On a day where many restricted free agents let bygones be bygones, Patriots guard Logan Mankins got personal with his employer.
The Pro Bowler doesn’t plan to sign his restricted free agent tender, and he wants to be traded because he says the Patriots haven’t been upfront with him.
“After the 2008 season, me and my agent approached the Patriots about an extension and I was told that Mr. Kraft did not want to do an extension because of the [uncertain collective bargaining agreement],” Mankins told Mike Reiss of ESPNBoston.com. “I was asked to play ’09 out, and that they would address contract after the uncapped year. I’m a team player, I took them at word, and I felt I played out an undervalued contract.”
The Patriots hate having their dirty laundry aired publicly, especially by players. This is a bold step Mankins felt necessary after he says the team wasn’t truthful.
“Right now, this is about principle with me and keeping your word and how you treat people. This is what I thought the foundation of the Patriots was built on,” Mankins said. “Apparently, I was wrong. Growing up, I was taught a man’s word is his bond. Obviously this isn’t the case with the Patriots.”
Ouch. This one could take a while.