Guess what? Gretz call us classless and deranged - Page 6

**dirk digler** · 01-14-2004, 09:19 AM

http://www.kcchiefs.com/news_article...RNYVT5ZWBXRP4A

An Act of Supreme Loyalty
1/14/2004 6:17 AM

The columnists dissect the 2003 season and take a look at what's ahead for the Chiefs in '04. Read it here in a series of columns beginning next week.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By Bob Gretz
January 14, 2004 (morning)--Last year, Dick Vermeil showed his loyalty to Greg Robinson by retaining him on his coaching staff.

Robinson paid back that loyalty on Tuesday by resigning as the defensive coordinator of the Chiefs.

It was an extraordinary act by Robinson. He put aside ego, all pretense and he fell on his sword for Dick Vermeil. Team and Vermeil came ahead of himself. No small wonder why the head coach was so emotional when he talked about Robinson and why he felt like he let his assistant down.

In more than 25 years of covering the NFL, I’ve never witnessed anything that came close to Tuesday’s morning gathering. The raw emotion was unforgettable. It was a window into the world that Vermeil has created with his football team. It was a window into the world of coaching and all the twists and turns that make the business so exciting and so heart breaking.

First, Robinson did the right thing in offering to resign. Secondly, Vermeil did the right thing in accepting. After everything that happened with the Chiefs in 2003, the focus was entirely on Robinson and the defense. It would have been impossible for this organization to make enough changes in other areas to overcome the negativity that would have surrounded Robinson’s further employment.

There’s no question the defense was broken. Robinson and the defensive staff tried their best, but in the end it did not come together on the field. Last year, Robinson was handicapped by a defense that had few talented players. This season, the talent level was improved, but it still wasn’t enough.

What was missing was a defensive mind-set that’s absolutely imperative to success in the NFL. Yes, football today is more complicated than it was years ago. Defenses must react to offenses, they must take part in the chess game.

But they must do it with an attitude that was seldom evident around the Chiefs defense. It was never there in 2002, showed itself early in 2003, but then disappeared, returning just briefly for the Chicago game. For that, the players, Robinson, the defensive staff and Vermeil must share the blame.

Beyond scheme, beyond talent, what this Chiefs defensive unit needs is an infusion of passion. When Vermeil picks Robinson’s successor, that’s should be the most important part of his resume.

There are many people celebrating Robinson’s departure, reveling in kicking a man when he’s down, laughing at the raw emotion he was willing to share on what was probably the worst day of his professional life. If you are one of those people, like the classless folks who started a web site to promote the firing of Robinson, please seek help. You believe the success of the team is more important to you, than the people who give their blood, sweat and tears each and every day to make it work. You are deranged and can not a hold a candle to a man like Robinson.

Anybody who witnessed what happened at Arrowhead Stadium on Tuesday morning should now have a better understanding of what the people who coach in this business put on the line. They don’t always get it right, they don’t always produce.

**Dartgod** · 01-14-2004, 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rain Man

Did he check with Carl Peterson before he sent it?

I'm sure that conversation went something like this:

Gretz - "mmmfmf mmfmffm mfmfmf mmfmfm mfmmf?
Carl - "Oh yeah, yes...yes...ummm huh. YES! YES! YES!! I'm sorry, did you say something Bob?

**Iowanian** · 01-14-2004, 11:44 AM

dammit......I forgot to tell him that Greg will be the perfect new French Defensive Coordinator.

01-14-2004, 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iowanian

dammit......I forgot to tell him that Greg will be the perfect new French Defensive Coordinator.

Please don't. That's stretching the boundries of classless and deranged.

Mark M · 01-14-2004, 11:48 AM

After reading Bob Gretz's recent article, I've got to wonder: How can he insult the fans of the Chiefs? Classless? For wanting the defense of the team I root for to be at least mediocre, rather than the joke of the NFL?

For 23 years I've put my heart into this team every training camp, spent thousands of dollars on tickets, concessions and Chiefs merchandise, sat in the cold and rain, and have seen exactly 3 playoff wins. Three. I have earned the RIGHT to rip Lin Elliot for missing his kicks. I’ve earned the RIGHT to rip Grbac for throwing the ball 4 yards short. I’ve earned the RIGHT to rip Marty for all of his playoff defeats. I’ve earned the RIGHT to complain about a coordinator who was in charge of the worst defense in 2002, and the 30th in 2003.

Sure, Robinson may be a great guy, but he's a terrible coordinator. Think about it--if I were the worst at my job, I would be, and should be, fired immediately. But football is different--you can suck and still be employed, or be good and still lose your job. At least yesterday the person who deserved a majority (although not all) of the blame took the fall. Fans may not put their “blood and sweat” into the team, but they sure as hell have put in their tears … not to mention millions of dollars that support all aspects of the organization.

__________________
ChiefsPlanet -- n. The place where brilliant minds assemble to willfully pool ignorance with questionable logic in order to reach absurd conclusions.

siberian khatru · 01-14-2004, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phobia

Please don't. That's stretching the boundries of classless and deranged.

You know, I like to think that one of the benefits of being classless and deranged is that there are no boundaries.

headsnap · 01-14-2004, 11:57 AM

Message to Gretz and all the other folks flooding my e-mail with righteous indignation...

WHERE WERE YOU BEFORE GROB RESIGNED?

this is similar to the Rush/McNabb deal, in that it wasn't until the philly media made a deal about it that people started making a fuss about it.

I mean no ill will to GRob and his family, and I posted nothing bad or mean-spirited on that site, it was IMHO, tastefully done. I can't however speak for the signers of the 'petition.'

I think jAZ in on to something in his 'media influence' thread...

old_geezer · 01-14-2004, 12:02 PM

My .02.......

So Gretz thinks those who participated in the Firegregrobinson.com web site were classless ? I guess I'd rather be classless than clueless, which is what GRob was as a DC and Gretz appears to be as a sportswriter.

If by my participation in the signing of the signature list I am considered to have had a small part in the dismissal of GRob from his position, then you can call me anything you want; but you'd better thank me also.

JazzzLovr · 01-14-2004, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by siberian khatru

You know, I like to think that one of the benefits of being classless and deranged is that there are no boundaries.

I think you're right. If there were, Tom would have found them by now.

**The Bad Guy** · 01-14-2004, 12:06 PM

It's too bad that fat hillbilly didn't have the balls to attach an e-mail to his column, because if he did, I would blast the shit out of him.

His perspective is FAR different than the ones of fans because he gets paid to kiss ass and the fans foot the bill for it every Sunday at the games and every time they purchase something Chiefs related.

He acts like the website was calling for his execution. It was calling for his firing, which is something that generally happens in sports when you coach a unit that is in the bottom thirds of the league for THREE straight years.

Boo hoo, we hurt Greg's feelings. Greg hurt our ****ing feelings 4 weeks this year, 8 weeks last year, and 10 the year before. He cost us a Super Bowl birth. The only difference is, we didn't collect a paycheck every week after we got our hearts ripped out.

Robinson failed in KC because of his own doing. Fans had zero to do with it.

**The Bad Guy** · 01-14-2004, 12:08 PM

Head,

I could write a nice rebuttal for Gretz if you want to throw it up on the mainpage..

Just let me know. It would take me no longer than 5 minutes.

siberian khatru · 01-14-2004, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Bad Guy

He acts like the website was calling for his execution.

Yeah, that was THIS website. Keep it straight, Blob!

keg in kc · 01-14-2004, 12:09 PM

Why's everyone so upset? I fully acknowledge the fact that I'm classless and deranged, and I didn't even have anything to do with the site.

**Iowanian** · 01-14-2004, 12:09 PM

It must be sent anyway badguy....It must be done.

Chris Meck · 01-14-2004, 12:18 PM

Greg Robinson didn't just let Vermeil and the Chiefs down, he let the fans down as well.

For that, many are bitter and mean spirited.

I understand that Robinson is not a bad guy; he tried; he just couldn't get it done.

Now, that doesn't mean I didn't spend a fair part of my sundays cursing his name; but I DO feel sorry for him as a human being.

And I DO respect him greatly for what he did on Tuesday; that was the act of a good soldier.

So let's just move on.

Chris

PastorMikH · 01-14-2004, 12:19 PM

"""You believe the success of the team is more important to you, than the people who give their blood, sweat and tears each and every day to make it work."""

So if I feel this way, does this make me classless and deranged?

01-14-2004, 09:19 AM
dirk digler Please squeeze Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Clinton, MO Casino cash: $1664644	Guess what? Gretz call us classless and deranged http://www.kcchiefs.com/news_article...RNYVT5ZWBXRP4A An Act of Supreme Loyalty 1/14/2004 6:17 AM The columnists dissect the 2003 season and take a look at what's ahead for the Chiefs in '04. Read it here in a series of columns beginning next week. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- By Bob Gretz January 14, 2004 (morning)--Last year, Dick Vermeil showed his loyalty to Greg Robinson by retaining him on his coaching staff. Robinson paid back that loyalty on Tuesday by resigning as the defensive coordinator of the Chiefs. It was an extraordinary act by Robinson. He put aside ego, all pretense and he fell on his sword for Dick Vermeil. Team and Vermeil came ahead of himself. No small wonder why the head coach was so emotional when he talked about Robinson and why he felt like he let his assistant down. In more than 25 years of covering the NFL, I’ve never witnessed anything that came close to Tuesday’s morning gathering. The raw emotion was unforgettable. It was a window into the world that Vermeil has created with his football team. It was a window into the world of coaching and all the twists and turns that make the business so exciting and so heart breaking. First, Robinson did the right thing in offering to resign. Secondly, Vermeil did the right thing in accepting. After everything that happened with the Chiefs in 2003, the focus was entirely on Robinson and the defense. It would have been impossible for this organization to make enough changes in other areas to overcome the negativity that would have surrounded Robinson’s further employment. There’s no question the defense was broken. Robinson and the defensive staff tried their best, but in the end it did not come together on the field. Last year, Robinson was handicapped by a defense that had few talented players. This season, the talent level was improved, but it still wasn’t enough. What was missing was a defensive mind-set that’s absolutely imperative to success in the NFL. Yes, football today is more complicated than it was years ago. Defenses must react to offenses, they must take part in the chess game. But they must do it with an attitude that was seldom evident around the Chiefs defense. It was never there in 2002, showed itself early in 2003, but then disappeared, returning just briefly for the Chicago game. For that, the players, Robinson, the defensive staff and Vermeil must share the blame. Beyond scheme, beyond talent, what this Chiefs defensive unit needs is an infusion of passion. When Vermeil picks Robinson’s successor, that’s should be the most important part of his resume. There are many people celebrating Robinson’s departure, reveling in kicking a man when he’s down, laughing at the raw emotion he was willing to share on what was probably the worst day of his professional life. If you are one of those people, like the classless folks who started a web site to promote the firing of Robinson, please seek help. You believe the success of the team is more important to you, than the people who give their blood, sweat and tears each and every day to make it work. You are deranged and can not a hold a candle to a man like Robinson. Anybody who witnessed what happened at Arrowhead Stadium on Tuesday morning should now have a better understanding of what the people who coach in this business put on the line. They don’t always get it right, they don’t always produce.
Posts: 66,706

01-14-2004, 11:44 AM	#77
Iowanian Supporter Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Utopia Casino cash: $3398454	dammit......I forgot to tell him that Greg will be the perfect new French Defensive Coordinator.
Posts: 62,354

01-14-2004, 11:48 AM	#79
Mark M What time is it? Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: You tell me ... Casino cash: $9884900	After reading Bob Gretz's recent article, I've got to wonder: How can he insult the fans of the Chiefs? Classless? For wanting the defense of the team I root for to be at least mediocre, rather than the joke of the NFL? For 23 years I've put my heart into this team every training camp, spent thousands of dollars on tickets, concessions and Chiefs merchandise, sat in the cold and rain, and have seen exactly 3 playoff wins. Three. I have earned the RIGHT to rip Lin Elliot for missing his kicks. I’ve earned the RIGHT to rip Grbac for throwing the ball 4 yards short. I’ve earned the RIGHT to rip Marty for all of his playoff defeats. I’ve earned the RIGHT to complain about a coordinator who was in charge of the worst defense in 2002, and the 30th in 2003. Sure, Robinson may be a great guy, but he's a terrible coordinator. Think about it--if I were the worst at my job, I would be, and should be, fired immediately. But football is different--you can suck and still be employed, or be good and still lose your job. At least yesterday the person who deserved a majority (although not all) of the blame took the fall. Fans may not put their “blood and sweat” into the team, but they sure as hell have put in their tears … not to mention millions of dollars that support all aspects of the organization. __________________ ChiefsPlanet -- n. The place where brilliant minds assemble to willfully pool ignorance with questionable logic in order to reach absurd conclusions.
Posts: 4,687

01-14-2004, 11:57 AM	#81
headsnap "Think ZOOM!" Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Space Station #5 Casino cash: $27236	Message to Gretz and all the other folks flooding my e-mail with righteous indignation... WHERE WERE YOU BEFORE GROB RESIGNED? this is similar to the Rush/McNabb deal, in that it wasn't until the philly media made a deal about it that people started making a fuss about it. I mean no ill will to GRob and his family, and I posted nothing bad or mean-spirited on that site, it was IMHO, tastefully done. I can't however speak for the signers of the 'petition.' I think jAZ in on to something in his 'media influence' thread...
Posts: 18,486

01-14-2004, 12:02 PM	#82
old_geezer bite me Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Windsor, Mo. Casino cash: $-455262	My .02....... So Gretz thinks those who participated in the Firegregrobinson.com web site were classless ? I guess I'd rather be classless than clueless, which is what GRob was as a DC and Gretz appears to be as a sportswriter. If by my participation in the signing of the signature list I am considered to have had a small part in the dismissal of GRob from his position, then you can call me anything you want; but you'd better thank me also. __________________ If you can see Chuck Norris, he can see you. If you can't see Chuck Norris you may be only seconds away from death. Last edited by old_geezer; 01-14-2004 at 12:08 PM..
Posts: 2,168

01-14-2004, 12:06 PM	#84
The Bad Guy Scott Pioli Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: The Copacobana Casino cash: $9303645	It's too bad that fat hillbilly didn't have the balls to attach an e-mail to his column, because if he did, I would blast the shit out of him. His perspective is FAR different than the ones of fans because he gets paid to kiss ass and the fans foot the bill for it every Sunday at the games and every time they purchase something Chiefs related. He acts like the website was calling for his execution. It was calling for his firing, which is something that generally happens in sports when you coach a unit that is in the bottom thirds of the league for THREE straight years. Boo hoo, we hurt Greg's feelings. Greg hurt our ****ing feelings 4 weeks this year, 8 weeks last year, and 10 the year before. He cost us a Super Bowl birth. The only difference is, we didn't collect a paycheck every week after we got our hearts ripped out. Robinson failed in KC because of his own doing. Fans had zero to do with it. __________________
Posts: 23,215

01-14-2004, 12:08 PM	#85
The Bad Guy Scott Pioli Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: The Copacobana Casino cash: $9303645	Head, I could write a nice rebuttal for Gretz if you want to throw it up on the mainpage.. Just let me know. It would take me no longer than 5 minutes. __________________
Posts: 23,215

01-14-2004, 12:09 PM	#87
keg in kc oxymoron Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: OP/KC/Whatever Casino cash: $9556299	Why's everyone so upset? I fully acknowledge the fact that I'm classless and deranged, and I didn't even have anything to do with the site.
Posts: 58,682

01-14-2004, 12:18 PM	#89
Chris Meck MVP Join Date: May 2001 Location: midtown KC Casino cash: $374910	Greg Robinson didn't just let Vermeil and the Chiefs down, he let the fans down as well. For that, many are bitter and mean spirited. I understand that Robinson is not a bad guy; he tried; he just couldn't get it done. Now, that doesn't mean I didn't spend a fair part of my sundays cursing his name; but I DO feel sorry for him as a human being. And I DO respect him greatly for what he did on Tuesday; that was the act of a good soldier. So let's just move on. Chris
Posts: 18,109	1 0

01-14-2004, 12:19 PM	#90
PastorMikH Will KC ever be better? Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Land of Red Dirt & Necks Casino cash: $9925087	"""You believe the success of the team is more important to you, than the people who give their blood, sweat and tears each and every day to make it work.""" So if I feel this way, does this make me classless and deranged? __________________
Posts: 20,454	1 0