dbair1967
09-12-2010, 11:21 AM
The Patriots are NOT the model franchise people (article has been shortened)
Sources: Logan Mankins nixed apologyEmail Print Comments150 By Adam Schefter
Two weeks before they had quarterback Tom Brady under contract, the New England Patriots nearly re-signed Pro Bowl guard Logan Mankins.
But at the last moment, just when both sides thought there would be a deal, talks collapsed over an apology, according to multiple sources familiar with the situation.
Shortly before the deal could be consummated, the Patriots asked Mankins to apologize to Patriots owner Robert Kraft for comments he made in June, questioning the New England owner's integrity. Mankins did. He called Kraft, apologized and explained why he spoke out in the way he did. It was a nice conversation and it paved the way for Mankins' long-term deal to be consummated.
Then, about 90 minutes later, just before finalizing the deal, the Patriots requested Mankins issue a public apology. Not only did Mankins refuse, but he became offended, according to sources. The optimism that had been built, the momentum that the talks had generated, completed collapsed -- and even regressed.
Now Mankins no longer wants to play in New England, and the Patriots may be forced to trade him with no resolution in sight.
http://sports.espn.go.com/boston/nfl/news/story?id=5564031
Sources: Logan Mankins nixed apologyEmail Print Comments150 By Adam Schefter
Two weeks before they had quarterback Tom Brady under contract, the New England Patriots nearly re-signed Pro Bowl guard Logan Mankins.
But at the last moment, just when both sides thought there would be a deal, talks collapsed over an apology, according to multiple sources familiar with the situation.
Shortly before the deal could be consummated, the Patriots asked Mankins to apologize to Patriots owner Robert Kraft for comments he made in June, questioning the New England owner's integrity. Mankins did. He called Kraft, apologized and explained why he spoke out in the way he did. It was a nice conversation and it paved the way for Mankins' long-term deal to be consummated.
Then, about 90 minutes later, just before finalizing the deal, the Patriots requested Mankins issue a public apology. Not only did Mankins refuse, but he became offended, according to sources. The optimism that had been built, the momentum that the talks had generated, completed collapsed -- and even regressed.
Now Mankins no longer wants to play in New England, and the Patriots may be forced to trade him with no resolution in sight.
http://sports.espn.go.com/boston/nfl/news/story?id=5564031