Trades are a fact of life for NFL players. Most players willingly accept their new assignment and try to make the best of it. That's apparently not the case with the Oakland Raiders newly acquired defensive end Richard Seymour. Seymour was acquired by the Raiders on Sunday and as of yet has not reported to his new team.
The trade surprised NFL observers, with the Patriots sending Seymour to Oakland for a 2011 first round draft pick. He had been expected to report on Monday, but was a no-show. When he failed to report again on Tuesday, it became something of a major story in the NFL sports media. There is some speculation that hes doing a de facto hold out in hopes of getting the Raiders to re-work his contract but this hasnt been confirmed by anyone involved.
For the time being, Raiders coach Tom Cable is being vague about the situation. He informed the media that hed spoken to Seymour earlier in the week then added:
I really have nothing to report on that. Nothing has changed at this point."
He also declined to comment on questions about a potential new contract:
"I don't want to comment about anything of that until we have something that's done and concrete.
Seymours former coach in New England, Bill Belichick also gave his version of a no comment but praised him as a player:
"Because we don't have rights to Richard, there really isn't anything I can say about him or his situation. So I'll have to pass on those questions at this time. There's a lot of things that Richard did well but that's the way it is and we're moving forward and our team's moving forward."
Pats defensive coordinator Dean Pees also refused to comment:
"This is not going to be an interview about Richard. It's really about Buffalo and whoever we have here to face the Bills.
NFL spokesman Greg Aiello likewise declined to comment on the situation:
"Any comment at this time would have to come from the teams.
Most NFL observers think that the Patriots made the move in order to free up money to negotiate with defensive lineman Vince Wilfork. There is now concern that New Englands defense has quickly become very young and lacking a strong leader on that side of the ball. Belichick isnt concerned:
"We have a lot of good leaders on our team and especially on the defensive side of the ball. No doubt about it, it's different, but I think it's good."
The Patriots open their 2009 NFL regular season on Monday night at home against the Buffalo Bills. The Raiders will also kick off their campaign on Monday night as they host their hated rivals the San Diego Chargers.
The trade surprised NFL observers, with the Patriots sending Seymour to Oakland for a 2011 first round draft pick. He had been expected to report on Monday, but was a no-show. When he failed to report again on Tuesday, it became something of a major story in the NFL sports media. There is some speculation that hes doing a de facto hold out in hopes of getting the Raiders to re-work his contract but this hasnt been confirmed by anyone involved.
For the time being, Raiders coach Tom Cable is being vague about the situation. He informed the media that hed spoken to Seymour earlier in the week then added:
I really have nothing to report on that. Nothing has changed at this point."
He also declined to comment on questions about a potential new contract:
"I don't want to comment about anything of that until we have something that's done and concrete.
Seymours former coach in New England, Bill Belichick also gave his version of a no comment but praised him as a player:
"Because we don't have rights to Richard, there really isn't anything I can say about him or his situation. So I'll have to pass on those questions at this time. There's a lot of things that Richard did well but that's the way it is and we're moving forward and our team's moving forward."
Pats defensive coordinator Dean Pees also refused to comment:
"This is not going to be an interview about Richard. It's really about Buffalo and whoever we have here to face the Bills.
NFL spokesman Greg Aiello likewise declined to comment on the situation:
"Any comment at this time would have to come from the teams.
Most NFL observers think that the Patriots made the move in order to free up money to negotiate with defensive lineman Vince Wilfork. There is now concern that New Englands defense has quickly become very young and lacking a strong leader on that side of the ball. Belichick isnt concerned:
"We have a lot of good leaders on our team and especially on the defensive side of the ball. No doubt about it, it's different, but I think it's good."
The Patriots open their 2009 NFL regular season on Monday night at home against the Buffalo Bills. The Raiders will also kick off their campaign on Monday night as they host their hated rivals the San Diego Chargers.
About the Author:
Ross Everett is a experienced freelance writer experienced in travel, casino gambling and NFL football handicapping. He is a staff handicapper for Anatta Sports where he is responsible for providing daily sports picks. In his spare time he enjoys fine dining, fencing and scuba diving. He lives in Southern Nevada with four dogs and a pet coyote.
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