Ellis misses voluntary practice
10:25 PM CDT on Monday, June 5, 2006
By JEAN-JACQUES TAYLOR / The Dallas Morning News
IRVING – Defensive end Greg Ellis did not attend Monday's practice because the Cowboys have declined to restructure his contract, his agent said Monday.
James Williams said he didn't expect Ellis to attend the other four practices scheduled this week. The on-field teaching activity practices the team has scheduled this week are voluntary, according to NFLPA regulations. Last week's minicamp was mandatory.
Coach Bill Parcells wants Ellis, who has spent his entire career at defensive end, to also play linebacker. Ellis, who was benched midway through last season in favor of Chris Canty, wants the Cowboys to give him a portion of the $7.4 million that he's scheduled to earn in the final two years of his contract as a signing bonus as part of a restructured contract. Ellis, 31 and entering his ninth season, thinks the team would be reluctant to release him after the season if the switch to linebacker fails because of the salary-cap impact that such a move would have.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones could not be reached for comment.
"This is about commitment – not money," Williams said.
"Greg has always been a committed player, and he will remain a committed player to whatever team he's playing for. But commitment is a two-way street."
Ellis is the only player who hasn't participated – without Parcells' permission – in the team's voluntary off-season program, which requires players to complete 40 workouts in a 10-week period. He spent a week in the program but stopped participating after no agreement was reached.
Williams met with Cowboys vice president Stephen Jones for more than two hours Sunday, but they did not reach an agreement. The team offered to guarantee a portion of his contract in 2008 and '09 at the end of next season.
Twice in the past week, Ellis has met with Jerry Jones regarding his role and his contract. Jones and Parcells each have said Ellis is an important part of the team, because he and DeMarcus Ware are the Cowboys' best pass rushers.
Still, Parcells has made it clear that he sees Ellis as a role player who will participate in about half of the defensive plays next season.
"I love football and I want to play. That's the hard thing to handle," Ellis said between practices Sunday. "If Bill thinks we can win by me being a role player, I can deal with the reduced role as long as they show they're committed to me. If I didn't give my best effort on the field, they would have a problem with me and rightfully so."
By JEAN-JACQUES TAYLOR / The Dallas Morning News
IRVING – Defensive end Greg Ellis did not attend Monday's practice because the Cowboys have declined to restructure his contract, his agent said Monday.
James Williams said he didn't expect Ellis to attend the other four practices scheduled this week. The on-field teaching activity practices the team has scheduled this week are voluntary, according to NFLPA regulations. Last week's minicamp was mandatory.
Coach Bill Parcells wants Ellis, who has spent his entire career at defensive end, to also play linebacker. Ellis, who was benched midway through last season in favor of Chris Canty, wants the Cowboys to give him a portion of the $7.4 million that he's scheduled to earn in the final two years of his contract as a signing bonus as part of a restructured contract. Ellis, 31 and entering his ninth season, thinks the team would be reluctant to release him after the season if the switch to linebacker fails because of the salary-cap impact that such a move would have.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones could not be reached for comment.
"This is about commitment – not money," Williams said.
"Greg has always been a committed player, and he will remain a committed player to whatever team he's playing for. But commitment is a two-way street."
Ellis is the only player who hasn't participated – without Parcells' permission – in the team's voluntary off-season program, which requires players to complete 40 workouts in a 10-week period. He spent a week in the program but stopped participating after no agreement was reached.
Williams met with Cowboys vice president Stephen Jones for more than two hours Sunday, but they did not reach an agreement. The team offered to guarantee a portion of his contract in 2008 and '09 at the end of next season.
Twice in the past week, Ellis has met with Jerry Jones regarding his role and his contract. Jones and Parcells each have said Ellis is an important part of the team, because he and DeMarcus Ware are the Cowboys' best pass rushers.
Still, Parcells has made it clear that he sees Ellis as a role player who will participate in about half of the defensive plays next season.
"I love football and I want to play. That's the hard thing to handle," Ellis said between practices Sunday. "If Bill thinks we can win by me being a role player, I can deal with the reduced role as long as they show they're committed to me. If I didn't give my best effort on the field, they would have a problem with me and rightfully so."
posted by The Gryphon at 5:33 PM
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