Kansa CityStarSeptember 4th, 1982
Hey there sports fans, Its good to be back! I survived my year suspension toiling away writing obituaries and public notices. When last we met, I was off to to the second part of my face to face with Meatman. Everyone in the chiefs nation knows that scenario didn't end well. A disaster on all accounts ended in in broken furniture, liquor bottles, a little blood, and a trip to jail for myself and cousin Meatman.
Can't pick your family.
All that is behind us and our interaction is relegated to phone and vidoe chats. My boss and Mr. Hunt were not amused! A new season is upon us and there is much to report and speculate about. My last report had Meatman answering an urgent phone call from owner Lamar Hunt and Coach Graham.....that phone call was key to the future of the Chiefs. It is no secret that meatman would like to replace the 59 year old coach. Meatmen wold like to draft a team with a coach that is going to be around to actually coach the young talent. Despite a 144-39 regular season record and 7 trips to the post season in 11 years. 2 WC 4 Division championships 2 trips to the Super bowl (11-7) Meat still wants a younger coach. He offered an Idea to the Hunt's to move Graham to the front office and was shot down. Seems Lamar Hunt and Coach Graham had different Ideas.
After a dismal season last year that saw the Chiefs sink to 8-8. The Chiefs backed into the post season grabbing their ankles on wild card weekend eliminated yet again by the Chargers. something changed. Perhaps Mr. Hunt had an epiphany or noticed what Meatman is doing with the Shockers in Paydirt B. Suddenly, conferences were held and rumblings of a new approach were heard coming from Arrowhead. The slow and steady approach was given a bit of a kick in the pants. Meat was quoted at the Superbowl “ We (front office) need to get this rebuild underway NOW...I don't want to spend 3 or 4 years on this task. This team is starved for new blood and needs an update in our coaching and management styles. We have a proud history and tradition but if we don't move forward it means nothing”
Just like that! Plans for the Ring of Honor were scrapped and the all decade team was never announced as the focus was on a the future. Meat went hog wild trading for draft picks and then trading them away. Made a few picks and moved some to the future late in the draft. Traded for WR Toby Jonson who wasn't around long enough for his coffee to get cold...mad some pretty fair picks I the draft and THEN............
Today a day that will certainly live in infamy. The Chiefs traded home town favorite Walter “The Ace” Acevado to Carolina for Miguel ”BIG DEAL” Davis and CB Joseph Burt. Talent wise I'm thinking the Chiefs made out. Carolina needed to cut salaries and had a small chance at resigning Davis or Burt. I'm puzzeled, it is well known that Charles Woods is Meatman's choice for the future..he was never really thrilled with Acevado. He was coach Graham's choice. It's a bold move. One has to wonder if meat signs Davis and spends what will likely be 70 million or is he just insurance in case Woods fails to produce. Davis could bring other much needed veteran players IF he can be traded. If not/, do you invest the 70 million or let him go to FA? Woods is unproven. He has been limited to handing the ball off late in games and in limited preseason action has not been overly productive. One can only speculate that Meatman now has the upper hand over coach Graham will we see a changing of the guard? This was more than likely going to be his last season as Head Coach as he has been hinting at a front office job.
One thing is for certain the Chiefs are on the move and looking for fresh meat. There is still along way to go and if this is any indication of what's in store. It's gonna be a WILD ride.
Meatman ...HERO OR GOAT?
Robert Cunningham
Sports editoragain.
