Report: Mankins' Agent Says No Demands Made
BOSTON (CBS) – The agent for New England Patriots guard Logan Mankins is denying his client has asked for money or is holding up a potential settlement in the NFL Labor negotiations.
"I think it's really unfair what has happened to Logan Mankins in media characterizations that he is making monetary demands or holding up a settlement," Mankins agent Frank Bauer told ESPN senior NFL analyst Chris Mortensen.
It was reported earlier this week that Mankins and Chargers receiver Vincent Jackson had asked to be de-franchised (making them free agents) or receive $10 million in compensation as part of the Tom Brady v. The NFL lawsuit.
While Jackson denied the claim via twitter, the Mankins camp remained silent until Thursday.
"Logan Mankins is a young man who was encouraged and solicited into a lawsuit to help the union spearhead a new agreement. Logan's main concern for entering into as a plaintiff was to see if he can become free and help other players have less restrictions. For people to say he has made monetary demands, he hasn't made any such demand. We don't know terms. We haven't talked to (NFLPA attorney) Jeff Kessler. There has been no communication, but it's irresponsible to report Logan has made monetary demands."
"Are we disappointed there has been no communication? Hugely. He trusted the union and Kessler to fight for Logan Mankins and the other players."
Mankins sat out the first eight games of the 2010 season in hopes of getting a long-term contract from New England. He did not, but returned in Week Nine and was named to his third Pro Bowl.
