Shaun Alexander turns down $6.32 Million tender

By John Onan  |   Tuesday, July 05, 2005  |  Comments( 0 )

Seattle Seahawks
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Seattle Seahawks running back Shaun Alexander has turned down a $6.32 Million tender: Wants long term deal. He has made it clear that he wants a long term deal.

Alexander attempted to set the record straight yesterday about his "rumored" turmoil with Coach Mike Holmgren and Seattle Seahawks management, while attending the Adonai Hood Classic basketball tournament in Seattle. He was quoted as saying that,"We're all under the same understanding. It's not like a bitter thing. I've told them that I love playing for Seattle. To me, it's not about money, it's just about a principle."

The talk of a strained relationship with Holmgren began shortly before last season playoffs, when Alexander was quoted as saying he felt betrayed after not getting the ball late in the final game of the regular season and falling 2 yards short of The Jets' Curtis Martin and the NFL Rushing Title. Seattle clinched the NFC West Title in that game, only to lose at home versus division rival St. Louis the following week in the first round of the NFL Playoffs.

Shaun Alexander believes the recent contract issues could have been avoided if the Seattle Seahawks had granted him an extension that he asked for three years ago. Instead, Seattle put the "franchise tag" on Alexander, which prevented him from becoming a free agent after the 2004 season. Under NFL rules, the two sides are forbidden to enter negotiations on a new contract until at least July 15th.

Alexander remains optimistic that a long term deal can be worked out. He gave reporters the following sound bite ,"I honestly believe that they're going to make a great deal for me," Alexander said. "I'm going to end up signing and it's going to be no big deal. [But] I'm not naive to think that you can make a deal like that overnight. My wife's here. My family's here. I want to be here until I retire."
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