Txbroadcaster
05-29-2008, 06:49 AM
IRVING – Dallas Cowboys outside linebacker Greg Ellis will not participate in the last day of organized team activities today because he's upset with his repetitions being reduced in practice, sources said.
Ellis missed the first two days of OTAs this week and doesn't plan on coming back to practice at Valley Ranch unless he gets more repetitions.
Last week, the Cowboys told Ellis some of his practice time would be reduced to give 2007 first-round pick Anthony Spencer more time on the field. The Cowboys like Spencer's speed and intelligence, and coach Wade Phillips praised his performance in practice Wednesday. But Phillips said Ellis remains the starter.
According to the sources, the Cowboys have told Ellis they don't want to wear down his 32-year-old body in May. But a source said Ellis doesn't trust the team's motives.
Ellis was unavailable, and his agent, James Williams, declined to comment.
Team owner and general manager Jerry Jones downplayed Ellis' absence, saying the OTAs are voluntary.
This is not the first time Ellis has voiced displeasure.
In 2006, he was hesitant to move to outside linebacker after spending his career at defensive end and wondered if the team was forcing him out. When Spencer was drafted, those concerns were renewed, especially after Ellis missed the final seven games of '06 with an Achilles' tendon injury.
It wasn't until the Cowboys reworked his contract – essentially guaranteeing him another $2 million through 2009 – that Ellis played last season.
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/stories/052908dnspoellislede.3e6cf92.html
Ellis missed the first two days of OTAs this week and doesn't plan on coming back to practice at Valley Ranch unless he gets more repetitions.
Last week, the Cowboys told Ellis some of his practice time would be reduced to give 2007 first-round pick Anthony Spencer more time on the field. The Cowboys like Spencer's speed and intelligence, and coach Wade Phillips praised his performance in practice Wednesday. But Phillips said Ellis remains the starter.
According to the sources, the Cowboys have told Ellis they don't want to wear down his 32-year-old body in May. But a source said Ellis doesn't trust the team's motives.
Ellis was unavailable, and his agent, James Williams, declined to comment.
Team owner and general manager Jerry Jones downplayed Ellis' absence, saying the OTAs are voluntary.
This is not the first time Ellis has voiced displeasure.
In 2006, he was hesitant to move to outside linebacker after spending his career at defensive end and wondered if the team was forcing him out. When Spencer was drafted, those concerns were renewed, especially after Ellis missed the final seven games of '06 with an Achilles' tendon injury.
It wasn't until the Cowboys reworked his contract – essentially guaranteeing him another $2 million through 2009 – that Ellis played last season.
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/stories/052908dnspoellislede.3e6cf92.html