IS TALKIN' SOUL WITH DONOVAN MORGAN
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.
