Disgruntled Jet Kendall Asks To Be Released or Traded

By Associated Press | June 15, 2007

HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. — Pete Kendall was down on one knee on the sideline away from the rest of his teammates, his left hand cupping his chin as he stared out at the field.

The Jets' first-team offense ran through drills yesterday while the veteran offensive lineman barely appeared to be a part of the team. If Kendall gets his wish, he won't be for much longer.

Kendall has asked the Jets to trade or release him because of a bitter contract dispute, and his frustration and anger were clear as he spoke to the media for more than 20 minutes after the morning practice at veteran minicamp.

"My situation's just become a circus," Kendall said. "I'm very unhappy."

Kendall, a 12-year veteran and an offensive co-captain who'll be 34 next month, is looking for a $1 million raise on his $1.7 million salary, but the Jets haven't budged. That's because he re-negotiated his contract last year, signing a four-year deal.

"I'm not here to win a spitting contest," Kendall said. "I just want to be fairly compensated."

Kendall was praised throughout last season by coach Eric Mangini for mentoring rookie linemen D'Brickashaw Ferguson and Nick Mangold. Kendall also adds versatility on the line and can play a number of positions. He's also well-liked by his teammates as well as the press, in particular for his candidness.

"It's awkward. I'm not happy to be here," he said. "I suspect there are people in the organization who aren't happy that I'm here."