Wednesday Morning Cup O’Chiefs
“Laws are like sausages; it is best not to see them being made.”
There is a dispute among historians as to who first uttered that profound comment on the nature of politics. Various sources credit German politician Otto von Bismarck, Winston Churchill, Benjamin Disraeli, Clarence Darrow and Mark Twain.
I think it must have been von Bismarck, because he is definitely given credit for this line: politics is not an exact science.
I always think about sausages when the politicians invade the Toy Department. This week some of that wonderful behind the scenes, political backbiting is going on and it involves the Chiefs and their future training camp home in St. Joseph at Missouri Western University.
Let’s establish this right up front: the sky is not falling. This is about a training camp site for July 2010, not this year. And more than likely what’s rattled out of the state capital this week is just part of the sausage making, like the lovely ladies are doing to the left.
What has surfaced in media reports out of Jefferson City makes it pretty easy to see this is about partisan politics, Republican vs. Democrat, city vs. country, downstate vs. upstate, Kansas City vs. St. Louis. It appears the man behind all this is Governor Jay Nixon and his staff.
Any time you see a line like “legal documents and confidential correspondence obtained” you know somebody is out there leaking the information. That’s the source of a Kansas City Star story that popped up Tuesday out of Jeff City.
Let’s see if we can summarize the story here with as little sausage grease as possible. The Chiefs want to return to the Kansas City area for training camp. The folks in St. Joe, led by Missouri State Senator Charlie Shields and the leaders at Missouri Western have been pitching the team on their school for several years.
To hold the camp, the school needs some new facilities. What’s on campus right now is not even close to the quality of what the Chiefs have at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls.
To make that happen, money had to be found. That happened back in December, when the Missouri Development Finance Board in a unanimous vote gave the Chiefs $25 million in state tax credits to help finance improvements at the Truman Sports Complex and construction of the facility at Missouri Western to the tune of $13 to 14 million.
What happens is the Chiefs sell those tax credits on an open market and those revenues will go towards Missouri Western to the tune of $10 million. The school, St. Joseph and Buchanan County are coming up with the rest of the money. The MDFB awarded the tax credits because they were convinced by the Chiefs and officials out of St. Joe that moving the camp would have a positive economic and social impact on the region and state of Missouri.
In all this, the Chiefs said they would provide the state of Missouri a 10-year commitment for training camp. A letter of intent signed by the team and Missouri Western in January agreed to five years, and then a series of five one-year options.
Now remember, the MDFB unanimously approved the tax credits back in December. But there’s a big difference now: the Governor. The MDFB is a commission made up of appointees by the governor, along with the lieutenant governor and the heads of state departments. In December, Republic Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder was the chairman. In January when the Democratic Gov. Jay Nixon was sworn in, he replaced Kinder as head of the board with his Economic Development director Linda Martinez.
Now in the last week there are suddenly problems with the tax credits. A spokesman for the Department of Economic Development said Monday that no tax credits will be issued until the Chiefs commit to keeping their camp in Missouri for 10 years.
But speaking on Kansas City radio on Tuesday, Kinder said the Chiefs have committed to spending 10 years in Missouri for training camp starting in 2010. He said the controversy was being created by the Nixon administration in an attempt to stop the tax credits.
“Ten years is the term that the board voted on,” Development Department spokesman John Fougere told the Associated Press. “They have to abide by those terms.”
Kinder says they have. The Chiefs are pretty much keeping their mouth shut.
I don’t know about you, but I can hear the gears on the sausage press right now.
And get this, Shields told the St. Joseph News-Press that negotiations between the school and the Chiefs were near completion after a meeting with Martinez Monday night in his Jeff City office. He doesn’t believe the project is in danger.
“I think we’re very close to having this thing put together,” Shields told the newspaper.
From the time these tax credits were rewarded, there have been others in the state shooting at them. Folks in the southern part of the state don’t think the state should be giving away tax credits like this without something for them. The politicians representing the rural districts always think there’s too much going to the cities. The St. Louis contingent has long believed that only their side of the state should receive this type of help from the state. The tax credits were rewarded under a Republican Governor. Now, there’s a Democrat in the state’s top spot.
If the Chiefs said they would have training camp in Missouri for 10 years, then they should commit to that fact in writing, if they haven’t already. It sounds like a battle over semantics, with politicians looking for any sliver of a reason to stop these tax credits for any number of reasons.
What does it all mean? The Chiefs obviously want to have camp in Missouri. If Missouri doesn’t want to help make that happen, I’m quite sure the team will find somebody else that wants them. They already know they have that in River Falls.
Hopefully this will all soon get filed under the category of sausage making and in the summer of 2010 Chiefs fans can drive an hour up I-29 to watch the boys of fall go through training camp.
CHIEFS SIGN RECEIVER, SNAPPER
The Chiefs added wide receiver Rodney Wright and long snapper Tanner Purdum on Tuesday.
Wright (left) comes to the Chiefs after spending the last four years in the Arena Football League with the San Jose Sabercats. His career numbers indoors were 292 catches for 3,229 yards with 42 touchdown catches. He also returned 113 kickoffs for an average of 21.7 yards and four touchdowns.
Originally drafted in the seventh round of the 2002 NFL Draft by Buffalo, Wright (5-9, 181 pounds) spent two years (2002-03) on the Bills practice squad. At Fresno State, he played in 38 games over four seasons (1998-2001), catching a total of 222 passes for 3,274 yards and 23 touchdowns, while also returning 40 kickoffs for an average of 21.6 yards a return. He’s 29 years old.
Purdum (6-3, 217 pounds) spent four seasons (2004-07) at Baker University where he played some quarterback and was the long snapper. He spent the 2008 season working s a graduate assistant at Baker with the wide receivers.
MOVEMENT & SIGNINGS AROUND THE LEAGUE
BENGALS – signed DT Tank Johnson (Dallas).
PACKERS – re-signed TE Tory Humphrey; released LB Kenny Pettway.
RAIDERS – signed OT Marcus Johnson.
RAVENS – re-signed QB Todd Bouman.
TEXANS – re-signed OT Rashad Butler.
SAY HAPPY BIRTHDAY …
Born on April 8, 1950 in Ruston, Louisiana was WR Andy Hamilton. He played two seasons with the Chiefs (1973-74), appearing in 15 games, starting two games and catching four passes for 60 yards.
Ok, it looks as if we got a training camp WR and a possible keeper at Long Snapper for I’m sure a min price as a undrafted walk on, cool.
With money being so tight and the economy the way it is, the Chiefs could always just have their training camp at home in thier new practice digs but I’m sure sure its all about those TAX credits they want.
In 17 days we will have some more of Pioli’s:
“The Right 53″
Bob, you’re lucky I have breakfast right in front of me. All this sausage talk is making me hungry.
How is Purdum, at 6-3, 217 pounds, going to be their long snapper? 217 seem pretty light for that job, but what do I know..
As I’ve stated many times earlier, the millions in tax credits going to the chiefs to have training camp in missouri is a waste of taxpayer dollars.
as for the players signed:
5′9” 181lbs. Are you kidding me?!!
last yr the chiefs were a college team. This yr are they aiming for highschool?
Sounds like Haley wasn’t kidding when he said that he could win 2 games with guys off the street. Oh well, as long as we get the “RIGHT 53″
lol… Yea well these players are practice squad pick-ups…
it’s all about “NOT SCREWIN’ IT UP”
Boy, is this a kerfuffle or what???? Let’s see…. The Chiefs have committed to 5 years with and 5- 1 year agreement. The Tax Credits incentive the Chiefs to spend their money in MISSOURI (rather than elsewhere… hmmm 80+ NFL players + coaches/staff = $$$ for 4+ extra weeks), the College gets some upgrades (that I am sure that they would benefit from) - those upgrades would provide construction, engineering and other jobs that are also taxable and would drive MORE money into the local and MISSOURI economy. Additionally, the Chiefs have Family Night every year where they invite the community and fans as well as NFL players to have a great evening interacting as normal people. That would cause more people to spend money in the local and MISSOURI community in addition to Hotels, Restaurants, Gas Stations, etc. that would benefit from the increased revenues and TAXES that would go to MISSOURI rather than another state. THIS REALLY IS A NO-BRAINER! We SHOULD encourage the CHIEFS to be a part of MISSOURI not another state! Especially in tough economic times, this is an unfortunate mess created by those who would prefer to spend $325 million of Missouri Emergency Fund monies rather than get what would be $10+ million (a YEAR) over the next 5+ years (this would include workers that would have money to spend (and tax), NFL players and coaches spending money here, etc.) If everyone keeps their word, everyone wins! What a shame that this became about politics… I guess that since the state of MISSOURI doesn’t want to keep their commitments, the Chiefs will spend their monies in WISCONSIN, people will travel to WISCONSIN to spend their money in hotels, restaurants, gas stations, etc. to help the local WISCONSIN economy, and the State of MISSOURI will get…. NOTHING! What a crock! Let’s be people that MEAN WHAT WE SAY AND SAY WHAT WE MEAN. If there is an agreement and a commitment (insert “contract” here), let HONOR our word and keep what should be MISSOURI dollars here at home!
I’m sure Pioli and/or Haley saw some sort of potential in these guys. I don’t see KC signing people just to sign people at this point.
Size doesn’t matter. Hasn’t you woman ever told you that? (Just joking on that one. Ha!)
As for the whole politics thing? Politics is politics. And 99% of it is BS.
Mike, San Diego Charger longsnapper, David Binn, who has snapped in the NFL for more than a dozen years, is listed at 223 lbs. But I agree that Purdum is much smaller than the average longsnapper.
Thanks ChiefsFan.
As for receiver size. Here are the dimensions of a few current NFL receivers….maybe you have heard of them:
Steve Smith: 5′9″, 185
Wes Welker: 5′9″, 185
Eddie Royal: 5′10″, 182
DeSean Jackson: 5′10″, 175
Marvin Harrison: 6′0″, 185
And in the early 90s, the Chiefs fielded a couple of receivers named Robb Thomas (5′11″, 175) and J.J. Birden (5′9″, 170).
Size isn’t necessarily everything at receiver.
scott dude has YOUR woman ever told you that sounds like ur talking from experience now everyone in here nos u have a small dick
hey as long as he tries hard
Well they needed another LS to compete with Gafford so I can’t fault them for the Purdum signing. Wright isn’t too exciting either but I’m generally intrigued by players who play well in other leagues like the AFL and CFL who try to transfer over to the NFL. The AFL is a pretty physical game for WRs so perhaps Wright will be looked at as a slot receiver and return.
Since the Chiefs have signed a sure thing in Engram, and some projects like Copper, CJ Jones and now Wright, perhaps they are sending a message that they don’t plan on drafting in WRs this year. Maybe they are just bringing in a bunch of guys to duke it out for those five or six roster spots. Finally, my current Chiefs mock draft (which will be constantly changing leading up to the draft)
1st OT Jason Smith - Baylor
3rd ILB Jason Phillips - TCU
4th C Jonathan Luigs - Arkansas
5th DE/OLB David Veikune - Hawaii
6th NT Sammie Lee Hill - Stillman
7th RB Chris Ogbonnaya - Texas
7th QB Chase Patton - Missouri
This is more of a stab at trying to predict what type of player Pioli might want, not necessarily what I would do if I were GM. Makes it more challenging and forces me to think outside the bubble.
I’m currently curious if they’re re-writing the slogan to say “The Right 63.”
looks pretty similar to what Herm would have picked. Cant the Chiefs just get some bailout money, I mean if were gonna have taxpayer money spent I’d rather watch Chiefs sausage than bank sausage!!!!!!
SBIVVictors,
nice post. I agree, if Wright has the ability, than that is all that matters. That being said, its very difficult for the small guys to beat jams at the LOS, and handle the physicality of the NFL.
Its kinda like saying that Bugsby Moes played Bball being short, but he is an extremely rare exception.
ChiefFan,
appreciate your enthusiasm, but I want to add some facts to the discussion
1. Chiefs are getting $25 million in tax credits and giving $10 million to Western to upgrade their campus for training camp.
I would have no problem with the $10 million alone, but not the $15 million that the Chiefs are pocketing. I dont understand where you are getting the $10 million a yr numbers. In either case it is kinda crazy when the state has a $340 million+ budget shortfall.
2. the previous agreement that granted the Chiefs/Royals $50 million barred the teams from seeking additional funds for the project, beyond the agreed upon $3 million maintenance fees.
The chiefs are essentially using the $15 million they are pocketing toward stadium improvements, skirting their earlier agreement. Thats just not right….specially when it will just lead to higher ticket/parking/concession prices for fans once complete.
3. Missouri Western has to add an additional $3.7 million of THEIR OWN MONEY toward upgrades for training camp in order to get $10 million from the chiefs (from the original $25 million they got from tax credits).
Colleges are first and foremost areas of higher education, and that is where that money should go, specially when:
a. students are having difficulty getting loans with the credit crunch
b. budget shortfalls, and decreased revenue
c. increased tuition costs disproportiante to inflation nationwide
4. Finally, although I would love to see the team closer to home, their is a very valid reason to have training camp in a ‘nortern’ state. Its cooler their. Who wants to train/see players at St. Joe in the middle of summer when it is 100 degrees. Some might argue that might improve conditioning, while others will argue against it. Hopefully it wont lead to more Korey Stringer incidents.
I for one would drive to ST. Joe to see the chiefs a lot more than River Falls . To the response of polatitions 10yrs is really only 5yrs . I don’t blame the state for wanting the wording change the Chiefs are only committing to 5yrs so Bob I disagree. Its call responsibilities to the tax payers of MO.
Bob must live in Overland Park Kans. Who cares what they do with MO. tax dollars easy to say if you don’t live there
Does anyone know what ST Joe needs to upgrade?
Isnt there any other local institutes that have, or is near, what the Chiefs need for a camp?
DI schools–KU, MU, KSU ect.
DII? PSU
I just wondering why the Chiefs cant find a local school to help the local economy, and us Chief fans, that is already suited for them?
Not knocking MO WEST, just wondering…
43 Purdum, Tanner LS 6-3 270 08/15/84 R Baker Hewitt, TX CFA-09.
May be a Playboy Buddy Rose situation where the announcement got confused between 217 and 270 pounds.