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Chiefs Rookie WR Gets a Meet-and-Greet Organized by His Mother Despite Not Having Played a Single Snap for the Team

KANSAS CITY, MO — On a quiet Sunday evening, a community room a few blocks from Arrowhead lit up in red and gold. No sponsor banners—just a low stage, a few rows of folding chairs, an autograph table, and a line of No. 31 jerseys waiting for signatures. The person who arranged it all was the mother of Jeffrey Bassa—the Kansas City Chiefs’ rookie linebacker, a 2025 fifth-round pick (No. 156). Even though Bassa hasn’t logged a defensive snap in the NFL yet, she wanted “to give him a proper introduction—among the people who believe in him most.”

You may not have seen him on TV yet, but I’ve watched him for 23 years,” she said, clutching the jersey. “My son is this team’s HIDDEN GEM. He deserves a chance—and when it comes, he’ll grab it with both hands.

The meet-and-greet ran a little over an hour: photos, jersey signings, and a short Q&A. On the display table sat a film-room notebook from his Oregon days, a few snapshots from the stretch when Bassa wore the “green dot” to call the Ducks’ defense, and a faded wristband. “He doesn’t skip days at the gym. From the way he reads coverage concepts to the angles he takes into tackles—he belongs at this level,” she said.

A team media staffer  offered a brief comment afterward: “We appreciate the family’s love and support. Personnel decisions come down to tactical needs and practice performance—and Bassa is trending in the right direction.

Online reactions were mixed. Some argued that holding a meet-and-greet with no defensive snaps yet felt “a bit early.” His mother smiled and answered right into the mic:

I’m not here to demand playing time for my son. I’m here to remind him—and everyone—that dreams don’t wait until your name is called on television. Dreams begin the day you dare to believe you’re good enough.

Bassa kept it brief before slipping backstage: “I’ll let the work speak for itself.

Quick scouting note: A former safety converted to linebacker, Bassa brings a strong coverage foundation, high defensive IQ, and day-one special-teams value. His Oregon résumé shows steadiness (236 tackles, 13.5 TFL, 4.5 sacks, 3 INT)—the profile of a hidden gem as he works into sub-packages.

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Chiefs Locker Room Erupts, Chris Jones Under Investigation for NFL Sports Betting in Jaguars Game - HC Andy Reid Hands Down Harsh Punishment
Kansas City, MO – The Kansas City Chiefs' locker room is in turmoil following an NFL investigation into defensive star Chris Jones over allegations related to sports betting. Jones, a multiple-time Pro Bowler, has been placed on non-disciplinary paid leave through Week 10, while head coach (HC) Andy Reid has imposed internal penalties after a suspicious performance in the loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. SOURCE: https://x.com/TheNFLDrop/status/1975574483990909165 The incident stems from a decisive play at the end of the game, where Jones – the Chiefs' top defensive tackle – appeared to "do absolutely nothing" to stop quarterback Trevor Lawrence from scoring the game-winning touchdown. According to sources, this lack of effort prompted the NFL to launch an investigation, suspecting possible involvement in betting, a serious violation of league rules. "He just stood there watching Lawrence run into the end zone like he was watching a movie," an anonymous teammate shared, reflecting the outrage in the locker room. Jones, 31, has been a cornerstone for the Chiefs since being selected in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft from Mississippi State. With an impressive career including 3 Pro Bowls, 2 Super Bowl wins, and 75.5 sacks, he signed a 5-year, $158 million contract in 2023. However, this season, Jones has only recorded 2 sacks through 5 games, and his performance against the Jaguars has drawn sharp criticism from Chiefs fans on social media. HC Andy Reid reacted strongly, penalizing Jones by sidelining him from practices and requiring an internal explanation. "We do not tolerate any behavior that harms the team or undermines the integrity of the game," Reid stated post-game. "Our organization prides itself on discipline and trust, and while we await the results of the NFL's investigation, we'll handle this internally to ensure it doesn't distract from our goals. Chris is a talented player, but no one is above the standards we set here in Kansas City." Meanwhile, the Chiefs' locker room is described as "explosive" with arguments, as some players like Patrick Mahomes express disappointment but still offer support for their teammate. The NFL investigation is expected to continue, and if violations are proven, Jones could face a long-term suspension. The Chiefs, currently at 2-3, must quickly stabilize their roster ahead of their next matchup. Fans are watching closely, with many calling this potentially the "biggest scandal of the season."