jimster Posted July 20, 2005 Share Posted July 20, 2005 James' Appearance at Training Camp No Sure Thing http://sports.iwon.com/news/07202005/v8155.html Jul 20, 6:43 PM (ET) Email this Story By MICHAEL MAROT INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - Edgerrin James knows where he'll be next week when the Indianapolis Colts report for training camp. So does his agent. They're just not telling anybody. James signed a one-year deal worth slightly more than $8 million in March but his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, has repeatedly said James wants a long-term deal. That has created speculation that James might hold out. "Of course, he's told me his plans," Rosenhaus told The Associated Press on Wednesday. "But we've decided not to comment on that particular question. It's something we'd really like to hold off on." James, the Colts' all-time rushing leader, has been a key to Indianapolis' proficient offense. He's rushed for more than 1,000 yards four times, been selected to three Pro Bowls and won two NFL rushing titles. The only time the Colts missed the playoffs during his six seasons was 2001, when James sat out the final 10 games with a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. Two-time MVP Peyton Manning, six-time Pro Bowl receiver Marvin Harrison and tackle Ryan Diem all have cashed in with long-term deals and lucrative signing bonuses. When James became a free agent in February, the Colts offered a one-year deal. He signed it March 16. Since then, Rosenhaus has tried to convince the Colts - and other NFL teams - that the 26-year-old running back deserves more. Rosenhaus even tried shopping James around. So far, nothing has worked, and some believe James could use a holdout as leverage. Rosenhaus suggested James may take another tack. "We'd like to get a multiyear deal, but if that doesn't happen, Edgerrin is prepared to take a negative and turn it into a positive," Rosenhaus said. "He'll have a great year and, hopefully, the team will have a great season. Hopefully, the (salary) cap will be significantly higher next year and the running back market will be significantly better than this year." A message was left by The Associated Press for Colts president Bill Polian. If James does hold out, it wouldn't be the first time. He missed 21 days of training camp in 1999 before signing a $49 million deal, then delivered by becoming the 13th rookie to win the NFL rushing title. James skipped mandatory minicamps in 2002 and this spring, and has made his disdain for preseason games well-known. He also spends most of the offseason working out in Miami, where he attended college, rather than participating in the Colts' offseason program. That's hardly hurt James on the field. He won the 1999 rushing title, has steadily improved in each of the three seasons since the knee injury, and is known for staying in shape. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PCS Posted July 21, 2005 Share Posted July 21, 2005 What's this? One of Drew's clients possibly not making camp? Gee that never happens. Going to be some backlash from this sooner rather than later I think. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheREALJBird Posted July 21, 2005 Share Posted July 21, 2005 If Edge was smart he'd make the best of the situation and just play it out and make the 8 mil this year and see what happens as the year progresses, I would want to be playing with Peyton Manning no doubt so i'd be there at the drop of a hat Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
[[ghost]] Posted July 21, 2005 Share Posted July 21, 2005 i dont understand, why do players have a problem earning $6-7 million for a one year contract? i mean, heck, if you dont want it, give it to me Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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