Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: MONDAY, July 30, 1990 TAG: 9007300071
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: CARLISLE, PA. LENGTH: Medium
Riggs, the Redskins' leading rusher in 1989, defensive tackle Darryl Grant, linebacker Ravin Caldwell and defensive end Markus Koch did not report for the first full team meeting of the week-old training camp.
Free safety Todd Bowles hadn't signed a contract but told the Redskins he would come to the training site today to try and work out details on a new contract.
General manager Charley Casserly said defensive back Todd Bowles was expected to report later Sunday, and center Jeff Bostic and linebackers Monte Coleman and Greg Manusky had either signed or were prepared to sign contracts.
Riggs, who is entering his 10th year in the league, appeared to be the most troubling case for the team. He wants a hefty raise over his approximately $530,000 contract from last year, when he started off brilliantly but missed lots of time because of injury.
Grant, a 10-year pro, is negotiating for himself and reportedly is seeking a big boost to close to $1 million annually.
Head coach Joe Gibbs has tried to call the players who haven't signed to urge them to report for full-squad, two-a-day practices that begin today.
"Our situation is more serious because we reported later than [other teams]," Gibbs said. "You can't make up for lost work by watching film."
Casserly spent much of Sunday on the phone to the last four players, and he made it clear to reporters that the team was prepared to let its offers stand.
"We want to get all the players in camp before camp started so we made every effort to get them in camp," Casserly said. "We don't believe in negotiating through training camp."
Keywords:
FOOTBALL
by CNB