Well, that didn't last long.
Disgruntled running back Leon Washington ended his one-day holdout, showing up for the Jets' first training-camp practice Friday morning at SUNY-Cortland.
Washington, who didn't report Thursday afternoon with the rest of the team, was on the practice field 20 minutes before the start of the first workout and he participated in Day 1 of the Rex Ryan era.
But he doesn't have his coveted contract extension, and multiple sources indicated that no deal is imminent.
As of late last night, the negotiations had hit a standstill, the Daily News reported. Evidently, Washington had made up his mind to show up no matter what, deal or no deal. This amounted to a one-day protest.
Washington was subject to a fine, about $17,000, but it wasn't immediately clear if he would actually be fined by the Jets. Based on Ryan's comments Thursday, it didn't sound like he was planning to dock Washington any money.
The Pro Bowl kick returner is entering the final year of a contract that pays him $535,000. He's seeking $6 million a year, but the Jets aren't willing to go that high for a backup running back and special teams player. Washington is the most dynamic weapon on the team, however, and the offense would be crippled without him.
The negotiations have been hampered by a change in the NFL's free-agent eligibility rules. Because 2010 looms as an uncapped year, a player in Washington's situation - entering his fourth year - needs six years of service to become an unrestricted free agent. Previously, it was four seasons.
Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/2009/07/31/2009-07-31_jets_running_back_leon_washington_.html#ixzz0Ms5ZavQy
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