Tag Archives: Greg Hall
OTC: Whitlock Calls Haley A Fraud & Exposes Himself
“(Todd) Haley — not his Kansas City Chiefs — is quite possibly the biggest fraud in football. I say that without malice or pleasure. Personally, I like Todd Haley. It’s true.”Jason Whitlock, FoxSports.com
GH: There are few things quite like the love Whitlock showers on his subjects. Who else can call an NFL head coach “quite possibly the biggest fraud in football” and yet state he personally likes the guy? You just know that personally, Haley appreciates the nod.
“Unfortunately, he’s a fatally flawed head football coach. He’s insecure, mean-spirited, emotional and irrational.”
Jason Whitlock, FoxSports.com
OTC: Raiders Dominate Chiefs / Weis Bolts To Florida
“Kansas City got humbled at home by the Oakland Raiders.”Dan Patrick, after the Raiders ended KC’s 7-game unbeaten streak at Arrowhead with a 31-10 thumping, NBC
“If even though we not in the playoffs we pulled the chiefs pants down and spanked they ass today.”
Michael Bush, Raiders’ running back, Twitter
Michael Bush, Raiders’ running back, Twitter
“Would the real AFC West champ please stand up….O yea we did!!!”
Quentin Groves, Oakland Linebacker, Twitter
Quentin Groves, Oakland Linebacker, Twitter
“Shoutouts to the REAL die hard Chiefs fans who support us no matter what,not just when we win.Y’all know who u are and I luv y’all for that.”
Glenn Dorsey, Twitter
GH: I am sure you do, Glenn. But don’t bag on the fair-weather Chiefs fans. Those are typically the only ones who can afford those cushy suite seats.
Glenn Dorsey, Twitter
GH: I am sure you do, Glenn. But don’t bag on the fair-weather Chiefs fans. Those are typically the only ones who can afford those cushy suite seats.
OTC: KSU’s Salute Will Become Famous For Right Reasons
“All I saw (Adrian Hilburn) do was do sort of a little salute toward the dugout on the third-base side. I really didn’t see much more than that.”Wyatt Thompson, play-by-play voice for K-State’s radio broadcast, on why K-State was being penalized 15-yards for excessive celebration following Hilburn’s touchdown to pull the Cats within two points of Syracuse, K-State Sports Network
GH: With that penalty flag – and two different referees tossed flags on Hilburn’s salute – we have a controversy that I believe will become bigger than anyone imagines. This will prove to be far more than just whether or not K-State got jobbed out of a realistic two-point conversation attempt. This one is going Tea-Party viral. Read on.
OTC: Gabbert’s Pick 6 Deep Sixes Mizzou Against Iowa
“Worst pass in history of organized football. Thought Croyle threw a worse pass but I was wrong.”Kevin Kietzman, on the Pick 6 Blaine Gabbert tossed to Iowa’s Micah Hyde late in the fourth quarter to give the Hawkeyes a 27-24 lead, Twitter
GH: We have all witnessed Old Man Momentum turn around a game. But I do not recall OMM ever jamming his tranny into reverse with more ferocity than during Mizzou’s seemingly game-clinching fourth-quarter drive. Tyus-Edney devastating is not too strong of a description for what we witnessed.
“Ill-advised is a tremendous understatement.”
Todd Leabo, Twitter
Todd Leabo, Twitter
"I just got greedy."
Blaine Gabbert, via @Dave_Matter on Twitter
Blaine Gabbert, via @Dave_Matter on Twitter
OTC: Chiefs Conquer Doubt & AFC West
Sam Mellinger, columnist, Kansas City Star
GH: There was a time when winning the AFC West was routine for our Kansas City Chiefs. That "time" was almost a generation ago. My 16-year-old son (and yours) has never known the Chiefs or Royals to be anything more than a disappointment. This triumph too may prove to be nothing more than a blip caused by fortuitous scheduling and a putrid division. But not today. Not this week. Not this year. Today we breathe the winter winds as champions. Champions of the NFL’s American Football Conference West. Champions do not apologize. Champions simply reign.
“K.C. goes from chumps to champs.”
Headline, Omaha World Herald
Headline, Omaha World Herald
OTC: NFL Agains Threatens Backward Blackout For Chiefs
“The NFL releases a list of teams each week that are in jeopardy of a blackout because of tickets sold and unfortunately we’re on that list this week for the Tennessee game.”Mark Donovan, Chiefs COO, 810 AM
GH: The NFL was supposed to announce Thursday at noon (or grant an extension) whether or not the Titans/Chiefs game would be blacked out on television in the Kansas City viewing area. It appears the Chiefs have been granted another 24 hours to sell enough tix to avoid Sunday’s game being blacked out. Read on.
“I just think it’s really important that the Chiefs’ fans come out. If we all get to the stadium together, those guys will stick their chests out a little further and play a little harder. If you’re a Chiefs’ fan at all, come on out! Jump on board! Something great could come out of this.”
Bill Maas, 610 AM
GH: I am uneasy with the members of the media who use their voice to influence fans to buying tickets. Maas is an ex-Chief but he doesn’t get a pass on this sin. Being a fan has nothing – NOTHING – to do with buying a ticket.
OTC: Frank Martin Acting More Clown Than Coach
“These young men have worked hard to represent themselves and Kansas State in a positive manner. Having said that, they made a mistake in judgment and have to pay a price for that decision.”Frank Martin, in official statement regarding the suspensions of Jacob Pullen and Curtis Kelly
GH: This bombshell hit the news only an hour before the game. No media outlets I know of had even a whiff that there were any issues with K-State’s best two players. This is a story that should have been broken earlier by good reporting but was not. It appears everyone in the media got caught overlooking what is going on in Manhattan, KS yet again.
“These two young men did not make a ‘mistake.’ They knew what the rules are and they did what they did. I think too often people try to use that word to get out of what they did. … Don’t try to pretend that it happened by accident.”
Mike DeCourcy, in an interview with Steven St. John on Wednesday morning, 810 AM
OTC: Greinke Gone & Media Stabs At His Shadow
“It’s sad to see the Royals forced to move their best player, sad that he wanted out of Kansas City so much, and sad that owner David Glass can’t or won’t spend the money required to keep their franchise pitcher. There is no spin from this, no way to get past the cold truth that the Royals blew a once-in-a-generation opportunity of having one of the best young pitchers in baseball who would be inclined to stay in Kansas City if convinced it would be worth his time.”Sam Mellinger, after Zack Greinke was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers, Kansas City Star
GH: There is much emotion expelled after a fan base loses one of their franchise’s greatest all-time players. And make no mistake, Greinke was one of the best to ever wear Royals blue – no matter how some of the media haters want to paint the former Cy Young winner. Read on.
“Greinke had only one good season with the Royals! Let’s get real! 2009 ain’t never happening again for Zack Greinke! He will never pitch that well again!”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
GH: Here is what’s real – the Royals franchise has been a loser for two decades. Why would an elite pitcher in his prime want to squander what’s left of his talents here in Mudville? Hey, I want the Royals to turn it around as much as the next fan but why rip Greinke for wanting out? Why diminish what he did as a Royals because you’re bitter he’s leaving? This kind of talk sounds juvenile to me but KK’s far from alone in this line of thinking. Read on.
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
GH: Here is what’s real – the Royals franchise has been a loser for two decades. Why would an elite pitcher in his prime want to squander what’s left of his talents here in Mudville? Hey, I want the Royals to turn it around as much as the next fan but why rip Greinke for wanting out? Why diminish what he did as a Royals because you’re bitter he’s leaving? This kind of talk sounds juvenile to me but KK’s far from alone in this line of thinking. Read on.
OTC: Matt Now King Of KC’s Cassel
“Matt Cassel has endeared himself to Kansas City sports lore. For me today, I think he has a place in Kansas City sports history. I don’t anticipate (Cassel) being here five years from now. I don’t anticipate him winning even one Super Bowl with (the Chiefs). But he’s got a place in Kansas City sports history.”
Bill Maas, after Cassel led the Chiefs to a road win over the Rams after overcoming an appendectomy only 11 days before, 610 AM
GH: I didn’t think there was any way Cassel could perform at a level of efficiency that would allow for a Chiefs’ win. I was as wrong as Gloria Funkhouser (pick your topic where Gloria is concerned). Cassel might just have made Kansas City his town with his dominant and gutty play in St. Louis.
“I think he means more to the success of the Chiefs than any quarterback since Joe Montana.”
Jason Lamb, sports anchor, Fox 4
GH: Okay, that’s not a Santa-like list in length but you get the idea.
Jason Lamb, sports anchor, Fox 4
GH: Okay, that’s not a Santa-like list in length but you get the idea.
OTC: Bubba Leaves KU In A Grump / Mario Shows Little Sense
“The people I talked to around the university were speechless. Almost in denial.”Bob Fescoe, on the stunned staff at KU once it was made know that Bubba (Cunningham) had turned down the Kansas AD job, 610 AM
GH: This was a bombshell for the Kansas City market. Media everywhere had reported this as a “done deal.” Some in the media, like the Kansas City Star and AP, were more cautious. Radio and television talking heads though dived in as if Bubba was signed, sealed and delivered – despite repeated comments from Bubba stating he was still the AD at Tulsa and that nothing had changed. Read on.
“I’m going to stamp up for my fellow members of the media here. Just because it’s not true on Thursday, doesn’t mean it wasn’t true on Tuesday.”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
GH: This quote should be etched into every journalism classroom from Honolulu to Miami as an example of what professional journalism is NOT. Truth is truth. It doesn’t have an expiration date like sour cream. Those who reported that Bubba was signed and would be KU’s next AD were incorrect because they jumped the gun. Jumping the gun is not good journalism. It’s fun. It creates buzz. It is also tempting as hell. But it ain’t truth no matter how you spin it once proven false.
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
GH: This quote should be etched into every journalism classroom from Honolulu to Miami as an example of what professional journalism is NOT. Truth is truth. It doesn’t have an expiration date like sour cream. Those who reported that Bubba was signed and would be KU’s next AD were incorrect because they jumped the gun. Jumping the gun is not good journalism. It’s fun. It creates buzz. It is also tempting as hell. But it ain’t truth no matter how you spin it once proven false.
OTC: Is Rams Game A Must Win For Chiefs?
“The (Chiefs) biggest game in seven years.”Mitch Holthus, on the Chiefs trip to St. Louis on Sunday, 810 AM
GH: Kind of tells you how drab the past seven years have been like here in Kansas City for Chiefs fans.
“Every game at this point is a must win. You only have so many opportunities. It’s not like the middle of the season where you have an opportunity to change things.”
Will Shields, 610 AM
GH: I keep hearing how this game against the Rams is a must win but I don’t think the Chiefs are in a must-win division. A “must win” to me is you win or you’re dead. That Raiders game at home on January 2nd? Now that will be a must win.
OTC: KSU’s Wally Judge Mystery Still Murky
“Wally Judge is suspended now.”Kevin Kietzman, on his Monday afternoon show, 810 AM
GH: When I heard Kietzman declare that the K-State sophomore had been suspended, I took notice. KK is very well-tuned into the happenings at his alma mater – or so I thought. Turns out KK sometimes says things that just aren’t true. Imagine that. Read on.
“Yesterday it was misreported that (Wally Judge) is suspended. That aggravates me! He’s not suspended. He’s not benched. We carefully worded that (press release).”
Frank Martin, while being interviewed by Steven St. John and Nate Bukaty, 810 AM
GH: Martin never revealed who reported that Judge was suspended so we cannot be certain his ire was directed solely at Kietzman. But as 810 likes to spout, they are the biggest sports talk radio voice going so I don’t think it’s a stretch to conclude Martin’s aggravation was KK related.
Frank Martin, while being interviewed by Steven St. John and Nate Bukaty, 810 AM
GH: Martin never revealed who reported that Judge was suspended so we cannot be certain his ire was directed solely at Kietzman. But as 810 likes to spout, they are the biggest sports talk radio voice going so I don’t think it’s a stretch to conclude Martin’s aggravation was KK related.
OTC: Big 10 Goes Leaderless With Non-Legendary Names
“If people don’t embrace it in the first hour, then maybe after 24-36 hours … or in a couple of years. Any time you have something new, it takes some getting used to. … I know us. I think what we did was right.”Jim Delany, Big 10 Commissioner, on the conference’s decision to name the two divisions, Leaders and Legends, Chicago Tribune
GH: Here are the members of the two new Big 10 Divisions;
Legends: Iowa, Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota, Nebraska, Northwestern
Leaders: Illinois, Indiana, Ohio State, Penn State, Purdue, Wisconsin
Most are not as sure as Delany that he knows “us.” Read on.
“93 percent of those responding to a midwestsportsfans.com poll voted for either ‘terrible’ or ‘it makes me want to gouge my eyes out with a spoon.’ ”
Teddy Greenstein, columnist, Chicago Tribune
OTC: Chiefs Get Shamu-Slapped In San Diego
“Bolts were good, but Chiefs should be ashamed”Headline in Monday’s San Diego Union-Tribune
“The Chiefs should be ashamed of themselves. They didn’t try to fight. They were Spinks and the Chargers were Tyson. Sure, Cassel wasn’t there, and he’s having a fine year, but don’t spend your Sunday afternoon looking for a soft place to nap when daddy isn’t around to make sure you’re doing your chores.”
Nick Canepa, columnist, San Diego Union-Tribune
GH: The one recurring thought I had as I watched what Sam Mellinger referred to as a “curbstomping” was that the Chiefs pretty much never expected or to win this game so they never tried. Read on.
Nick Canepa, columnist, San Diego Union-Tribune
GH: The one recurring thought I had as I watched what Sam Mellinger referred to as a “curbstomping” was that the Chiefs pretty much never expected or to win this game so they never tried. Read on.
Take 5: DA Responds To Press Box-gate
Damon Amendolara (DA) emailed me his response to my post earlier this week regarding the controversial appearance of his alleged girlfriend in the Chiefs press box. I am happy to post it below.
_____
I have this archaic policy of keeping private conversations… ya know, private, so I can’t go into detail about anything. I’m a tad surprised by my inclusion in the story, since good media members abide by that coda.
Alas, I am thrilled that I’m still relevant in Kansas City. We last took the airwaves more than three years ago. The D.A. Show clearly lives on in the hearts, minds and media buffets of the good people of the Midwest.
OTC: Cassel’s Surgery Story Broken
“Congratulations on breaking this story.”Jack Harry, to Kevin Kietzman as they came to the close of discussing Matt Cassel’s emergency surgery, just before 4:00 PM on Wednesday, 810 AM
GH: Kietzman neither verbally accepted Mad Jack’s congrats nor did he correct him. Harry’s words simply floated in the air like a soap bubble. A bubble that KK could have either popped or allowed to fly. He chose the latter. Read on.
OTC: Bowls Bids Serving Mostly Cold Oatmeal
“If the only reason MU’s bowl announcement has been delayed 90 minutes is to enhance ESPN drama, then MU should tell ESPN where to go.”Mike DeArmond, Twitter
GH: The only reason there are most of these nondescript who-care bowls is because ESPN/ABC is willing to pay billions to televise college football. If ESPN wants 90 minutes, they can have their 90. It ain’t 1974 anymore, Mike. Cool your jets and enjoy the trip to Tempe and the paycheck.
“These are exhibition games! They don’t count! The game doesn’t matter.”
Kevin Kietzman, to a Mizzou caller complaining about the bowl matchups, 810 AM
GH: True, kind of, but we sure do spend a lot of time discussing these meaningless exhibition games. Read on.
Kevin Kietzman, to a Mizzou caller complaining about the bowl matchups, 810 AM
GH: True, kind of, but we sure do spend a lot of time discussing these meaningless exhibition games. Read on.
OTC: Is Haley A Gambler Or A Gunther?
“A series of unfortunate events. The thing to do there would be to kick the field goal. Just an awful sequence for the Chiefs.”Rich Gannon, after Matt Cassel was sacked following Haley’s decision to go for it on fourth and goal instead of attempting a short field goal against Denver, CBS
GH: The Chiefs won and that is all that matters in the NFL. Just ask San Diego. But Haley continues to gamble with the Chiefs’ fortunes at times that look to be not only poor decisions but plain old dumb. Read on.
“That’s just stupid. That is stupid football.”
Shan Shariff, on Haley’s decision to ignore the field goal on fourth down, 610 AM
GH: If the BKnowshon Moreno busts one of his long second-half runs to the end zone and the Chiefs lose 13-10, Haley gets lit up brighter than the mayor’s Christmas tree this week on local radio.
Shan Shariff, on Haley’s decision to ignore the field goal on fourth down, 610 AM
GH: If the BKnowshon Moreno busts one of his long second-half runs to the end zone and the Chiefs lose 13-10, Haley gets lit up brighter than the mayor’s Christmas tree this week on local radio.
“You can’t do that, man. When you’re there (near the end zone) and you can go up by two scores, (kicking the field goal) is the smart intelligent thing to do. Sooner or later that’s gonna hurt this team. That’s gonna kill this team rather in a game. You’ve got to be a lot smarter than that. That wasn’t a smart call. There’s no way around that.”
Jayice Pearson, on Haley’s decision to ignore the field goal on fourth down, 610 AM
GH: Haley has to be smarter than he looks, sounds and coaches, doesn’t he? Or is this as good as it gets with him? He seems to be bent on reinventing the game to his image and I don’t think that has worked real well for anybody not named Lombardi, Walsh or Belichick. So maybe Haley joins that elite group some day as a football genius? Or is he the next Gunther?
Jayice Pearson, on Haley’s decision to ignore the field goal on fourth down, 610 AM
GH: Haley has to be smarter than he looks, sounds and coaches, doesn’t he? Or is this as good as it gets with him? He seems to be bent on reinventing the game to his image and I don’t think that has worked real well for anybody not named Lombardi, Walsh or Belichick. So maybe Haley joins that elite group some day as a football genius? Or is he the next Gunther?
OTC: Many Already Counting Denver As Dead Against Chiefs
“Let’s move on. Let’s talk about San Diego.”
Jack Harry, making the point to Kietzman on Wednesday that a Chiefs’ win over Denver is a foregone conclusion and there was no reason to discuss it, 810 AM
GH: Despite the flogging the Chiefs took in Denver, many members of the media and the Chiefs fan base think the Chiefs can just chuck their helmets on the field Sunday afternoon and get a W. Read on.
Jack Harry, making the point to Kietzman on Wednesday that a Chiefs’ win over Denver is a foregone conclusion and there was no reason to discuss it, 810 AM
GH: Despite the flogging the Chiefs took in Denver, many members of the media and the Chiefs fan base think the Chiefs can just chuck their helmets on the field Sunday afternoon and get a W. Read on.
“I think the Chiefs are going to win. I like their chances a lot.”Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
“I think it would be one of the bigger shockers of the weekend if the Chiefs were to lose to the Broncos this weekend. … I don’t think there is a Chiefs fan out there who thinks there is much of a chance the Chiefs will lose this game to Denver.”
Danny Clinkscale, 810 AM
Danny Clinkscale, 810 AM
OTC: If You Don’t Hate NU Yet, Read This OTC And Get Lathered
“Nebraska fans have accused the conference of picking on them because they’re jumping to the Big 10. They’re a bunch of paranoid——you fill in the blank. I have to believe these savages are in the minority when it comes to Nebraska fans. I’m sure, there are good and decent and civil Cornhusker fans out there, somewhere. But there are still enough of these hooligans, dressed in red, and on the loose.”Jack Harry, nbcactionnews.com
GH: I know a handful of “good and decent” Nebraska “savages” myself. Nothing like a savage or two and a pile of corn to get a helluva meal going.
“Nebraska self-importance comes in constant references to past success, in seeing Big Ten acceptance as license to slam a group that’s been good enough for them for decades, and, most of all, in the inability to recognize that the whole thing is wrecking a reputation of class and dignity that took so long to build and promote.”
Sam Mellinger, columnist, Kansas City Star
GH: Those uppity Huskers! Thumping their corn-fed chests over past successes. Just disgusting. Who in the hell do they think they are? They need to be taught to brag about their future successes like Mizzou fans!
Sam Mellinger, columnist, Kansas City Star
GH: Those uppity Huskers! Thumping their corn-fed chests over past successes. Just disgusting. Who in the hell do they think they are? They need to be taught to brag about their future successes like Mizzou fans!
