Chiefs Sam Mellinger Nails It! - Page 3

Marcellus · 11-18-2012, 07:39 PM

Sam Mellinger | Chiefs’ disconnect with angry fan base grows deeper
By SAM MELLINGER
The Kansas City Star

The elevator door opens, and here comes Clark Hunt. He is dressed in a dark suit, like always, solemn look on his face as he walks through a basement hallway at Arrowhead Stadium. Over his head, a television plays the final seconds of another remarkably inept showing by the team he inherited from his father and that is now embarrassing the family name.

“The Chiefs lose again,” the voice on the television says.

Hunt doesn’t look up. Doesn’t speak. Just keeps walking, into the locker room of the undisputed worst team in football. The door shuts behind him. A security guard in the hallway turns the TV off, and it’s just as well because the Chiefs’ pathetic 28-6 loss to the mediocre Bengals is finally over. By now, we’ve all seen enough from a 1-9 clown show.

The only things left are shame, ugly accusations about mistreatment from fans, and questions.

If not now, then when? If the Chiefs can land like an anvil at the bottom of the NFL in year four of a process that was supposed to be competing for the division championship, then what, exactly, could it possibly take for major changes?

If not after this, then what?

“I’m not feeling very good at this point,” coach Romeo Crennel says.

Some perspective: Bill Self’s winning percentage at Kansas is .835. Nick Saban’s at Alabama is .831, Tom Brady’s in New England is .774, and Michael Jordan’s in playoff series is .806.

Opponents at Arrowhead Stadium since last November are at .889.

Arrowhead used to be one of the toughest places in the NFL to play. Television executives loved having games here, the barbecue smoke in the parking lot and screaming fans inside making for some of the league’s best theater.

Now, fans are literally dressing for a funeral – an organized statement to wear black in mourning of the franchise they fell in love with.

Chiefs officials – Hunt, most notably – have done a rotten job of showing it, but they’ve been privately concerned about a growing fan resentment for some time now. Hunt continues to meet with angry fans, partly to gather information to help diagnose the problem.

Until now, team brass held a stubborn belief that the loudest dissent came from a vocal minority, but in a season full of milestone losses, here comes one more: Arrowhead evenly split between fans dressed in black, fans dressed in other colors and empty seats.

If this doesn’t push Hunt to make major changes in the coming weeks, then it’s fair to wonder what could.

A handful of fans are accusing the team of confiscating critical signs or kicking them out of the stadium. A team spokesman made a point to “vehemently” deny security guards had orders to remove critical fans, saying the only issues were mass distribution of flyers impeding pregame traffic.

Either way, it’s one more piece of evidence of an undeniable and enormous disconnect between team and town. A family paid for an obituary in Sunday’s Star for a man who died “of complications from MS and heartbreaking disappointment caused by the Kansas City Chiefs.”

Two fans write in to say they saw “Pioli doesn’t” taped underneath “Kansas City knows” on a t-shirt for sale in a store. Fans are wearing black, or paper bags, or both. One section passed time during the game with a paper airplane contest.

And those are the ones who still bother to show up for games.

Here is an incomplete list of things to happen more often this fall than the Chiefs winning:

The team captain being benched, the quarterback suffering a concussion, a banner flying over the stadium calling for the GM to be fired, the head coach saying he doesn’t understand what happened with the team, and players celebrating a touchdown that didn’t count.

So far, you are as likely to catch the Chiefs on a day their coach fires himself as defensive coordinator as you are a day they win a game of football. One of their two biggest free-agent acquisitions called fans “sickening and disgusting.” The other one got cut a few weeks back.

Their offense has managed 12 touchdowns, 20 field goals and 31 turnovers. They’ve now lost six of 10 games by 16 points or more, the most in the league, and they’ve trailed by at least 17 every game but two. Dwayne Bowe has 49 catches, and Dustin Colquitt has 49 punts.

If you didn’t know better, you’d think fixing a tragic comedy of a football team takes more than posting a sign that says “ELIMINATE BAD FOOTBALL.”

The Chiefs should be used to talking about blowout losses by now, but they’re not getting any better at it.

Crennel, for instance, has tried to send messages this year by switching quarterbacks and cutting cornerbacks and giving up his defensive coordinator duties to concentrate more on offense (the Chiefs have responded by scoring 19 points in 25 possessions), and pledged that anyone who turns the ball over will be benched.

He has vacillated between “ELIMINATE BAD FOOTBALL” and “PLAY GOOD FOOTBALL” signs, but is still wondering what else he can do to stop his team’s pathetic football.

“We’ll evaluate and determine if there’s anything else we can do,” Crennel says.

Thing is, too many in the Chiefs’ locker room seem to be in denial. Flowers mentioned that some people think the Chiefs are among the NFL’s top five in talent. Shaun Smith called for fan loyalty, and pointed out that only two teams can play in the Super Bowl. Jamaal Charles said a coaching change would only set the Chiefs back, as if they’re not already there.

The Chiefs are playing worse than bad football. This is football so bad it’s turning one of the league’s most loyal and passionate fan bases into its most angry and outwardly disrespectful.

Maybe it’s only natural that some of the men in the locker room are in denial about that. But after another blowout loss where empty seats and fans dressed in mourning outnumbered everyone else, the owner must now face reality.

To reach Sam Mellinger, call 816-234-4365, send e-mail to smellinger@kcstar.com or follow twitter.com/mellinger. For previous columns, go to KansasCity.com.

Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/2012/11/18...#storylink=cpy

Boom!

**the Talking Can** · 11-18-2012, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeezNutz

Yeah, that line deserved a little more attention. It's absolutely staggering how someone (Hunt) who is allegedly so smart can be so ****ing stupid.

imho, it is easy to understand: Clark isn't driven to win a title, he just wants the franchise to function in the least bothersome (to him) way...

he hired pioli to 'set it and forget it'...and if we were even in eyesight of mediocre, he'd be profitable and unconcerned...that's why he extended him last year, pioli was doing well enough, it would have never occurred to him to actually evaluate what pioli had built (crennel, cassel)

but Pioli has turned this thing into a nightmare circus of which Clark is suddenly the ring leader...it's the worst thing it could be to clark: inconvenient...a bother

Clark doesn't actually have a ****ing clue about how to fix it because he isn't interest in fixing it (if that means building a championship franchise), he's interested in making it go away...so, what's the simplest thing he can do to make it run smoothly again (which has nothing to do with winning, per se)?

he's trying to figure that out

Marcellus · 11-18-2012, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the Talking Can

imho, it is easy to understand: Clark isn't driven to win a title, he just wants the franchise to function in the least bothersome (to him) way...

he hired pioli to 'set it and forget it'...and if we were even in eyesight of mediocre, he'd be profitable and unconcerned...that's why he extended him last year, pioli was doing well enough, it would have never occurred to him to actually evaluate what pioli had built (crennel, cassel)

but Pioli has turned this thing into a nightmare circus of which Clark is suddenly the ring leader...it's the worst thing it could be to clark: inconvenient...a bother

Clark doesn't actually have a ****ing clue about how to fix it because he isn't interest in fixing it (if that means building a championship franchise), he's interested in making it go away...so, what's the simplest thing he can do to make it run smoothly again (which has nothing to do with winning, per se)?

he's trying to figure that out

If what you say is accurate why is Clark bothering to fly to road games? What purpose does that serve?

Hammock Parties · 11-18-2012, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Two fans write in to say they saw “Pioli doesn’t” taped underneath “Kansas City knows” on a t-shirt for sale in a store.

Life imitates art.

**OnTheWarpath15** · 11-18-2012, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaFace

I do kind of agree with this. I want this movement to cause change as much as anyone, but I do hope that things can be mended after this regime is gone. I don't want the fans to completely lose their supportive and loyal culture long-term. I just want that supportive and loyal culture to have teeth.

I think the only way the fans lose that "supportive and loyal culture" long-term is if Clark fails to show a dedication to winning over the long-term.

I'd bet anything that attendance will increase the home game following Pioli's termination.

If Clark fails to act, however, it's going to get ugly, and it should.

Nearly 20 years without a playoff win? That's damn near impossible to do in this era of parity in the NFL.

KCUnited · 11-18-2012, 08:05 PM

It's obvious that it's become a how can I fix this without it costly me more money dilemma for Clark.

FloridaMan88 · 11-18-2012, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Until now, team brass held a stubborn belief that the loudest dissent came from a vocal minority, but in a season full of milestone losses, here comes one more: Arrowhead evenly split between fans dressed in black, fans dressed in other colors and empty seats.

This will be the catalyst if Clark decides to blow things up.

Until today Clark could live in denial that Save Our Chiefs was just a few isolated fans on the Internet. Today was visual evidence that the ANGER and FRUSTRATION among the fanbase is widespread and very real.

**the Talking Can** · 11-18-2012, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marcellus

If what you say is accurate why is Clark bothering to fly to road games? What purpose does that serve?

he has a jet, it's not exactly some great travail...and what I am talking about is the administration of the chiefs, not literally that he has to take a day to fly somewhere...

FAX · 11-18-2012, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeezNutz

All I'm saying is that this situation with the fans doesn't require astute analysis. If things aren't self-evident to Clark, we should all be very worried.

Ah. I see.

Apparently, I over-reacted there.

FAX

FAX · 11-18-2012, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hugh Janus

This will be the catalyst if Clark decides to blow things up.

Until today Clark could live in denial that Save Our Chiefs was just a few isolated fans on the Internet. Today was visual evidence that the ANGER and FRUSTRATION among the fanbase is widespread and very real.

Yep.

And the wondrous most fantastical part of all is that the movement can grow even more powerful in the weeks to come.

Pioli's goon squad has given the fans all the ammunition they need to strafe the front office into dust.

FAX

Marcellus · 11-18-2012, 08:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the Talking Can

he has a jet, it's not exactly some great travail...and what I am talking about is the administration of the chiefs, not literally that he has to take a day to fly somewhere...

So he vest time to fly around the country every other week to watch a team suck ass but has no interest in improving the situation outside of the negativity being an inconvenience?

Doesn't pass the smell test.

**DeezNutz** · 11-18-2012, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the Talking Can

Clark doesn't actually have a ****ing clue about how to fix it because he isn't interest in fixing it (if that means building a championship franchise), he's interested in making it go away.

(Shudders)

**Bugeater** · 11-18-2012, 08:12 PM

I love this line:

Quote:

A team spokesman made a point to “vehemently” deny security guards had orders to remove critical fans, saying the only issues were mass distribution of flyers impeding pregame traffic.

Yeah...because traffic flows soooo smoothly into the stadium otherwise. ****ing cop-out.

KCUnited · 11-18-2012, 08:12 PM

I honestly think Clark wants to improve the situation, but has zero clue how to do it. He turned the organization over to a guy he thought could run it, paid him a shit ton of money, and it blew up in his face and now he doesn't know what to do.

Deberg_1990 · 11-18-2012, 08:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OnTheWarpath58

I think the only way the fans lose that "supportive and loyal culture" long-term is if Clark fails to show a dedication to winning over the long-term.

I'd bet anything that attendance will increase the home game following Pioli's termination.

If Clark fails to act, however, it's going to get ugly, and it should.

Nearly 20 years without a playoff win? That's damn near impossible to do in this era of parity in the NFL.

Ill just say this......if Changes are not made after this season, im done with this team for awhile and ive been a fan nearly my entire life. IM nearing the point where they dont matter to me anymore. I cant continue to put any energy into something that doesnt give back. Ive got too many other more important areas of my life to focus on.

**DeezNutz** · 11-18-2012, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KCUnited

I honestly think Clark wants to improve the situation, but has zero clue how to do it. He turned the organization over to a guy he thought could run it, paid him a shit ton of money, and it blew up in his face and now he doesn't know what to do.

Fire the mother****er and get someone else. Wash your hands, lint roll your suit, and move on.

This just isn't that hard.

11-18-2012, 07:39 PM
Marcellus Diablo Negro Join Date: Sep 2003 Casino cash: $2832662	Sam Mellinger Nails It! Sam Mellinger \| Chiefs’ disconnect with angry fan base grows deeper By SAM MELLINGER The Kansas City Star The elevator door opens, and here comes Clark Hunt. He is dressed in a dark suit, like always, solemn look on his face as he walks through a basement hallway at Arrowhead Stadium. Over his head, a television plays the final seconds of another remarkably inept showing by the team he inherited from his father and that is now embarrassing the family name. “The Chiefs lose again,” the voice on the television says. Hunt doesn’t look up. Doesn’t speak. Just keeps walking, into the locker room of the undisputed worst team in football. The door shuts behind him. A security guard in the hallway turns the TV off, and it’s just as well because the Chiefs’ pathetic 28-6 loss to the mediocre Bengals is finally over. By now, we’ve all seen enough from a 1-9 clown show. The only things left are shame, ugly accusations about mistreatment from fans, and questions. If not now, then when? If the Chiefs can land like an anvil at the bottom of the NFL in year four of a process that was supposed to be competing for the division championship, then what, exactly, could it possibly take for major changes? If not after this, then what? “I’m not feeling very good at this point,” coach Romeo Crennel says. Some perspective: Bill Self’s winning percentage at Kansas is .835. Nick Saban’s at Alabama is .831, Tom Brady’s in New England is .774, and Michael Jordan’s in playoff series is .806. Opponents at Arrowhead Stadium since last November are at .889. Arrowhead used to be one of the toughest places in the NFL to play. Television executives loved having games here, the barbecue smoke in the parking lot and screaming fans inside making for some of the league’s best theater. Now, fans are literally dressing for a funeral – an organized statement to wear black in mourning of the franchise they fell in love with. Chiefs officials – Hunt, most notably – have done a rotten job of showing it, but they’ve been privately concerned about a growing fan resentment for some time now. Hunt continues to meet with angry fans, partly to gather information to help diagnose the problem. Until now, team brass held a stubborn belief that the loudest dissent came from a vocal minority, but in a season full of milestone losses, here comes one more: Arrowhead evenly split between fans dressed in black, fans dressed in other colors and empty seats. If this doesn’t push Hunt to make major changes in the coming weeks, then it’s fair to wonder what could. A handful of fans are accusing the team of confiscating critical signs or kicking them out of the stadium. A team spokesman made a point to “vehemently” deny security guards had orders to remove critical fans, saying the only issues were mass distribution of flyers impeding pregame traffic. Either way, it’s one more piece of evidence of an undeniable and enormous disconnect between team and town. A family paid for an obituary in Sunday’s Star for a man who died “of complications from MS and heartbreaking disappointment caused by the Kansas City Chiefs.” Two fans write in to say they saw “Pioli doesn’t” taped underneath “Kansas City knows” on a t-shirt for sale in a store. Fans are wearing black, or paper bags, or both. One section passed time during the game with a paper airplane contest. And those are the ones who still bother to show up for games. Here is an incomplete list of things to happen more often this fall than the Chiefs winning: The team captain being benched, the quarterback suffering a concussion, a banner flying over the stadium calling for the GM to be fired, the head coach saying he doesn’t understand what happened with the team, and players celebrating a touchdown that didn’t count. So far, you are as likely to catch the Chiefs on a day their coach fires himself as defensive coordinator as you are a day they win a game of football. One of their two biggest free-agent acquisitions called fans “sickening and disgusting.” The other one got cut a few weeks back. Their offense has managed 12 touchdowns, 20 field goals and 31 turnovers. They’ve now lost six of 10 games by 16 points or more, the most in the league, and they’ve trailed by at least 17 every game but two. Dwayne Bowe has 49 catches, and Dustin Colquitt has 49 punts. If you didn’t know better, you’d think fixing a tragic comedy of a football team takes more than posting a sign that says “ELIMINATE BAD FOOTBALL.” The Chiefs should be used to talking about blowout losses by now, but they’re not getting any better at it. Crennel, for instance, has tried to send messages this year by switching quarterbacks and cutting cornerbacks and giving up his defensive coordinator duties to concentrate more on offense (the Chiefs have responded by scoring 19 points in 25 possessions), and pledged that anyone who turns the ball over will be benched. He has vacillated between “ELIMINATE BAD FOOTBALL” and “PLAY GOOD FOOTBALL” signs, but is still wondering what else he can do to stop his team’s pathetic football. “We’ll evaluate and determine if there’s anything else we can do,” Crennel says. Thing is, too many in the Chiefs’ locker room seem to be in denial. Flowers mentioned that some people think the Chiefs are among the NFL’s top five in talent. Shaun Smith called for fan loyalty, and pointed out that only two teams can play in the Super Bowl. Jamaal Charles said a coaching change would only set the Chiefs back, as if they’re not already there. The Chiefs are playing worse than bad football. This is football so bad it’s turning one of the league’s most loyal and passionate fan bases into its most angry and outwardly disrespectful. Maybe it’s only natural that some of the men in the locker room are in denial about that. But after another blowout loss where empty seats and fans dressed in mourning outnumbered everyone else, the owner must now face reality. To reach Sam Mellinger, call 816-234-4365, send e-mail to smellinger@kcstar.com or follow twitter.com/mellinger. For previous columns, go to KansasCity.com. Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/2012/11/18...#storylink=cpy Boom!
Posts: 69,466

11-18-2012, 08:05 PM	#35
KCUnited Cheat Death Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Land of Drincoln Casino cash: $2028244	It's obvious that it's become a how can I fix this without it costly me more money dilemma for Clark.
Posts: 34,061

11-18-2012, 08:12 PM	#43
KCUnited Cheat Death Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Land of Drincoln Casino cash: $2028244	I honestly think Clark wants to improve the situation, but has zero clue how to do it. He turned the organization over to a guy he thought could run it, paid him a shit ton of money, and it blew up in his face and now he doesn't know what to do.
Posts: 34,061