HC Andy Reid Cuts Chiefs Rookie from 53-Man Roster for Skipping the Post–Final Preseason Film Session

Kansas City, MO — Just one day after the preseason finale, the Kansas City Chiefs announced they had waived rookie linebacker Jeffrey Bassa from the 53-man roster for missing the team’s next-morning film session. The decision landed at the most sensitive point of cutdown week and underscored the locker room standard inside Arrowhead.

Head coach Andy Reid delivered a firm message :
 “If you can’t be there for your teammates in the film room the next morning, then what you did on the field doesn’t mean much. In Kansas City, discipline comes first; if you don’t respect the process, you won’t play for the Chiefs.”

Internally, the post-finale film review is treated as a mandatory corrections day: the team goes through tape, position coaches grade every snap, and the coaching staff plus personnel department finalize their rankings before the 53-man cut. Missing that checkpoint—whatever the reason—is viewed as a violation of preparation protocol, sending the wrong message about professionalism precisely when fringe players need every small plus (special teams value, discipline, readiness).

Jeffrey Bassa offered an explanation and took responsibility. He said a postgame travel issue caused him to arrive late and miss the meeting, even though he alerted staff at the last minute; he also expressed a desire to keep a door open, even via the practice squad: “I grew up dreaming of wearing the Chiefs’ red and gold, and I believe I belong on this team. Missing the film session this morning is on me—even with the travel hiccup, I should’ve been more proactive. I’ve apologized to my coaches and teammates, and I’m asking for a real chance to keep competing, even if it’s through the practice squad.”

Procedurally, Bassa now enters the 24-hour waiver period. If unclaimed, the Chiefs could sign him to the practice squad and evaluate week to week: special-teams impact, a limited nickel/dime package, and readiness to elevate when injuries or the game plan demand it. However, a “missed meeting” at the final grading checkpoint is a significant demerit, meaning Bassa must win back trust with meticulous habits and professional urgency on the practice field.

Cutdown day is ruthless. A small slip away from the field can wash out an entire month of August work. Still, Jeffrey Bassa’s story isn’t closed: he has spoken up, is awaiting a final decision from the staff, and hopes to turn a mistake into a chance at redemption—even if it starts with a modest foothold on the practice squad, where discipline is repaid with trust.