LITTLE ROCK — JAGUARS
Jones-Drew doesn’t show
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - The Jacksonville Jaguars unveiled their renovated locker room Thursday, a $3 million project that includes 80-inch televisions, two small waterfalls, a 41,000-watt stereo system and neon lights in every stall that can change eight colors.
It did nothing to lure Maurice Jones-Drew back to town.
Jones-Drew failed to report with the rest of his teammates for the start of training camp, his latest attempt to get a new contract. First-round draft pick Justin Blackmon, one ofthe few remaining unsigned rookies, also was a no-show.
Complicating negotiations with Blackmon is that the fifth overall pick pleaded guilty to aggravated DUI in Stillwater, Okla., earlier this week. The Jaguars want protection in case the former Oklahoma State receiver has another off-field incident.
Jones-Drew’s holdout is much less complex but could last longer. Jones-Drew wants a new deal after leading the NFL with 1,606 yards rushing last season. He has two years remaining on a five-year, front-loaded contract worth $31 million. He is scheduled to make $4.45 million this season and $4.95 million in 2013.
Owner Shad Khan and General Manager Gene Smith insist they have no plans to negotiate a new deal with their star player, not wanting to set a precedent of paying players with two years remaining on lucrative deals that included large signing bonuses.
Jones-Drew skipped the team’s entire offseason workout program, including a mandatory, three-day minicamp last month. New coach Mike Mularkey can fine Jones-Drew up to $30,000 for each day of training camp he misses.
Coming off a career year, Jones-Drew wants to be one of the league’s highest-paid backs. His average salary per year ranks eighth among NFL backs, behind Minnesota’s Adrian Peterson, Tennessee’s Chris Johnson, Philadelphia’s LeSean McCoy, Houston’s Arian Foster, St. Louis’ Steven Jackson, Carolina’s DeAngelo Williams (Wynne) and Seattle’s Marshawn Lynch.
SEAHAWKS
Lynch enters plea
Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch has entered an innocent plea following his arrest for investigation of driving under the influence in Northern California.
Lynch’s attorney, Ivan Golde, entered the plea on Lynch’s behalf inAlameda County Superior Court on Wednesday. Lynch’s arraignment was originally schedule for mid-August, but Golde said he moved up the initial court hearing in order to getmore access to the evidence.
Golde said Thursday he believes that unless the case is dismissed, it will not go to trial until after the 2012 NFL season is over.
Lynch was arrested July 14. He was charged with two counts in Alameda County, Calif.: driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol and driving while having a blood-alcohol level of .08 or higher.
CHIEFS
Ugoh signs
KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Kansas City Chiefs have signed free agent offensive tackle Tony Ugoh to provide depth along the line.
The Chiefs announced the signing Thursday, the same day the team reported to training camp in St. Joseph, Mo. Their first practice is Friday.
Ugoh, a former Arkansas Razorback, was a second-round draft choice of Indianapolis in 2007, and spent part of the 2010 season with Detroit and last season with the New York Giants. He’s played in 40 games with 28 starts.
The 6-5, 301-pound Ugoh should provide some help behind left tackle Branden Albert and right tackle Eric Winston, who was signed as a free agent during the offseason.
Sports, Pages 23 on 07/27/2012