Loyalty vs. greed. Defensive lineman Terrance Knighton’s exit from the Broncos could be described as loyalty and opportunity vs. greed. What’s a couple more million dollars really worth? When Knighton retires, he could be set for life with more money than 95 percent of the fans who pay for the high-priced tickets to watch him play. Players always say, “It’s just business.” Yeah, right. It’s greed.
Ned, loves the game
Kiz: The way we see it at Kickin’ It Headquarters, Knighton ended up with a one-year, make-good contract in Washington primarily because the Broncos did not want him. In pro sports, loyalty is usually a one-way street. The team demands a player’s blood, sweat and tears … until the team finds somebody cheaper to do the job. If Knighton had a weakness, it was his love of food, not greed. In this case, it was just business … on the part of the Broncos.
Problem at the top. It is poor analysis to think Chauncey Billups would be a good coach for the Nuggets. Like the recently fired Brian Shaw, Billups is old school. Being a hometown hero is neither here nor there. The problem with this team is at the top of the front office. Josh Kroenke, much like Jim Buss with the Los Angeles Lakers, is an entitled, inexperienced young man running Daddy’s business into the ground.
Terry, seeks new owner
Kiz: The Nuggets stink. And Kroenke deserves blame. But stereotypes are the weapon of the lazy. Kroenke will be 35 years old in May. He’s no kid. A silver spoon is not Kroenke’s problem. The fact that he’s trying to run the Nuggets, Avalanche and Rapids in Denver might be too much for any man, even a smart man, to handle.
(Not) working for a living. Kiz, you must have forgotten how pathetic the Broncos were before Peyton Manning showed up to play quarterback. Gary Kubiak might be cheaper to please than Manning, but as a coach he hasn’t won a thing. John Elway is doing everything he can to win next year with the money he’s got. The Broncos are already planning life after Manning? Really?
Barry, literary critic
Kiz: Yes, Elway and I have both been gainfully employed in Denver since 1983. Elway is like fine wine. Me? I’ve got nothing to whine about. When checking in at the Mile High press box and asked to write down my game-day job, I always respond: typing. (Hey, it beats working.)
Wordsmith. And today’s parting shot is from a guy who generally orders the atomic chicken wings instead of the Charcuterie board as an appetizer.
Dear Kiz: Please reframe from using fancy-pants, uppity words like “sublime.” Us poor, old, down-to-earth, country-fed Broncos fans don’t understand your college-boy words.
Bill, street smart
Mark Kiszla: mkiszla@denverpost.com or
