By Doug Ticket, The Associated Press KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Thanks to Champ Bailey and Monday night microphones, the Kansas City Chiefs should be well motivated for their next game against the Denver Broncos. While the Broncos routed their AFC West rivals Monday night, the star defensive back accused them on national television of not even playing hard.
After criticizing the Chiefs' effort Monday, Champ Bailey left the game with a hamstring injury.
"The way they played up there in Kansas City, it ain't the same, though," said Bailey, who was miked by ABC.
Speaking to teammates on the Denver bench after the Broncos had taken control of the game in the first half, Bailey was clearly heard to say, "They're playing a little different. They're not playing as hard. I ain't going to relax, though."
He was referring to the drubbing the Chiefs gave to Denver last year in Kansas City 45-17, dominating the Broncos almost as thoroughly as they were dominated on Monday night. They will host the Broncos again in Arrowhead Stadium this Dec. 4.
Naturally, Kansas City coach Dick Vermeil took exception to Bailey's comments. "I know this — none of our players said Champ Bailey didn't play hard when we beat them by three touchdowns last year," he said Tuesday. "Eddie Kennison (Chiefs receiver) didn't say that Champ Bailey was not playing hard."
The Chiefs' players had the day off and will get back to work on Wednesday for Sunday's game at home against Philadelphia.
Vermeil tried to downplay Bailey's remarks, but was clearly irritated.
"That's why I don't allow players to be miked. I don't know what (Bailey) was referring to. That's a player's opinion," he said.
An experienced broadcaster himself, Vermeil said he had always been against miking players.
"I just think the broadcast ought to be done by the guys in the booth," he said. "That's what they're professionally trained to do. I just won't put one of my players in that position."
As it turned out, Bailey aggravated a hamstring injury later in the game and was taken out. He had an MRI exam on Tuesday, but results were not immediately released.
"Champ Bailey's a fine kid, respected by everybody in the league," Vermeil said. "But you put a mike on him, you never know what you're going to hear. You catch some things guys say in frustration, and you use them to enhance the broadcast. But sometimes that embarrasses the player.
"I was asked if we could mike our players. The director and I worked together for six years and we're very close friends. I said no way.
"I say things I shouldn't say all the time, let alone put a player in the heat of battle and then have it used to enhance the broadcast and maybe sometimes it embarrasses the player."
Vermeil also said the Broncos outplayed the Chiefs in every way, and indicated that he, too, was not entirely satisfied with his team's effort.
"I think we can play better than that. I think we can play harder than that," he said. "I don't know if Champ Bailey said that to evaluate."
Let me ask the rest of you this question, assuming we're not all in the "heat of battle" where we work each day....would *YOU* want to be miked at work only to have others hear what you say privately to other folks? I think not.
Fran Farren "Justice Hog"
Newark, DE
“God didn't give us a spirit that is timid but one that is powerful, loving and controlled.” 2 Timothy 1:7
Justice Hog wrote:Let me ask the rest of you this question, assuming we're not all in the "heat of battle" where we work each day....would *YOU* want to be miked at work only to have others hear what you say privately to other folks? I think not.
If I was miked up at work, I would have been fired on day one, lol. Although, I'd do the same if I were Vermeil and use it for a little payback at Arrowhead.
The opinion of 10,000 men is of no value if none of them know anything about the subject.
Justice Hog wrote:Let me ask the rest of you this question, assuming we're not all in the "heat of battle" where we work each day....would *YOU* want to be miked at work only to have others hear what you say privately to other folks? I think not.
I work in a cube farm, and have a loud voice, so everyone on my floor can already hear everything that I say!
But, that aside, no I would not, particularly if it was something as emotionally intense as playing a football game is.
I don't really see anything wrong with it. . .you could view it as taunting if you could prove that Bailey said that while simultanously thinking about the fact that he had a mic on. . .but if it seemed like people weren't trying as hard then he's going to tell his teammates that.
Bailey agreed to do it for the game, and with that agreement comes the problem of saying things that you "didn't mean" or simply wish hadn't gotten out. I'll bet he doesn't regret saying it one bit (and nor should he, in my opinion).
The best way for Vermeil to come back is to slaughter them in the next game. And even then, this story stinks of a media guy fitting quotes with creative descriptions to create a story. While Vermeil may have had something to say about Bailey, when is he not emotional? It's probably making something out of nothing.
Redskins Rule wrote:People like to talk trash in Football. Let them talk trash. I never have seen anything wrong with it, unless of course they can't back it up.
And if they don't back it up, there's no need to punish them or anything--they've got all that embarrassment to deal with.
cvillehog wrote:The worst part for Vermiel, is Champ was right. The Chiefs had no desire at all, and looked like they were going half-speed most of the night, IMO.
This is true.
The way I read it Champ seemed a little confused by the level of play by KC.
It's KC versus Denver that's almost like us against that team in Texas, he was expecting more than what they were showing and said so to a teammate.
He said "They're playing a little different. They're not playing as hard. I ain't going to relax, though." which means he didn't know what was up but he was going to keep playing (until he gets hurt like he always does).
I kind of agree with FfA on the media spin. Millions watched the game and quite a few from this site but no one gave it a second thought until the guy that didn't want to spend time researching and writing a real story thrwe it on a wall.
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When you reach the end of your rope, tie a knot in it and hold on....
The Hogster wrote:Why did the Cheifs cut Morton? Their receivers looked terrible against the Broncos.
Not Kennison, his 112 yds won me my fantasy game last week!
Good to know someone's fantasy team is doing well. I took Daunte Culpepper and Mushin Muhammad...they've dropped off the face of the planet after last year.
