Ron Sellers
2nd Team Getting Their First Start
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I usually try to avoid the "OMG, look what this sports writer said" type of threads, but I thought this was interesting because it gives a bit of insight into the dynamics of the relationship between the sports media and sports teams. Obviously much has been made with the relationship between Belichick and the media over the years; here is something with Scott Pioli and the self-appointed head of the Kansas City sports media, Jason Whitlock.
Kansas City Chiefs winning despite Todd Haley - NFL News | FOX Sports on MSN
After writing that comment (which, as it turns out, has nothing to do with his story) Whitlock finds it necessary to list his credentials, apparently to convince us of his credibility - which again has nothing to do with the story; the story is about Todd Haley not being an NFL caliber head coach.
Now Whitlock figures it is time to go back to bashing Pioli:
Yet after that he goes on to write about what a good job Pioli has done bringing in character-type guys and turning the Chiefs around. Of course he has to temper that by claiming because Thomas Jones was brought in by Pioli and Haley, Jamaal Charles, who was on the team before those two arrived, does not carry the ball often enough; Pioli and Haley are determined to have 'their guy' succeed even if it costs the team wins.
The column is about why Whitlock believes Haley is not a good NFL coach, so why does he feel the need to write all the unflattering things about Pioli? The reason I found this column was because Whitlock was on WEEI this morning with Dennis and Callahan.
WEEI - Audio on Demand - Dennis & Callahan - Jason Whitlock, FOX Sports
They asked him about Pioli and his article, and Whitlock brought up a time when Pioli first arrived in Kansas City. He took the media out to dinner but rather than appreciate the gesture Whitlock characterized it as Pioli trying to say there was a new sheriff in town, but Whitlock thought there already was a sheriff in town - him! Whitlock says Pioli tried to convince the media members to 'get onboard' and support the team, and he apparently was very offended by the suggestion and holds a grudge against Pioli to this day.
Kansas City Chiefs winning despite Todd Haley - NFL News | FOX Sports on MSN
Personally, I like Todd Haley. It’s true. Away from a football complex, removed from the overbearing presence of Kansas City general manager Scott Pioli, it’s my impression that Haley is a stand-up guy.
After writing that comment (which, as it turns out, has nothing to do with his story) Whitlock finds it necessary to list his credentials, apparently to convince us of his credibility - which again has nothing to do with the story; the story is about Todd Haley not being an NFL caliber head coach.
The Chiefs are my hometown team. I covered the team at home and on the road for 16 straight years before deciding in August to leave the newspaper industry and split my time between Kansas City and Los Angeles.
The Chiefs are the football team I know the best.
Now Whitlock figures it is time to go back to bashing Pioli:
Personally, I can’t stand Scott Pioli. It’s true. In any environment, Pioli is a low-character, self-absorbed egomaniac in love with the sound of his voice. I call him “Egoli.” I love giving sports figures nicknames. Based on the feedback I’ve received from NFL people, I’ve never come up with a more accurate nickname than Scott Egoli.
My one regret about my leaving KC during this football season was the knowledge Egoli would face little resistance in intimidating, bullying and co-opting the local media. It doesn’t take much more than a wink, a nod and a visit to the GM’s office for local media types to get very weak in the knees.
Yet after that he goes on to write about what a good job Pioli has done bringing in character-type guys and turning the Chiefs around. Of course he has to temper that by claiming because Thomas Jones was brought in by Pioli and Haley, Jamaal Charles, who was on the team before those two arrived, does not carry the ball often enough; Pioli and Haley are determined to have 'their guy' succeed even if it costs the team wins.
The column is about why Whitlock believes Haley is not a good NFL coach, so why does he feel the need to write all the unflattering things about Pioli? The reason I found this column was because Whitlock was on WEEI this morning with Dennis and Callahan.
WEEI - Audio on Demand - Dennis & Callahan - Jason Whitlock, FOX Sports
They asked him about Pioli and his article, and Whitlock brought up a time when Pioli first arrived in Kansas City. He took the media out to dinner but rather than appreciate the gesture Whitlock characterized it as Pioli trying to say there was a new sheriff in town, but Whitlock thought there already was a sheriff in town - him! Whitlock says Pioli tried to convince the media members to 'get onboard' and support the team, and he apparently was very offended by the suggestion and holds a grudge against Pioli to this day.