HEAV
06-02-2005, 04:02 PM
Amid rumblings that he is less than thrilled with his contract status, Patriots
defensive lineman Richard Seymour was all smiles yesterday as he presented a
$3,000 check to the Ronald McDonald House Charities and spoke to a group of
local youth about the importance of nutrition. His mood changed, however, when
he was asked if any movement had been made on a contract extension. It's not
known if Seymour will take a similar hard line or accept a cap-friendly
extension akin to the ones recently signed by Tom Brady and Tedy Bruschi. Smile
gone, Seymour stared straight ahead yesterday, ignoring questions about his
desire to end his career with the Patriots. The three-time Pro Bowler guardedly
responded, ``Ask (Bill) Belichick.'' Repeatedly asked if he would be willing to
give the team a hometown discount, Seymour answered each time, ``We're out for
the kids today.''
Perhaps the most intriguing prospect for the Packers likely to be available is
hard-hitting safety Lance Schulters, who is expected to be released by
Tennessee. Schulters� agent, Brian Levy, said he expected his client to be
released later this week or early next week. Schulters, 30, missed all but three
games last season because of a foot injury and has lost some speed, but some
scouts still think he has value.
The Ravens are in contract negotiations with Deion Sanders and appear
increasingly optimistic that he will return as their nickel back as soon as
Monday, the start of two weeks of full-team minicamps. "As I have been, I'm
supremely confident that Deion will be joining us," Billick said. Sanders,
a seven-time Pro Bowl cornerback, had minor toe surgery in the offseason and has
yet to take a physical with the Ravens. Phone calls to Sanders and his agent,
Eugene Parker, were not returned. Sanders, who turns 38 in August, could share
time at nickel back this season with Dale Carter, a role that could reduce the
wear and tear of a full season.
Whatever the proper label, offensive tackle Kyle Turley wavers only slightly in
his belief that his days with the Rams are not about to end. "Stranger
things have happened, so I'm not going to rule it out," he said. "But
I don't aniticipate that happening." Realistically, Turley appears to be on
the verge of becoming an ex-Ram - perhaps as early as today. June 2 is the first
day that NFL teams can release players and spread the effect on the salary cap
over two years rather than one. A year ago today, the Rams cut quarterback Kurt
Warner, their Super Bowl MVP in 2000.
Jamal Lewis has submitted a request to the Federal Bureau of Prisons that could
allow him to attend the Ravens' mandatory minicamp this month and report to
training camp on time, his attorney confirmed yesterday. The Ravens running back
is scheduled to be released today from Federal Prison Camp in Pensacola, Fla.,
after serving a four-month term for pleading guilty to using a cell phone to
arrange a drug deal in 2000. Lewis will be transported to Atlanta, where he has
been ordered to live in a halfway house for the next two months. Last week, it
appeared as if the former All-Pro would stay in Atlanta until Aug. 2 after his
lawyer, Jerome Froelich, said he probably wouldn't ask to move the location of
the halfway house to the Baltimore area. But according to Froelich, Lewis has
now sought permission to attend the Ravens' June 13-16 minicamp. It's uncertain
when the bureau will render its verdict on his requests.
Carl Peterson, the Chiefs� president and general manager, is expected to make
one significant move, releasing veteran receiver Johnnie Morton as early as
today. Roughly two weeks ago, Morton was asked to stay away from spring
practice. The Chiefs wanted Morton, 33, to take a pay cut, something he was
unwilling to do last year. The Chiefs would save more than Morton�s $3 million
salary by waiting until today to release him. They�d also save $2.4 million
against their salary cap, and his total cost for this season would be about
$786,000. Coach Dick Vermeil said Tuesday that he hadn�t talked to Morton in a
couple of weeks. Morton�s agent, David Dunn, hasn�t returned phone calls to The
Star. Peterson said he�d discuss Morton�s status today.
Dolphins running back Ricky Williams' adventures during the past year through
Australia, Europe, India, Asia, Northern California and parts unknown might have
had at least one excellent result. They might have ended his strong desire to
smoke marijuana. During Williams' time at a school for holistic medicine and a
month of seclusion while in yoga training in India, Williams' instructors urged
him to stop all addictive behaviors. Although Williams, who plans to return to
the team in July for training camp, was responsible for monitoring his drug use,
Dr. Marc Halpern of the California College of Ayurveda believes Williams
followed the doctrine.
The Cleveland Browns entered the mix of teams interested in signing free-agent
offensive lineman L.J. Shelton. With veteran left tackle Ross Verba threatening
to sit out the season, Shelton potentially could step into a starting position.
Wherever he goes, it's likely to be for only a one-year deal. If he played an
entire season at left tackle, his value would be higher on the market next year
than if he played guard, where the Bears want him. Shelton already has visited
Houston. Jacksonville and Kansas City also are interested in the former
first-round pick of the Cardinals.
The lack of activity in the Bengals' front office Wednesday means wide receiver
Peter Warrick is expected to get the chance to play if he recovers from knee and
shin injuries suffered in 2004, and linebacker Nate Webster probably will get
the opportunity to show if he can come back from two operations to repair
patellar tendon damage. "It's all a matter of being healthy," Warrick
said Wednesday. Webster was typically optimistic, even after the Bengals
invested their first two draft picks this year on linebackers David Pollack and
Odell Thurman.
The Redskins have been mulling over what to do with linebacker Mike Barrow,
return specialist Chad Morton and wide receiver Rod Gardner, and the three are
currently responsible for more than $4 million in cap space. Barrow and Morton
are coming off season-ending knee injuries and are not cleared to practice,
while Gardner has been shopped around the league since the end of the regular
season with nothing of value being offered in response.
Terrell Owens needs to be with his team, for his own sake, and for the sake of
the Eagles. Despite what McNabb has said - that the Birds can win a Super Bowl
without Owens - the Eagles' success in 2005 is inextricably linked to whether
No. 81 is in uniform.
R.W. McQuarters, released May 24 by the Bears, was expected to arrive in town
Wednesday and visit with the Lions today. Previously, the Lions welcomed former
Patriots cornerback Ty Law, who was released in February and is recovering from
a broken left foot. "There are still a couple of people who could make our
football team better," Lions president Matt Millen said Wednesday. "If
we can make it fit, then I'd do it."
Packers director of pro personnel Reggie McKenzie said the team had interest in
cornerback R.W. McQuarters and linebacker-defensive end Peter Boulware. But the
Packers are taking a wait-and-see approach on both free agents and neither has a
visit scheduled at this time. "We'll see where they're at and stay in
contact," McKenzie said. "If it works, it works. If it doesn't, we'll
move on like we always do."
Starting defensive tackle Cletidus Hunt was not at the opening day of the Green
Bay Packers' seven-day minicamp Wednesday, leaving coaches and teammates to
ponder his reasons and his whereabouts as the defense struggled through
practice. Mike Sherman said Hunt did not have an excused absence from this
voluntary minicamp, adding that he had not heard from the player. Hunt is
working under a six-year, $25.35 million contract that makes him one of the
highest-paid Packers. Last year, he had 37 tackles and two sacks, three passes
knocked down and one forced fumble.
Free-agent receiver Az-Zahir Hakim watched some of the Saints' practice
Wednesday, the second day of his visit to New Orleans. Haslett said the Saints
like what Hakim, a seven-year veteran, has to offer, and he believes Hakim liked
what he saw from the Saints. Loomis said there was no news in the way of
contract discussions Wednesday night.
True to his word, wide receiver Anquan Boldin practiced Wednesday, the first day
of voluntary team workouts with veterans and rookies. Boldin and his agent, Drew
Rosenhaus, are seeking a contract extension, but Boldin has said he will not
hold out from team workouts as a negotiating ploy. The contract situation is not
a distraction, Boldin said. The Cardinals have expressed their interest in
extending his deal, which has two years remaining, since he won NFL Offensive
Rookie of the Year honors in 2003.
Dave Wannstedt said tailback Ricky Williams' plans to emerge from retirement and
play again for the Dolphins should make for some "great talk radio" in
South Florida. "Nothing surprises me anymore," the former Dolphins
coach said Wednesday in a telephone interview. "Just when you've think
you've seen and heard it all, something else surfaces. Hopefully, Ricky will
deal with things the right way and rebound and have a great career."
Courted by new Dolphins coach Nick Saban this offseason, Williams is in the
process of taking steps toward NFL reinstatement.
The agent for running back Charlie Garner said he expects the veteran to stick
around to compete for a job next month. The Bucs made no salary-cap roster cuts
on Wednesday, the first date a team can release a player and have the cap impact
spread over two seasons. "I've talked with (general manager) Bruce Allen
and we've discussed Charlie's situation," agent Brian Levy said Wednesday.
"He's not making a lot of money this season ($800,000), and he's healthy
now, so I expect him to be there in camp, showing the team what he can
do."
The Green Bay Packers� coaching staff, front office and even some veteran
players are nothing less than incredulous that defensive tackle Cletidus Hunt on
Wednesday skipped the start of the team�s voluntary June minicamp for the second
straight year. It�s the latest misstep in a career that has regressed since
2003, when he signed a six-year, $25.35 million contract and received a $6
million signing bonus. Hunt�s first-day unexcused absence reinforces the notion
that he�s irresponsible and an underachiever. �You expect more out of people,�
coach Mike Sherman said. �To say it�s discouraging is probably an
understatement.�
Free-agent linebacker Peter Boulware was scheduled to arrive Wednesday evening
and will take a physical examination and visit with Browns coaches today. If the
Browns like what they see medically and athletically from the former Baltimore
Raven, they better act fast. Boulware planned to depart Cleveland this afternoon
and move on to Seattle. He previously visited Houston and reportedly has
received interest from 12 other teams.
Two men enter; one man leaves. That's the bottom line in the battle for the
Vikings' starting kicker's job, but it isn't shaping up as a cutthroat
competition. That was evident on the opening of a three-day developmental camp
Wednesday, as incumbent Aaron Elling and challenger Paul Edinger spent their
first day together on the practice field engaged in congenial conversation.
"We sat down at breakfast," Elling said. "It's competition on the
field and let the better man win, but when we're just hanging out, we're going
to spend a lot of time together. He's a good guy, and we're going to have
fun." Edinger, who was signed last week after being released by Chicago,
said he is looking forward to some good, healthy competition.
Safety Mike Doss could learn what disciplinary action the Indianapolis Colts
will take against him before the team's voluntary four-week summer school
concludes next Thursday. The team's fact-finding process into Doss being charged
with four gun-related counts over the weekend in Akron, Ohio, should be wrapped
up "in a relatively reasonable amount of time," according to team
president Bill Polian. Doss, who appeared in Akron Municipal Court on Tuesday
morning, was expected to return to the practice field Wednesday. That did not
occur. "I thought he was going to be here," coach Tony Dungy said.
"Hopefully he'll be here (today) or before the week's out."
A state plan to pay for a new Colts stadium is suddenly short $48 million, and
no one knows where the money will come from. That sum, promised to the Colts, is
a crucial part of the city's agreement with the team to keep it in Indianapolis.
The money was not included in the funding approved by the General Assembly in
April, a key lawmaker and other state officials confirmed Wednesday.
Tra Thomas, the Eagles' Pro Bowl left offensive tackle, will miss this camp, as
well, as he deals with a blood clot problem in his leg. Andy Reid reiterated
yesterday that the team hopes Thomas will be ready for training camp, but can't
be sure of that. Artis Hicks is filling in. "Obviously, blood clots are a
pretty serious thing, so we have to make sure that the clot has
disappeared," Reid said.
Why did the 25-year-old Brian Westbrook replace his Baltimore-based agent,
Anthony Agnone, with Fletcher Smith, who also represents Eagles quarterback
Donovan McNabb and running back Correll Buckhalter? "I just felt that at
this point in my career it was time for me to change agents," Westbrook
said. "I just didn't like the way things were going with my other agent and
it was time for me to make a switch." The truth is that negotiations
weren't going at all for Westbrook when he was represented by Agnone. The sides
were far apart in terms of what they felt the running back was worth to the
Eagles in financial terms.
Giants WR Plaxico Burress addressed the arrest warrant that was issued last week
by a Pennsylvania judge after he failed to show up for a hearing on unpaid
taxes. "They miss me so much (in Pittsburgh) that they have nothing else to
talk about," he said. "I woke up one morning, my phone was going off.
I didn't know what was going on. "That right there should signify what
those people are all about. They're just lost. They're just looking for
something to talk about. I guess I was just the person they could drag through
the mud and make fun of and things like that. I'm gone now, and they still try
to find things that make me look bad. But I'm over here now." A woman at
district judge Mary Murray's office in Coraopolis, Pa., said the warrant remains
active. Burress' attorney, Chuck Potter, said last week that all of Burress'
taxes are paid and expects the matter to be rectified shortly.
Lions DT Dan Wilkinson has been absent from the voluntary practices, but could
participate next week Mariucci said. Wilkinson has started every game for two
seasons since signing with the Lions as a free agent near the end of training
camp in 2003. Wilkinson lives in Virginia during the offseason, and has family
matters to attend to, Mariucci said. "You guys have got to keep in mind,
these are voluntary camps, and I hope he volunteers to be here soon,"
Mariucci said.
Lions DE Kalimba Edwards' legal problems, stemming from his weekend arrest for a
traffic violation, have no bearing on his playing status, Millen said. "To
me, they're separate," Millen said. "You can talk to him about it, but
I'm fine with Kalimba." Edwards was arraigned Tuesday on charges of
resisting arrest and failing to produce a driver's license during a traffic stop
in Southfield.
defensive lineman Richard Seymour was all smiles yesterday as he presented a
$3,000 check to the Ronald McDonald House Charities and spoke to a group of
local youth about the importance of nutrition. His mood changed, however, when
he was asked if any movement had been made on a contract extension. It's not
known if Seymour will take a similar hard line or accept a cap-friendly
extension akin to the ones recently signed by Tom Brady and Tedy Bruschi. Smile
gone, Seymour stared straight ahead yesterday, ignoring questions about his
desire to end his career with the Patriots. The three-time Pro Bowler guardedly
responded, ``Ask (Bill) Belichick.'' Repeatedly asked if he would be willing to
give the team a hometown discount, Seymour answered each time, ``We're out for
the kids today.''
Perhaps the most intriguing prospect for the Packers likely to be available is
hard-hitting safety Lance Schulters, who is expected to be released by
Tennessee. Schulters� agent, Brian Levy, said he expected his client to be
released later this week or early next week. Schulters, 30, missed all but three
games last season because of a foot injury and has lost some speed, but some
scouts still think he has value.
The Ravens are in contract negotiations with Deion Sanders and appear
increasingly optimistic that he will return as their nickel back as soon as
Monday, the start of two weeks of full-team minicamps. "As I have been, I'm
supremely confident that Deion will be joining us," Billick said. Sanders,
a seven-time Pro Bowl cornerback, had minor toe surgery in the offseason and has
yet to take a physical with the Ravens. Phone calls to Sanders and his agent,
Eugene Parker, were not returned. Sanders, who turns 38 in August, could share
time at nickel back this season with Dale Carter, a role that could reduce the
wear and tear of a full season.
Whatever the proper label, offensive tackle Kyle Turley wavers only slightly in
his belief that his days with the Rams are not about to end. "Stranger
things have happened, so I'm not going to rule it out," he said. "But
I don't aniticipate that happening." Realistically, Turley appears to be on
the verge of becoming an ex-Ram - perhaps as early as today. June 2 is the first
day that NFL teams can release players and spread the effect on the salary cap
over two years rather than one. A year ago today, the Rams cut quarterback Kurt
Warner, their Super Bowl MVP in 2000.
Jamal Lewis has submitted a request to the Federal Bureau of Prisons that could
allow him to attend the Ravens' mandatory minicamp this month and report to
training camp on time, his attorney confirmed yesterday. The Ravens running back
is scheduled to be released today from Federal Prison Camp in Pensacola, Fla.,
after serving a four-month term for pleading guilty to using a cell phone to
arrange a drug deal in 2000. Lewis will be transported to Atlanta, where he has
been ordered to live in a halfway house for the next two months. Last week, it
appeared as if the former All-Pro would stay in Atlanta until Aug. 2 after his
lawyer, Jerome Froelich, said he probably wouldn't ask to move the location of
the halfway house to the Baltimore area. But according to Froelich, Lewis has
now sought permission to attend the Ravens' June 13-16 minicamp. It's uncertain
when the bureau will render its verdict on his requests.
Carl Peterson, the Chiefs� president and general manager, is expected to make
one significant move, releasing veteran receiver Johnnie Morton as early as
today. Roughly two weeks ago, Morton was asked to stay away from spring
practice. The Chiefs wanted Morton, 33, to take a pay cut, something he was
unwilling to do last year. The Chiefs would save more than Morton�s $3 million
salary by waiting until today to release him. They�d also save $2.4 million
against their salary cap, and his total cost for this season would be about
$786,000. Coach Dick Vermeil said Tuesday that he hadn�t talked to Morton in a
couple of weeks. Morton�s agent, David Dunn, hasn�t returned phone calls to The
Star. Peterson said he�d discuss Morton�s status today.
Dolphins running back Ricky Williams' adventures during the past year through
Australia, Europe, India, Asia, Northern California and parts unknown might have
had at least one excellent result. They might have ended his strong desire to
smoke marijuana. During Williams' time at a school for holistic medicine and a
month of seclusion while in yoga training in India, Williams' instructors urged
him to stop all addictive behaviors. Although Williams, who plans to return to
the team in July for training camp, was responsible for monitoring his drug use,
Dr. Marc Halpern of the California College of Ayurveda believes Williams
followed the doctrine.
The Cleveland Browns entered the mix of teams interested in signing free-agent
offensive lineman L.J. Shelton. With veteran left tackle Ross Verba threatening
to sit out the season, Shelton potentially could step into a starting position.
Wherever he goes, it's likely to be for only a one-year deal. If he played an
entire season at left tackle, his value would be higher on the market next year
than if he played guard, where the Bears want him. Shelton already has visited
Houston. Jacksonville and Kansas City also are interested in the former
first-round pick of the Cardinals.
The lack of activity in the Bengals' front office Wednesday means wide receiver
Peter Warrick is expected to get the chance to play if he recovers from knee and
shin injuries suffered in 2004, and linebacker Nate Webster probably will get
the opportunity to show if he can come back from two operations to repair
patellar tendon damage. "It's all a matter of being healthy," Warrick
said Wednesday. Webster was typically optimistic, even after the Bengals
invested their first two draft picks this year on linebackers David Pollack and
Odell Thurman.
The Redskins have been mulling over what to do with linebacker Mike Barrow,
return specialist Chad Morton and wide receiver Rod Gardner, and the three are
currently responsible for more than $4 million in cap space. Barrow and Morton
are coming off season-ending knee injuries and are not cleared to practice,
while Gardner has been shopped around the league since the end of the regular
season with nothing of value being offered in response.
Terrell Owens needs to be with his team, for his own sake, and for the sake of
the Eagles. Despite what McNabb has said - that the Birds can win a Super Bowl
without Owens - the Eagles' success in 2005 is inextricably linked to whether
No. 81 is in uniform.
R.W. McQuarters, released May 24 by the Bears, was expected to arrive in town
Wednesday and visit with the Lions today. Previously, the Lions welcomed former
Patriots cornerback Ty Law, who was released in February and is recovering from
a broken left foot. "There are still a couple of people who could make our
football team better," Lions president Matt Millen said Wednesday. "If
we can make it fit, then I'd do it."
Packers director of pro personnel Reggie McKenzie said the team had interest in
cornerback R.W. McQuarters and linebacker-defensive end Peter Boulware. But the
Packers are taking a wait-and-see approach on both free agents and neither has a
visit scheduled at this time. "We'll see where they're at and stay in
contact," McKenzie said. "If it works, it works. If it doesn't, we'll
move on like we always do."
Starting defensive tackle Cletidus Hunt was not at the opening day of the Green
Bay Packers' seven-day minicamp Wednesday, leaving coaches and teammates to
ponder his reasons and his whereabouts as the defense struggled through
practice. Mike Sherman said Hunt did not have an excused absence from this
voluntary minicamp, adding that he had not heard from the player. Hunt is
working under a six-year, $25.35 million contract that makes him one of the
highest-paid Packers. Last year, he had 37 tackles and two sacks, three passes
knocked down and one forced fumble.
Free-agent receiver Az-Zahir Hakim watched some of the Saints' practice
Wednesday, the second day of his visit to New Orleans. Haslett said the Saints
like what Hakim, a seven-year veteran, has to offer, and he believes Hakim liked
what he saw from the Saints. Loomis said there was no news in the way of
contract discussions Wednesday night.
True to his word, wide receiver Anquan Boldin practiced Wednesday, the first day
of voluntary team workouts with veterans and rookies. Boldin and his agent, Drew
Rosenhaus, are seeking a contract extension, but Boldin has said he will not
hold out from team workouts as a negotiating ploy. The contract situation is not
a distraction, Boldin said. The Cardinals have expressed their interest in
extending his deal, which has two years remaining, since he won NFL Offensive
Rookie of the Year honors in 2003.
Dave Wannstedt said tailback Ricky Williams' plans to emerge from retirement and
play again for the Dolphins should make for some "great talk radio" in
South Florida. "Nothing surprises me anymore," the former Dolphins
coach said Wednesday in a telephone interview. "Just when you've think
you've seen and heard it all, something else surfaces. Hopefully, Ricky will
deal with things the right way and rebound and have a great career."
Courted by new Dolphins coach Nick Saban this offseason, Williams is in the
process of taking steps toward NFL reinstatement.
The agent for running back Charlie Garner said he expects the veteran to stick
around to compete for a job next month. The Bucs made no salary-cap roster cuts
on Wednesday, the first date a team can release a player and have the cap impact
spread over two seasons. "I've talked with (general manager) Bruce Allen
and we've discussed Charlie's situation," agent Brian Levy said Wednesday.
"He's not making a lot of money this season ($800,000), and he's healthy
now, so I expect him to be there in camp, showing the team what he can
do."
The Green Bay Packers� coaching staff, front office and even some veteran
players are nothing less than incredulous that defensive tackle Cletidus Hunt on
Wednesday skipped the start of the team�s voluntary June minicamp for the second
straight year. It�s the latest misstep in a career that has regressed since
2003, when he signed a six-year, $25.35 million contract and received a $6
million signing bonus. Hunt�s first-day unexcused absence reinforces the notion
that he�s irresponsible and an underachiever. �You expect more out of people,�
coach Mike Sherman said. �To say it�s discouraging is probably an
understatement.�
Free-agent linebacker Peter Boulware was scheduled to arrive Wednesday evening
and will take a physical examination and visit with Browns coaches today. If the
Browns like what they see medically and athletically from the former Baltimore
Raven, they better act fast. Boulware planned to depart Cleveland this afternoon
and move on to Seattle. He previously visited Houston and reportedly has
received interest from 12 other teams.
Two men enter; one man leaves. That's the bottom line in the battle for the
Vikings' starting kicker's job, but it isn't shaping up as a cutthroat
competition. That was evident on the opening of a three-day developmental camp
Wednesday, as incumbent Aaron Elling and challenger Paul Edinger spent their
first day together on the practice field engaged in congenial conversation.
"We sat down at breakfast," Elling said. "It's competition on the
field and let the better man win, but when we're just hanging out, we're going
to spend a lot of time together. He's a good guy, and we're going to have
fun." Edinger, who was signed last week after being released by Chicago,
said he is looking forward to some good, healthy competition.
Safety Mike Doss could learn what disciplinary action the Indianapolis Colts
will take against him before the team's voluntary four-week summer school
concludes next Thursday. The team's fact-finding process into Doss being charged
with four gun-related counts over the weekend in Akron, Ohio, should be wrapped
up "in a relatively reasonable amount of time," according to team
president Bill Polian. Doss, who appeared in Akron Municipal Court on Tuesday
morning, was expected to return to the practice field Wednesday. That did not
occur. "I thought he was going to be here," coach Tony Dungy said.
"Hopefully he'll be here (today) or before the week's out."
A state plan to pay for a new Colts stadium is suddenly short $48 million, and
no one knows where the money will come from. That sum, promised to the Colts, is
a crucial part of the city's agreement with the team to keep it in Indianapolis.
The money was not included in the funding approved by the General Assembly in
April, a key lawmaker and other state officials confirmed Wednesday.
Tra Thomas, the Eagles' Pro Bowl left offensive tackle, will miss this camp, as
well, as he deals with a blood clot problem in his leg. Andy Reid reiterated
yesterday that the team hopes Thomas will be ready for training camp, but can't
be sure of that. Artis Hicks is filling in. "Obviously, blood clots are a
pretty serious thing, so we have to make sure that the clot has
disappeared," Reid said.
Why did the 25-year-old Brian Westbrook replace his Baltimore-based agent,
Anthony Agnone, with Fletcher Smith, who also represents Eagles quarterback
Donovan McNabb and running back Correll Buckhalter? "I just felt that at
this point in my career it was time for me to change agents," Westbrook
said. "I just didn't like the way things were going with my other agent and
it was time for me to make a switch." The truth is that negotiations
weren't going at all for Westbrook when he was represented by Agnone. The sides
were far apart in terms of what they felt the running back was worth to the
Eagles in financial terms.
Giants WR Plaxico Burress addressed the arrest warrant that was issued last week
by a Pennsylvania judge after he failed to show up for a hearing on unpaid
taxes. "They miss me so much (in Pittsburgh) that they have nothing else to
talk about," he said. "I woke up one morning, my phone was going off.
I didn't know what was going on. "That right there should signify what
those people are all about. They're just lost. They're just looking for
something to talk about. I guess I was just the person they could drag through
the mud and make fun of and things like that. I'm gone now, and they still try
to find things that make me look bad. But I'm over here now." A woman at
district judge Mary Murray's office in Coraopolis, Pa., said the warrant remains
active. Burress' attorney, Chuck Potter, said last week that all of Burress'
taxes are paid and expects the matter to be rectified shortly.
Lions DT Dan Wilkinson has been absent from the voluntary practices, but could
participate next week Mariucci said. Wilkinson has started every game for two
seasons since signing with the Lions as a free agent near the end of training
camp in 2003. Wilkinson lives in Virginia during the offseason, and has family
matters to attend to, Mariucci said. "You guys have got to keep in mind,
these are voluntary camps, and I hope he volunteers to be here soon,"
Mariucci said.
Lions DE Kalimba Edwards' legal problems, stemming from his weekend arrest for a
traffic violation, have no bearing on his playing status, Millen said. "To
me, they're separate," Millen said. "You can talk to him about it, but
I'm fine with Kalimba." Edwards was arraigned Tuesday on charges of
resisting arrest and failing to produce a driver's license during a traffic stop
in Southfield.