Posted on Thu, Jul. 26, 2007
LJ holds out as talks stall
By ADAM TEICHER
The Kansas City Star
RIVER FALLS, Wis. | Larry Johnson followed through on his threat to hold out from training camp when he and the Chiefs couldn’t agree on terms of a contract extension.
No surprise there. The revelation was that the Chiefs haven’t made a new contract offer to Johnson in almost two months.
“We’re very far apart, but I can’t tell you exactly how far apart we are because we haven’t received an offer from them since June 1,” said Alvin Keels, Johnson’s agent.
The Chiefs confirmed the date of their most recent offer to Johnson, saying they were waiting for Keels to make what they believe is a more reasonable proposal before they submit a new one.
Wide receiver Dwayne Bowe, their first-round pick, was unsigned and also did not accompany the Chiefs to training camp. The Chiefs also didn’t expect Priest Holmes to arrive until sometime today.
The Chiefs agreed to terms of a three-year contract with rookie kicker Justin Medlock, and he was with the Chiefs as they arrived in River Falls.
Keels wouldn’t specify what he’s looking for or what the Chiefs most recently offered.
“The money I’m seeking for Larry is not out of line with other deals that have been signed in the last few months,” Keels said. “People around the league would look at what we’re asking as being very fair.
“We haven’t been presented with anything we believe is fair. We’re prepared to sit out until the right deal is presented to us.”
Keels said Johnson would be prepared in case the sides bridge their negotiating gap.
“He’ll be working out, staying in shape,” Keels said. “He has a planned regimen he’ll be going through twice each day.”
FULL STORY
www.kansascity.com | 07/26/2007 | LJ holds out as talks stall