In K.C., Sam Mellinger wrote the Chiefs "are stumbling," and Chair & CEO Clark Hunt's "name is at the top of the company directory, his late father’s legacy entwined in everything he does." The team's "failings are dearly personal." The Chiefs are "Clark’s team to operate, but in the big picture very much his father Lamar’s franchise, and there is symbolism in the way people around the league usually refer to 'the Hunt family' instead of Clark." GM Scott Pioli’s "professional future rests with the man he hires to be the next head coach, but Hunt has something much more important involved, something much more precious: His family’s name." The "criticisms of Hunt are not all fair, particularly the ones about him being the league's chintziest owner." The Chiefs "committed about $100 million in guaranteed money in the last 12 months." Hunt has "actually been, despite the current view, most of what an owner should be" (K.C. STAR, 12/14).
DENIALS ALL AROUND: In Miami, Barry Jackson cites sources as saying despite "denials by both sides, Dolphins owner Stephen Ross and former Chiefs president Carl Peterson continue to discuss the idea of Peterson joining the team in an executive position." One source said that "no deal had been struck as of early Wednesday, with the sides needing to work out exact responsibilities and compensation." But other sources said that momentum "is building toward Peterson joining the team, potentially as executive vice president/football operations" (MIAMI HERALD, 12/15).
THEY'RE FINE WITH IT: On Long Island, Steven Marcus cites a source as saying that MLB is "content" with the way the Mets front office "is handling its financial situation." The team's $40M bridge loan "appears to be a financial relief valve until an estimated $200 million is raised by selling units of the team to at least 10 investors." A source said that the money "would help pay for 2011 and potential 2012 losses" (NEWSDAY, 12/15).
