Sunday, July 27, 2008

The King of Holdouts

Sports Agent Eugene Parker is the "King of Holdouts." He represents Jason Peters and the Rams Steven Jackson. Both are skipping training camps, hoping to get new contracts. Parker also is the agent for the Bears Devin Hester, who held out for 2 days before signing a new 4 year contract today. Recently, holdouts have been rare. Terell Owens sat during camp when he was still with the Eagles. But most players either show up to get new deals, or get traded during the offseason when their unhappiness surfaces. Shoot, for all his threats, loudmouth Bengal Chad Johnson even showed up on time.
Clearly, Parker believes in the leverage that a holdout brings the player. The question is, what's the end game? As it relates to Peters, is Jason just trying to skip workouts? Is he trying to get out of Buffalo? The Bills have made it clear that they're willing to talk, but only when Peters comes to camp. The Rams said the same thing to Jackson.
Peters still has 3 years left on a contract he signed in 2006, before he moved to left tackle and became a Pro Bowler. What do you think Eugene is after?

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