Chiefs WR Kennison hits back at Shanahan

Friday, Dec. 5, 2003 | 10:08 a.m.

SUN WIRE REPORTS

Depending on what side of the Denver-Kansas City rivalry you stand on, Eddie Kennison is either a quitter who doesn't know when to stop talking or a model teammate who was just misunderstood.

Two years ago, when things got tough, Kennison walked out on the Broncos.

Mike Shanahan said the veteran receiver told him his heart was no longer in the game. Kennison claimed he was dealing with some personal issues that the head coach wasn't sensitive to.

Either way, after playing eight games for Shanahan, Kennison decided his Denver days were done before a Nov. 11, 2001, game against San Diego.

New Kansas City head coach Dick Vermeil, searching for offensive weapons, welcomed Kennison with open arms. He played the final five games of the 2001 season for the Chiefs and is their most productive wide receiver this year.

As AFC West-leading Kansas City (11-1) began preparations for its rematch with Denver (7-5) at Invesco Field, Kennison decided it was time to verbally kick his former coach and teammates while they're still down.

"As long as I was there, (Shanahan) had his select few people that he liked being around and he liked having," Kennison said. "Why do you think John Elway left? John Elway didn't like that guy. It's just the type of person that he is. It's either his way or no way. If it's not his way, you hit the highway."

Elway, of course, retired after winning back-to-back championships and being named the Super Bowl's most valuable player under Shanahan's guidance.

But please continue, Mr. Kennison.

"Look at Deltha O'Neal. I go back to him. Deltha O'Neal is going to be looking for a job next year," Kennison said of Denver's first-round pick in 2000 who has been moved from cornerback to wide receiver. "Why? Because Mike Shanahan needs to find a scapegoat on why his defense was messing up.

"Did he ever think about the coach calling the plays for the defense? Coaches need to be held accountable sometimes as well."

Packers coach Mike Sherman said there's a "very strong possibility" that Edwards will miss the team's final four games.

The foot needs surgery, and the Redskins (4-8) are no longer contending for a playoff spot, so Ramsey could have the operation now rather than wait for the offseason.