The New York Jets took the trip up to Training Camp in Cortland on Thursday from their facility in Florham Park, NJ. Everyone went with the exception of running back Leon Washington. On Friday, the Jets took to the field at SUNY Cortland Stadium Complex for their first practice, and guess who was on the field...Leon Washington.
The Jets' 26-year old running back/kick returner was in uniform and on the field in upstate New York despite his contract situation. For those who don't know, Washington is in the final year of a four-year rookie contract and is due $535,000. However, he is demanding a raise to fair market value, which is approximately $6 million. While it hasn't been reported a new deal has been reached, it is likely close between the Jets and Washington's agent Alvin Keels.
Washington likely did not want to hold out from training camp even without a deal. The biggest reason is probably the $17,000 a day fine that he would have to pay for missing camp. Other reason are that he is still under contract, wants to play for the Jets, and the fact that he is not the type of player that will stay away just for money. He loves football and the Jets. He wants fair market value, and he deserves it for the way he has played. Choosing to miss camp would not have helped the situation.
Here are some other notes from the beginning of camp so far:
-Everyone showed up at the team's conditioning test Thursday in Florham Park, NJ and at Training Camp except for Washington (until today).
-Everyone passed the conditioning test and no one will be put on the physically unable to perform list.
-Thomas Jones still did not speak with the media about his contract situation. He wants a raise too, but it likely won't happen since he's already received a lot of money from his contract.
-Rex Ryan claimed that Kellen Clemens was #1 on the depth chart at quarterback ahead of Mark Sanchez and then Erik Ainge. However, he said that could change and that Sanchez would see time with the first team and be given a fair shot at the starting job.
-Calvin Pace spoke to the media about his 4-game suspension for violating the league's banned substance policy for the first time. He said it was from a workout supplement he was using that hadn't been banned before 2008 and was on the list that year. He was unaware and took full blame for not knowing.
Get excited for football season in New York! The Jets certainly should have many storylines heading into this season. Here are a few of those heading into camp.
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