As far as free agent fullback Vonta Leach is concerned, Judge Susan Nelson’s refusal to grant a stay to her order ending the lockout means free agency has begun, and he’s shopping himself to NFL teams.
Mark Berman of FOX 26 reports that agent Ralph Vitola is getting to work for Leach, who has played for the Texans the last five years.
“I am going to call the other 31 teams first thing in the morning,” Vitolo said. “Free agency has started and the lockout is over from my perspective.”
Of course, free agency hasn’t started from the league’s perspective. But it makes sense, from the players’ point of view, to act as if Judge Nelson’s ruling starts the league year -- and to say that if the league doesn’t start signing free agents soon, then the owners are in contempt of court.
“I’m contacting teams on Vonta’s behalf,” Vitolo said. “They can take my calls, ignore my calls or tell me not to call back. The judge has already ruled twice against the league. The NFLPA is telling us we need to do our jobs.”