The New Orleans Saints began the team’s first mandatory practices on this morning, but their leading running back Pierre Thomas was not seen, neither was two-time Pro Bowl left tackle Jammal Brown. Reports said that both skipped the minicamp for unhappiness with the slow negotiation on their new contracts.
According to Saints head coach Sean Payton, Brown was expected to be absent because he had been unavailable for the all the previous practices after having an offseason surgery, and Thomas’ absence was neither a surprise as he already skipped last weekend’s optional practices. Both of the absent players are restricted free agents yet to sign their tender offer while negotiating with the team on new contracts. Under such condition, the two won’t be fined for missing mandatory practices as they are not applied to any contract terms. However the head coach still hopes the two to wear back their Saints jerseys for offseason team practices as he does not think missing workouts is the best way to show unhappiness with contract.
To fans’ gladness, tight end Jeremy Shockey did appear for the minicamp. He suffered a seizure last weekend and was sent to hospital shortly afterwards. His absence from Friday’s practice caused a lot of doubts and now that he appeared for the mandatory practices, we could be assured that he has been really fine for the new season.
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