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Seahawks release former league MVP Alexander
The move came just 26 months after he signed a $62 million contract with the team and marked a rapid fall for the 30-year-old runner who was the league MVP in 2005.
“Yeah, it’s sad, really,” team president Tim Ruskell said. “I don’t think we have that Super Bowl run if it wasn’t for Shaun. It shows you how tough this game is, how ever-changing it is, how you can’t play forever … you just can’t do it.”
Alexander, who rushed for 1,880 yards in the Seahawks’ Super Bowl season, gained just 716 last season in 12 games as he fought injuries.
But he passed a physical just before being released and said:
“I will be playing for another NFL team this fall. I’m healthy, energized and looking forward to beginning the next chapter in my NFL career.”
The move had been expected since the signings of free-agent running backs Julius Jones and T.J. Duckett.
•SAINTS DEALING? The Saints are interested in trading up from their No. 10 slot in the first round and have had informal talks with several teams. General manager Mickey Loomis said it was all “preliminary discussion” right now.
•JUDGE STAYS: Federal judge David Doty denied the NFL’s motion that he vacate his earlier ruling that allows suspended Falcons quarterback Michael Vick to keep $16.5 million in bonuses and he also declined the NFL’s motion that he recuse himself from the case. The league accused him of bias.
•CALLING A BLUFF: The Bengals, tired of receiver Chad Johnson’s posturing for a trade, said he should keep his word and sit out the season.