove it. Actions speak louder than words. If LJ, or anyone else for that matter, is not on board with Haley…they should be gone.
I was gearing up for my own personal feelings about the latest LJ saga and then, I read what Darkhorse deftly had to say on the issue and realized I was going to be repetitious.
Well said Darkhorse.
I too hope your wrong Bob about LJ’s return to the field or at least as a Chief. Even if it is just a Technicality, it’s reason enough to save face and some money with no major loss in Performance and this is a business decision that makes sense, drop LJ and his baggage while they can. I know your a long time supporter of his Bob but come on lets be real here, its business.
like i said yesterday, i have supported lj, until now. its time for him to go. i cant say he cant run anymore, i think he may have some left in the tank. i could see him going to another team and being productive. we see it all the time. look what benson did against his old bears team
Darkhorse makes a lot of sense to this guy. But the facts are the “gays” are a force. Do not like politics but Pelosi – CA is backed big time by them and she is pushing the govt. controlled health care right thru Congress whether anyone else likes it or not. Hate to bring politics into a sports blog but got to face facts. That may be the deciding factor in LJ future not what “the normal” people think in KC>
Speaking of Business, I know this one has to hurt do to you loosing your job over a “Twitting Looney” @ kcchiefs.com, by the way I miss your articles there they were some of the best along with a few of your other cohorts. Keep up the great work Bob!
Go Chiefs!!!
I say…let him go be productive for another team if he can. Good luck to him. Because he certainly isn’t helping THIS team. On the field, or off.
I could be wrong…but I think he’ll be released. Hopefully soon. And then the Chiefs can move on, and go about the business of becoming a better football team. Because that’s a WAY bigger issue than this LJ crap.
The Chiefs are looking into the best way to release him without it coming back and biting them in the butt. If they don’t handle this one just right the NFLPA is going to come back and slam them on some form of players rights manuever.
Look forward to this being completely done and over with. We as fans have much better things (and people on this team) to talk about than LJ.
There was an interesting write up on Arrowheadpride last night concerning the o-line and the different types of blocking schemes. From what I could gather (need to reread it for some clarification) we are changing our blocking scheme from last year, hence the weight loss, emphasis on conditioning and speed. That is a big reason why our line is having difficulties…
If I remember right, they were using a man to man blocking scheme the last 3 years with Herm and they are learning a zone blocking scheme this year. This also affects our RB’s because in a man coverage, the holes are predetermined where as in the zone coverage, the RB has to see how the line is shifting and determine where the holes are developing. In other words, we need backs with some great vision.
Darkhorse Yes – Yes and Yes .
Plus , being Todd Haley think’s different than LJ , How come Mr. Haley is the coach and does not get in trouble dailey , and is not known to disrupt the class alot , and give it an ” O- I’m sorry ” to be excussed to go back out on the play ground .
I think the nick-name “Falldown-Larry” needs some wa-wa to go with it .
I don’t see Johnson in the Chiefs’ long-term plans, and have assumed that this would be his last year with the team…. so waiting a couple of months to remove him from the squad is probably just delaying the inevitable. I agree with Marty S that there aren’t any other NFL teams that would sign him, so then it’s the final bye-bye to a player who was always a mixed bag: outstanding running downhill behind a great offensive line, but a liability in every other sense of the game, and possibly in life as well.
I suppose there are probably a number of NFL personnel, players and others, who are bigots of one stripe or another: prejudiced against homosexuals, blacks, etc. While it used to be prevalent, and nothing new, for white persons to voice their contempt for blacks in every public venue, those days are long gone– racist hatred and bigotry don’t sell well, don’t look good on TV, and offend too many people in too many places, causing hard feelings in response. The NFL wants as many fans and supporters and customers as possible– they don’t want to be despised by people who hate racism– so they don’t tolerate public bigotry against blacks. I think a similar process has been underway regarding hatred for and prejudice against homosexuals. LJ (and Darkhorse and Thunderchief) are just a bit behind the curve.
Darkhorse & Mad Chief, Well said.
The proper use of the english language is getting very tiresome & worrysome. I am an avid supporter of minorities voicing their concerns & needs. I am not a supporter of the do gooders of the world pushing their idealist & self serving propaganda down the throats of the regular joe’s who make this country work.
LJ has a knack of being the center of attention on this team for several years. The attention is distracting & destructive to the entire Chiefs organization. I agree there is no cure for his type of Cancer. Haley, hopefully will deactivate him prior to all upcoming games for the remainder of the season. I always liked LJ’s fire on the football field, he used to run with force & purpose. Now he simply shows up on gameday & accepts whatever the defense gives him.
LJ your best days are behind you. KC Chiefs fans are not.
Someone should ask the coach if he has ever used that slur. If Haley is setting the tone and leading by example in the locker room I think it is a relavent question.
Not sure cancer is the correct word for LJ? Few, any of us, have been in the Chiefs locker room. Trent Green says he is a good teammate. LJ may be a woman hitter/spitter or bigot or whatever has made he so disliked in KC. But I imagine the NFL is full of similar types, just like the folks you meet on the streets of KC. Any way I am not sure LJ is a cancer unless a cancer is some one you do not like for being himself. LJ may just be a product of our times and we may call him a cancer for being us.
Tick, Tick, Tick. Looking forward to LJ being gone. This is the region I call home and the football club that I root for founded by a genius and a great man, Lamar Hunt. I don’t think Clark should allow LJ to break the Chief’s rushing record. It is Clark’s team and his money so that is his choice That is my opinion.
After finding information on line about what LJ is reported to have said. No I can’t play in the NFL. However……
1. Can’t play my game: How about old fashion match play, 36 holes, USGA rules, GHIN handicaps, walking, carry your own bag, no caddies, fore caddies, and one rules official – any weather as long as the course is open. We have to start early in the day to get enough holes in to conclude the match and declare a winner.
2. Can’t play my game: How about honorably serving in defense of the Republic and Constitution from the Cold War to the current Long War and beyond.
3. Can’t play my game: Let’s conduct operational planning using current US Joint Doctrine to win Afghanistan and see who comes up with a better operational concept and plan.
4. Can’t play my game: How about conducting yourself in a way that makes your parents proud.
Bottom Line: LJ you are an embarrassment.
Besides this is a great diversion for Pioli, Haley and being 1-6. Whitlock pointed out LJ may make a perfect “beating boy” (not racial, old englishe) to devert the public from the rest of the season.
el cid says:
“Besides this is a great diversion for Pioli, Haley and being 1-6.”
This is not a “great diversion”. It’s a pain in the ass…and an embarassment for this team. Like we need any more of that.
It’s taking time away from the most important task at hand…making the Chiefs a better football team. Haley, Pioli, and Hunt have better things to do than deal with this LJ crap…don’t you think?
No one has forgotten our record, our poor play, on field problems, etc. To suggest otherwise is insane.
I couldn’t have said it better than what Darkhorse said.
Well he should be cut from the team along with Pioli and Haley!!!
Lighten up Mad Chiefs. I have been told over and over how it is 3-4 years to revive the Chiefs. We all know how bad carl and herm were, no players worthy of the NFL, etc. Do you think Haley has an answer to “our record, our poor play, on field problems, etc”?? If he did I believe he would have fix it by now. He has tried to bring in about any guy off the street to help out in 09. There are no answers for now, maybe after the end of the year perfaring for 2010 but not OCT 09.
1978—-
If you replace ALL the part’s on the old truck at one time , then you never find out what was wrong or bad ?
When you don’t finish , with who is THE ANSWER !
Who have You got in mind ?
The answer is NOT , that’s a silly question .
Real name’s in real time’s .
el cid says:
“Lighten up Mad Chiefs.”
I’m fine, el cid. You made a point…and I countered it. We disagree. No big deal.
What you see as a “diversion” to take the heat of Haley and Pioli for our record…I see as a distraction to those same two men, who have more important thing to be worrying about. I just seriously doubt anyone forgot how bad this team has been playing…just because LJ said something stupid.
I just hope the Chiefs just set him after any suspension from the league, if there is one. I don’t want him to be able to sign with a contender. I hear a couple of teams might be interested. I don’t know if they are playoff caliber teams, but they may be. We have to pay him regardless once he’s off suspension and let’s not give him the opportunity to play for a playoff team this year. Just cut him after the season.
- arrowhead1978,
I know you preached it before, but tell me why you think that pioli and haley should be canned??
You guys are all making some great points here. Personally, I think the point made about the switch to a zone blocking scheme this year is very pertinent. It just doesn’t fit LJ’s style. Personally, I’m looking forward to a Jacksonville game without LJ just so we can see if Charles and Savage (who knows, maybe even Jarvaris Williams if Kolby isn’t quite ready) are any more effective. LJ got spoiled running behind an elite O line all throughout his career until recently. He’s a force to be reckoned with if there is a lane for him to run through, but he has NEVER been effective sliding and waiting for holes to open. Granted, there haven’t been many holes there for him this year, but perhaps the quicker, faster Charles and Savage will have more luck making something out of nothing.
I can’t support LJ anymore. I think he still has two more productive seasons in him, just not with this team. He was untradable this year due to his baggage and salary. Pioli will have no egg on his face even if LJ goes somewhere else this year and has success. Sometimes, one just has to end a bad marriage!
Finally, I really am looking forward to the return of Kolby Smith. He isn’t as dynamic as LJ or Charles, but he has shown flashes when healthy and shows a knack for created positive yards when there isn’t anywhere to run. If he has fully recovered, I’d personally like to see the run distribution as follows:
Smith 15 carries, 2 receptions
Charles 7 carries, 4 receptions plus KO returns
Savage 3 carries, 1 reception plus an occasional return.
Also, seeing Charles line up in the slot on occasion could give us the downfield speed in the passing game that we have been lacking all season.
One final point. I don’t want to get political here at all, that’s for another blog. However, as a straight man, I used to use the word “fag” here and there when joking with friends. However, after making some friends who are homosexual, I have tried to eliminate that word from my vocabulary even if it is said in a non-slur type of manner. It’s a word that I know for a fact truly cuts deep to those in the gay community. I’m sure those of you who have black friends found that you stopped using the “n word” in jest because you knew how offensive it would be to your black friends. Same difference.
Free country, say what you want to say, but just because one has the freedom to say something doesn’t make it right.
I will support the Chiefs forever…no matter what, BUT…if LJ comes back and takes carries, and scores a TD…I will NOT clap for anyone except the person who made the block, and the fact we scored…I dont boo people, but I feel like as fans we should all just go silent if he touches the ball…no reaction…dont give him what he wants, Im done even pretending hes worth our time.
also I think you must realize hes a public figure, what you say to your friends may affect them, but when LJ does something like this, he is just a terrible example for kids, I read about the mother who wrote to AP about him signing an autograph etc, thats great…but personally I wouldnt want my kids looking up to a woman abuser, multiple offender and overall mentally disturbed man. Kurt Warner, Trent Green, those guys did the same for me after games, took time to talk, those are the role models you want, not larry johnson..there is no excuse to taunt fans, calling them the 3 letter word, refering to a gay pride parade related street in new york, and taunting them for not being able to play, and saying all we can do is BBQ.(we buy the Fing tickets that pay his salary)
silence…if he comes back…dont cheer, dont boo..ignore him. Would drive him nuts. Imagine if cheers went to silence every touch he makes…then when charles/smith/savage come in..loud cheers, clapping, CHARLES CHARLES…rub it in LJ’s face…he deserves neither our respect, nor our hatred, hes just not worth it.
FAGGOT:
The original use of the word “faggot” can be traced to England. A “faggot” was a term used for a homosexual who was thrown into the beginning of a fire with, the already burning, logs and branches. Those fires were stoked to burn other people (adulterers, etc.).
The Brits later adopted the word “fag” to describe a cigarette – get it?
I do agree “PC-ness” has gone way overboard in some areas, but for God’s sake people!!!
As freaking always i agree with colby.
I will add too that I think Charles has not had the playing time that he needs and has not been utilized for the talent that he has. Im glad Haley sees that in him and is getting him more involved this year and thinks that he “is starting go get it”
1. LJ waves a gun in his girlfriends face, does he even apologize(?)..the Chiefs take him back
2. LJ badmouths Priest Holmes, carl Peterson, denies it, so does CP, he’s back on the field.
3. LJ pushes a woman outside a night club, spits at a woman, LJ apologizes, The Chiefs take him back
4. LJ verbally abuses his Coach, fans and reporters heaps on the abuse with a derogatory slur, the Chiefs…
PIOLI? HALEY? You really wanna change the culture? Really!?!?
Get the eff rid of the battered women’s syndrome out there at 1 Arrowhead Drive!
G-miny, dump the brute! At least some of us fans are tired of the abuse.
Maybe LJ can be picked up by the SF Fortyniners. Do they need a RB? Just a little humor. Seriously, if cut by the Chiefs, he may become an untouchable in the NFL.
el cid –He can’t go to San- Fran , that’s the city of brotherly love .
He’d get beat up once a week , not on Sunday .
Jack, sorry, I thought the city of brotherly love was Pilly that is why I did not suggest the Eagles but you know best, haha.
San Fran is the city of gay love…
Looks like Chris Patrick was signed off the practice squad, back to the 49rs.
You all have got to go to KCChiefs.com. Haley Q&A – he actually said “I hope the second half of the season you will be a top five offense”. You have to love his belief and self confidence. But have any of you seen any sign that the Chiefs offense is a TOP FIVE calibre unit. I do not see a OL, enought WR, decent TE, or running game but we will be a TOP FIVE OFFENSE to end the year. I keep saying it but what is with Haley. PR for the public is one thing but irrational comments are another. I guess the saving grace of it all is when he says “I hope” Iguess that makes it all ok.
It’s interesting that the gays do not seem to be as upset about what Larry Johnson said as some other people. Larry Johnson’s father says this does not reflect on how he was raised. I disagree. Larry did not grow up poor. He probably never experienced any personal injustice until he got to college. There he had to sit for 3 years behind guys he was better than. Then he came to Kansas City and had to sit behind Priest Holmes–my favorite player of all time–who he was also better than and Derrick Blaylock. I am not defending him being a knucklehead or his manhandling of women. He has some anger issues as do all black men. He needs to find a more constructive way to solve his problems without creating more problems.
brainsmasher says
He has some anger issues as do all black men
sounds like you have issues
As a 30 year season ticket holder I look at what our record is w/o LJ and it’s scary. This franchise went straight downhill when LJ got hurt vs. GB in ‘07. He is one of the greatest backs we have seen in 30 years. There is no RB ever made that could run behind that pathetic excuse for an O-line. If LJ doesn’t play you won’t need to worry about who to cheer for…..
As far as his personal life, this isn’t high school or even college, so I really don’t care. As far as his locker room effect, I believe Trent Green since he played with him for several years.
As far as his comments, I agree with the first 19 words by Darkhorse and I’ll add that LJ’s comments on Haley’s qualifications are accurate. I didn’t know that Haley had never play even HS football until this week. I’m ok that he played college golf, but to have never played Fb in pads…to never have hit or been hit….astonishing that Pioli would hire that.
I now understand why Haley looks and acts like a teenager on the sideline.
Finally, the most unfortunate thing about LJ’s comment is that it has taken attention away from the complete and total disarray of the Chiefs that I love so much.
WOW LJ got suspended for 2 weeks. That is a sure fire statement of how the Chiefs think. You decide what I mean.
el cid –
Re: the Haley Q&A .. OMG! Haley’s beginning to sound like, dear old loveable, sleep deprived Gunther! LOL!
Re: the 2 week suspension. I’m at a loss for words…just wondering – what on Earth is LJ’s redeeming quality? His ability to block a blitzing LB? I’m at a loss.