Oakland Still Without Seymour

NFL News - September 9th, 2009 - Written by John

Maybe Richard Seymour is on to something. he former New England Patriots' Pro Bowler, like many NFL players, seems to have no desire to suit up for the Oakland Raiders. Who does? Since losing the 2003 Super Bowl, Oakland has been a wasteland, losing just over an average 11 games over six seasons.

The difference is, while many other players simply grumble and grimace about their prospects with the Raiders, Seymour just isn't showing up. The defensive end was a no-show for the second straight day since being dealt to the AFC West basement dwellers. So far the trade has given the Patriots a 2011 first-round pick and the Raiders absolutely nothing. As part of the Collective Bargaining Agreement players have with the NFL, Seymour is not obligated to come to camp at any specific time. The Modesto Bee has reported that Seymour was stunned by the deal and has been weighing his options since.

Cable contests that Seymour has personally told him he does want to play for the team. But it does point to an obvious problem that few players are energized with the prospects of playing for the dysfunctional Raiders. Especially not someone coming from one of the best-run organizations in football. The Patriots have won 77 games since 2002. The Raiders have won 24.

The Raiders aren't talking much on the situation. Head coach Tom Cable continues his line that, "I really have nothing to report."

The Patriots are mum, too, wiping their hands clean of the controversy, saying they won't comment because he's not one of their players anymore.

"Because we don't have rights to Richard, there really isn't anything I can say about him or his situation," Belichick told reporters earlier in the week. "So I'll have to pass on those questions at this time."

This is not something new for New England. It is the fourth time the Patriots, who have typically been emotionless with their players since Bill Belichick took over in 2000, have cut ties with a defensive star in the past six months. Tedy Bruschi and Rodney Harrison have both retired and linebacker Mike Vrabel was traded to Kansas City alongside quarterback Matt Cassel.

Seymour will be earning $3.7 million this year, so washing themselves of his contract will help New England re-sign some of their younger players.

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