DeSean and Asante absent from OTAs
The Philadelphia Inquirer Blog - Eagles
DeSean and Asante absent from OTAs
Jeff McLane, Inquirer Staff Writer
Wide receiver DeSean Jackson and cornerback Asante Samuel skipped Monday's voluntary workouts. Both Eagles are expected to miss practice for the rest of the week, according to a source close to the situation.
Samuel is in his hometown of Florida dealing with a personal issue, the Eagles said. They had no official reason for Jackson's absence, other than to say that organized team activities aren't mandatory.
Last year, Samuel did not attend the second week of OTAs involving the full team. He's been one of the few players on the team that hasn't used the NovaCare Complex as his homebase for off-season workouts.
Jackson has, which is why his absence is a bit of a surprise. Of course, Jackson could be making a point in regards to his contract situation. He's in the third year of the four-year contract he signed as a rookie, a deal most would say he has out-performed. For the most part, Jackson hasn't pressed the issue publicly, saying that his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, would take care of business.
Adam Schefter of ESPN.com reported later in the day that Jackson's absence was not contract-related.
And yet, Jackson has said that he wants a new deal. But a new rule in the expiring collective bargaining agreement which limits a base salary increase to 30 percent for those playing under their rookie contracts has made an extension for Jackson unlikely
“I’m not going to panic,” Jackson said last month. “I’m not going to sit here and be a crybaby about it. I definitely know what I’m worth.”
A message left with Rosenhaus was not returned immediately.
In injury-related news, guard Todd Herremans (foot), linebacker Stewart Bradley (calf) and running back LeSean McCoy (ankle) were not at today's practice.
Comment removed.
How do you outperform a contract? If you have incentives built into the contract you either reach them or you don't. You don't outperform the contract. This is another made up phrase used by these moron writers just like a "sports hernia". There is no such thing as a sports hernia. A hernia is a hernia.— DeathforMumia- Comment removed.
- Football is a team game. It's looking more and more like Samuel is not such a good fit for this team.— dasher
- stop with this outperform the contract stuff...tasteless, humorless, pointless, and stuff that belongs in the business section of the paper, not a sports page.— retzlaff
- why is that dasher? because he's skipping a couple voluntary practices due to a death in the family? how selfish
- It's already been beaten to death that to renew his contract now is NOT in his best interest. Why would he be trying to make a statement now? Yet another, "Jackson didn't volunteer to show up, so he must be making a statement about his contract." article. Do us a favor, get some solid information, then report it. Otherwise, write for those gossip rags you see in the supermarket and cater to those people that will believe 'anything'.— PhillyFanSouth
- stikolaboloni, I am hoping dasher is referencing the fact that Samuel never works out with the team not the current specific situation— SNEAKYPETE
- teamozzy: "I hope Asante is able to tackle his personal issues." POST OF THE DAY!— stonefly
- Comment removed.
- 5-11 would be a good season for this team. high draft pick next year and an easier schedule. Mcnabb will haunt them for the next 3-4 seasons— eaglesman1
- The athletes of today do not think that contracts mean anything. That attitude will eventually ruin most sports. The average person will have difficulty affording to pay the ticket price or the cable bill. And Outperforming a contract is not possible. You either reach or pass that which you agreed to or you don't.— frankfj
- teamozzy - that was freakin funny. Nice to see someone knock one out of the park every once in a while on this board.— Twocents
- Eaglesman I agree the Eagles will be at best 5-11, not because they got rig of McNabb. McNabb is a QB that after 11 years couldn't learn to run the 2 minute drill, he couldn't keep drives going unless he hit a the big play now and then, and had a very low completion percentage for a west coast offense. He was a great QB for our team but they got rid of him at the best time, he can't carry a team and the Eagles Defense has finally faded to the point it needs rebuilding. Kolb will get the ball out fast something McNabb couldn't do problem will be, no running game to support him. Kolb may not be the answer but it was McNabbs time to go hopefully Allen is a good if not great NFL player. Oh yeah Vick sucks. :) Without speed he has no skills.— lgdoran
- Hey Guys...let's can the Eagles until the Flyers are done...We will have plenty of time ( all summer) to discuss and write about the Eagles...really..Joe Banner will understand...He will forgive you guys..but keep you on the payroll..Really he will...
