Burning to win

THE KANSAS CITY Chiefs are a bunch of losers and new head coach Todd Haley couldn't be happier.

Haley, who took over a team that went 2-14 under Herm Edwards last season, introduced a conditioning program that has players burning fat. So far, they've collectively dropped almost 340 pounds.

"If you go back a month and a half ago to where we are now, I think it's night and day," Haley told the Associated Press.

Offensive lineman Branden Albert is one of the biggest success stories. In March he tipped the scale at 341. Since then, he has lost more than 30 pounds.

Albert, who, like the rest of the team, is working with a nutritionist and trainer, said Haley still isn't satisfied.

"I got the weight off and he's still on my back to make sure I'm on point and I'm still in shape and doing extra stuff to make myself better," Albert said.

According to fullback Mike Cox, weight loss isn't Haley's only focus. "The workouts are more challenging, more taxing, more intense." Cox said. "And we're doing everything as a team. And everybody is losing weight. I think it's going to make a huge difference this year."

Dennis Green is kidding himself.

The former Vikings and Cardinals coach is the new head coach of the San Francisco franchise that will play in the United Football League.

The team, one of four to play in the inaugural season, doesn't have a nickname yet. But, games are slated to be held this fall at AT & T Park on Thursday and Friday nights.

You heard right. In the fall. The same time of year that something called the NFL plays its games.

"The American public can never have too much football, but they don't like it in the spring," Green told the San Jose Mercury News. "If you play in the fall, even [on weekdays], people will watch."

We have three words for you Dennis: No they won't. *

- Tom Mahon

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