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Westbrook, Sheppard Arrive On Time
 

Weeks of speculation ended at about 5:50 PM Thursday when star Eagles running back Brian Westbrook arrived at his dorm, reporting for training camp at Lehigh University.

Also arriving on time was cornerback Lito Sheppard, who hired agent Drew Rosenhaus last week. The only player missing for the Eagles' mandatory 7 PM team meeting was guard Shawn Andrews, who is absent because of "personal reasons."

Westbrook, admittedly unhappy with his current contract, was considered a candidate to hold out, especially after he fired agent Fletcher Smith last week and hired Todd France.

alt
RB Brian Westbrook
"I just wanted to give my agent … the opportunity to talk to (team president) Joe (Banner) and get something done," Westbrook said. "I think that the agents that I did not hire have put out a lot of vicious rumors that are trying to ruin my credibility, and all those things that I read definitely are not all true."

Westbrook said holding out was a possibility, but he wanted to create the best opportunity for renegotiating his contract.

In November 2005, Westbrook, having already established himself as an integral weapon in the Eagles' West Coast offense, signed a five-year contract extension worth a reported $25 million. Since that time, however, his numbers have rapidly increased, making him easily among the top backs in football. This past season, Westbrook's 2,104 yards from scrimmage led the NFL, and his 90 receptions were a team record for any position.

Westbrook wouldn't say exactly how much money he was looking for, but that a report in the Philadelphia Inquirer saying he asked for $30 million guaranteed was only an example he used to show how payouts for top players rise every year. He said he did not ask the front office for that kind of money.

"I didn't mention that as a number that I was necessarily looking for," Westbrook said in a comparison with the contract San Diego Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson received in 2004. "It was an extreme example, but that's just how contracts work, usually, over the years."

In the meantime, Westbrook will be practicing with a team looking to improve on an 8-8 season, a task that would be exponentially tougher if Westbrook wasn't around. This season, coaches have expressed a desire to lighten Westbrook's workload, in an effort to preserve his health, lengthen his career and keep his big-play ability intact.

"I've come to play football. When I get on the football field, I come to do my job," Westbrook said. "I hired an agent, so I'm going to allow him to address my off-the-field issues. I feel very comfortable with him. I think he's a competent agent, a guy that can get the deal done, and I'm sure that he will."
Westbrook, Sheppard Arrive On Time
   
urbnasty
07/25/08
5:22 pm ET
I think hold outs Bullsh*& the players signed the contract but there are a couple of players that show they are worth more. Westbrook being number 1 and the Eagles should see that. If they lose him they lose the came. They should give him a raise.
rdbanky@...
07/25/08
12:25 pm ET
That's some hostile stuff, gmot44. I don't like to see players hold out either, but he could not have asked for that contract back when LT got his, because he had not proven himself to be on the same level as LT. I feel like the Eagles should try to bargain with him for a while, and increase his contract a little. I mean, if we are going to Franchise Tag LJ who's been inconsistent at best, and then pay Asante 10 million a year, we need to consider Westbrook's request for a raise. He is more important to this team than either of those guys. Also, Asante is good, but is unproven when not on the Patriots. Being a corner is much easier when you always know that the other team is going to throw, since Tom Brady already put 28 points on the board. I think Lito will prove to be better than Asante, but Asante will still be good.
anthony15_1999@...
07/25/08
12:22 pm ET
First of all to all of you who have no clue..... Westbrook is the just as good as LT. The number do not lie. Brian led the NFL in yards from scrimmage the last 2 years. Granted LT may rush for more yards last year but that is because the coaches pulled Brian after the first half. He only lost by 65 yards. So on the other hand. He deserves more money but he signed a contract now he needs to play it out and then go from there. he will be 32 at the end of it about out of his prime then.
petrolati22@...
07/25/08
11:38 am ET
At least know what you are talking about before you post. The $10 million Banner offered Westbrook up front last week would have made him the #2 highest paid running back in the NFL. If you think Westbrook is the best back in the NFL you are kidding yourselves. Tomlinson is the best. And Steven Jackson and Adrian Peterson are just as good and 4 and 5 years younger. Westbrook isn't getting any more money than what was already offered. And to be honest he wouldn't get more than that anywhere else either.
AMNION
07/25/08
11:21 am ET
I don't know what B-West is being paid now. But he is certainly one of the best backs in the league and should be paid like one. This organization has a habbit of cutting players when they start asking for money...and I don't like it!!!!
mr.jamesdavis@...
07/25/08
8:42 am ET
Westbrook is the best back in the NFL. I'm not just saying that because I'm an Eagles fan but because I'm a football ball fan. He runs, catches, and blocks better than any other back in the league. I asked my friend who they would start a team around and they say Westbrook. I ask about L.T. and they feel Westbrook is more valuable because he runs amazing routes and catches the ball better. PAY HIM THE MONEY!!! It's not about being greedy its about getting paid like your the best at your job. They can cut him anytime they want when he blows out his kneee, he needs to make sure he gets money when he can. I hate u people acting like YOUR paying him the money. Give the man some back pay for carrying this team on his back for the last couple years.
gmot44@...
07/25/08
8:12 am ET
Westbrook in town that's great news. For years he was underpaid, but that's his fault for not getting a better contract back then. LT sign his big contract 3 years ago before Westbrooke, Brian shown of said back then, I want that kind of contract. Westbrook wasn't carring the load back then, and he won't carry the load this year with booker there. I think the Eagles shouldn't even offer anythng to Westbrook he has 3 years remaining on his current contract. At best offer some incentive clauses in there period. TIME TO SHUT UP WESTBROOK AND PLAY THE GAME.
Schiller
07/25/08
4:52 am ET
Oh and, Boldin for Sheppard wont happen cause neither team wants to part with the players. Teams have to want to do the deals, not just fans guys. Boldin whined a little more... how does that change the Cardinals stance on him? They still want their great receivers while they have them under contract. End of story.
Schiller
07/25/08
4:50 am ET
Nuddz- I'm glad Westbrook reported, but he still is whining and still is greedy. Don't call me a hater- I love the player, but I'm losing respect for the person. That goes for any Football player making millions, under contract who whines about more money. Remember people, he faces fines for not reporting. He knows that not reporting would also hurt his leverage and he doesn't want to upset the team. I respect not wanting to hurt the team, but that doesn't make him not greedy. He wouldn't even commit to being on board for the duration of camp and the season....
Grant
07/25/08
2:35 am ET
and chuckb...agree with your post and thanks for your service to our country...sometimes we forget that while terrible things happen during this "game" of ours...ppl put their lives on the line for very little money...I would say "Semper Fi" but I'm not allowed to...I wasn't a Marine...I will say thanks!
Grant
07/25/08
2:22 am ET
ianinaz33...Alexander is out of football at 30? Bad example. Eagles (Banner) have gone beyond what you would offer a 29 year old RB with another 3 years on his contract. I love Brian but let's be realistic...if they extended his contract beyond 32 years of age for 30 million we'll all be screaming "Ed Wade - Pat Burrell" 4 years from now...The Eagles have offered Brian extra money within an existing contract...something they've never done before?...from what I've heard 10 mil gauranteed...I feel sorry for Brian 'cause he'll probably never get the BIG payday (yeah Shaun got his...but he's OUT OF FOOTBALL at 30)...but that's how his career worked out..injured in H.S....went to Villanova instead of a major program...injured early in his pro career...He is GREAT...but too late to get the big payday...He had better take this regardless of what agent he hires...it's a nice deal for past performance...he's due to make 4.5 mil this year...Banner has offered 10 mil GUARANTEED over the next 3 existing years of his contract?...the way I figure that puts him at 7.5 this year (second or third to LT)...about 8.0 mil next year with roster bonus (of which I guess 3.5 is guaranteed?)....every agent he hires is going to say "at 29...with 3 years to go on an existing contract that Banner could enforce?...this is the best deal you are going to get...period...and take it quick before they pull it?"
brycegt23@...
07/25/08
2:00 am ET
yesss....its great that b-west is in camp...but i think the eagles should give him a new contract...b-west is our franchise player and he could be the mvp this season and he is going to be the greatest running back in eagles history when he retires...if the eagles dont give him a new contract he's goin to holdout next season...
Nuuuudlz
07/25/08
1:19 am ET
eagles4ever: the big difference between Westy and the players we have let go is . . . Westy hasnt lost his step yet. Corey Simon did, right before we gave him to Indy. Duece was slowing down before we sent him to warm the Pittsburgh bench. Taylor? Vincent? Same deal. Trotter left (the first time) due to Trotter's stubborness, and paid dearly for it. T.O. was just a whole bunch of mistakes blowin up at once. Clinton Hart was outside of our available funds. The FO gives in to Westy because Westy is still bringing the goods.
eagles4ever1977
07/25/08
1:08 am ET
B-Weast is back (never gone) I am glad to see the F.O. man-up and finally do the right thing. Westbrook is a superstar, and a great person to have in the locker room. I do have to wonder what affects this will have on the other players on the team, and if they too will want more money, and how the F.O. goes about it.....maybe a change is gonna come (not trying to quote Sam Cooke) We have lost alot of great players over the years because of stubborness from the F.O. giving into player demands. As I said before other teams do it, and they have had success, so I am glad to see the Eagles join some of the other teams, and do the right thing.....Westbrook was not someone they could afford to do wrong....too many fans liked him....he gives us hope every game...so thanks to Westbrook for being a stand up guy, great player, and true teammate. It took someone like him to finally make a change happen.
chuckb
07/25/08
12:09 am ET
I'm all for players getting paid what they are worth. Brian used Shaun as an example. Well here is another one. I make 80,000 a year. Not to bad and I can't complain about my life style. it is reported hat Brains original contrct was for 25M and the Eagles offered another 15M to make brian happy (Total 40M). At my salary it would only take me 500 years to earn 40M!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Careers can end quick for football players: injuries happen. I spent 10 years in the Marines and served during the first gulf war: Alot more than my career could have ended quick (I made a woping 35,000/yr at the end of 3rd contract as a devil dog). Lito, Shaun A and Brian, down the road when you have retired I'll bet you would trade most of the extra money you get negotiating for a Superbowl ring!
nafloot
07/24/08
10:11 pm ET
When the Eagles "draft" players they due thier homework. They pick players with class and integrity.(The same can't be said when they go free agency market...B.O...lol.) Why would anyone be suprised when B West shows up on time for camp. He is a TEAM guy in every sense of the word. There's no "I" in TEAM but there is in BR"I"AN so he should get paid! Makes no sense but sounded funny in my head.
OldAsQuick
07/24/08
10:07 pm ET
Let me walk you through this fellas, I may be older than I am Quick, but I'm just following the story. Boldin & Sheppard both have the same agent- Rosenhaus. Boldin's quote in today's AZ fishwrap: “At this point, I’m not even interested in a contract,” said Boldin. “For me, it’s been going on two years, and especially after last year, I was promised a deal would get done before the season. But the season’s here and obviously that hasn’t happened. I don’t want a deal. People may think I’m being funny or saying that just to say it. But, for me, I’m just tired of it. Washed my hands of the whole situation. My agent has direct orders not to negotiate. So that’s how I feel about it.” Check out the Card's depth chart at corner, it reads like a waiver wire. They have a rookie and Rod Hood projected as starters. We already know the Eagles are shopping Lito. If I'm wrong, I'm wrong, but I'm right.
rr.crossover87@...
07/24/08
9:46 pm ET
westbrook will have a great season this year, then im sure he will start to decline and fall on the fantasy board,running backs decline faster then any other position hes only had like 3 good years when it comes to running the ball, but it is true that without him the eagles would suffer, he is too valuable to the team so im sure he will get his money,but westbrook is in his prime right now, running backs dont last long so obviously westbrook will be coming down from his prime in 2-3 years
Nuuuudlz
07/24/08
9:32 pm ET
relax guy. OldasQuick is older than he is quick.
George_eagles_Oprishko
07/24/08
9:31 pm ET
Glad to see B-West in camp he is a class act and I didn’t expect anything else. Can the Birds move Sheldon Brown to Safety? Samuel and Shepard on the corners and Brown and Dawk at the Safetys, Brown and bring the wood like Mike Lewis did but he also can cover.
Drew77
07/24/08
8:48 pm ET
Amen Nuuuudlz. Haters.
swtguy53
07/24/08
8:48 pm ET
"Sheppard for Boldin"? How can someone just throw out a bomb like that and no one comment? Is this BS?
ianinaz33
07/24/08
8:43 pm ET
Westbrook is worth more money and is doing the right thing. Contracts liek Javon Walkers are really hurting the NFL. (6 years, 55 million) He had one good season. No there are those who have performed very well. and are "brand name" players that want the same type of money. Devin Hester is another example. As a running back, Westbrook is his prime and could be a Shawn Alexander in two to three years, so now is his time. Hopefully this is his best season ever!!!! www.2008conservative.com
Nuuuudlz
07/24/08
8:19 pm ET
So, now everyone is optimistic, eh? What happened to all the idiots pointing fingers at Westbrook? He's not selfish or a "gimme more" player now that he's pacified you? Its easy to blame the media and the FO. Some of you give us a bad name and dont deserve to be eagles fans. If you had half of the character you claim your favorite athlete should have, you would man up and apologize for the tantrums you've been throwing. You know who you are, and you know your gonna try to blend in with those of us who have been behind this team from jump. idiots.
nwasserm@...
07/24/08
7:50 pm ET
Westbrook is the man, he deserves better. Give him more money, he's got skill and he will definitly be on my fantasy team. I don't think it is right for people to talk bad about him or making him look bad. He is a great player on and off the field.



 

 
 
 
 
 
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