DeSean officially a holdout
The Philadelphia Inquirer Blog - Eagles
DeSean officially a holdout
Jeff McLane, Inquirer Staff Writer
BETHLEHEM, Pa. -- DeSean Jackson was not at the Eagles' first training camp practice Thursday morning at Lehigh University, a team source said.
Jackson can now officially be labeled a holdout.
This morning's practice -- a walk-through -- is closed to the media and fans. But as expected the Eagles' star wide receiver was not in uniform even though he is contractually obligated to be in attendance. Jackson didn't arrive at Lehigh like almost all of the Eagles on Wednesday, but he was given a grace period because of the NFL lockout.
Jackson's reason for holding out is no secret, although neither he nor his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, have publicly stated the reason. He wants a new contract. Jackson is entering the last year of the four-year deal he signed as a second-round draft pick in 2008. He is slated to earn $560,000 in base salary this season.
Rosenhaus did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment.
Jackson, a two-time Pro Bowl player, is underpaid compared to other similarly-talented receivers and the Eagles are likely to want to extend him at some point. But holding out against the Eagles doesn't usually end well.
We'll see how long Jackson stays away from Lehigh, but he will be fined $30,000 for each day that he misses.
Also, as expected, quarterback Kevin Kolb did not report to Lehigh. He is currrently the centerpiece of trade discussions between the Eagles and Cardinals so it is uncertain if the Eagles have excused his absence.
This is what I despise most in Pro Sports. The athlete who does not honor his contract. If he didn't like the terms of the 1st contract, then why is he holding the Eagles hostage for the 2nd contract? I agree he is worth more than the $560k and understand the injury aspects, but come in to camp and talk while you practice. Actually, DJ doesn't have the right to renege, but at least it shows his professionalism and not greed. He's a fan favorite until he walks.— NRGjunk- Am I alone in thinking that the Birds might be better off without him? I'm not up there with you guys so I don't see as much but it always looks like he's good for only 1 or 2 catches a game. Maclin and Avant are the real workhorses. Trade this guy while he's still worth something? Eventually someones gonna get a good hit on him and kill him!— Pheathers in Florida
- Considering he can lose up to $30K a day for missing camp, I don't see him staying home too long. Wouldn't be surprised to see him pull a hammy the first couple of days back. Holding out for a year wouldn't help either. Under the new CBA, he would ne considered to have only 3 years in the league and not 4 making him a restricted free agent.— dmac62
- It's funny, desean could spend the money he is going to be fined for holding out and buy an insurance policy he can take out on himself if he were to get injured and be unable to cash in on free agency. Many athletes do this (Jon Runyan did it the year before he signed his big deal with us).
It's a shame he is going to want top 5 wideout money, his market should be very similar to holmes, i agree he should get his new deal but he should be a professional, honor your contract, take a insurance policy out on yourself, go play ball and the contract will handle itself whether your here or somewhere else.
Typical wideout diva— Valenti00 - Here's what always happens, and I really like D Jackson, he's going to get hurt right when he comes back from his holdout. HIS-TO-RY!!!— Phillyexp
- BTW when did DJax get dreads??— stikolaboloni
- i think dj will prove he is worth the money eagles cant afford to lose the big play maker he is. it would surely mean curtains for vick.— kilamazon
- It is time for the Eagles to go in a different direction. The holdout gives them an opportunity to explore large receivers like Plax. There offense often stalls because there small receiver can not get off the line. I have no time for whining wimps like Jackson!— jpelle36
- Trade him to Oakland and sign a free agent. Enough of this "the team is disrespecting me" nonsense. Let the game of football begin and Drew can take his game somewhere else.— billtfla
- Everybody knew this day was coming. Let's see if Rosenmouth can handle it right. My guess, NOT!— Craig321
- //
Kevin Kolb's a holdout and he's under contract. Right now, he's the team's backup QB. //
Kevin Kolb was actually told to stay home from the camp. That's not a hold out.— General Turgidson - He has already had to much time off. Its time for hard work and nothing but hard work. He signed the contract, now he must honor it. Trade him to the Cards with Kolb.— jpelle36
- If Nickels doesn't pay this man, I'm going to throw up in my Eagles hat.— king_of_lincolnfield
- You know I have been watching Desean get more cocky by the minute year after year he has been mouthing off and talking trash even in the off season speaking and putting his foot in his mouth, you want a new contract Desean then earn it like others playing this game has done in the past. Running your mouth and holding out won't get you anything but fined and from the looks of your contract I would not want that, So Hahaha to you for listening to your stupid agent blow me house and and guess it was nice knowing you BIG MOUTH.— Boozer78
- He'd be nuts in the last year of his contract to play for $500K. He's risking his entire career for $500 K. If his agent let him do that it would be malpractice! The Eagles deserve to loose him for treating him like a dog!— BLUEBELLION
