Packers Coach Sherman Meets With McKenzie

[Tom Kessenich]

Sherman, McKenzie have discussed dispute
By TOM SILVERSTEIN
[email protected]

Green Bay Packers coach Mike Sherman and cornerback Mike McKenzie have spoken on the telephone, but it is unclear whether the discussions led to any resolution in the dispute McKenzie has with the club.

A source close to the dispute said Wednesday that Sherman and McKenzie have spoken within the last couple of days to discuss McKenzie's unhappiness and desire to be traded. The two had talked once before after the season, but this was believed to be their first conversation since McKenzie demanded a trade.

According to a Packers' spokesman, Sherman was busy hosting potential draft choices at the team's facility and was not available for comment. Sherman stated previously he would only address the issue after he had talked to McKenzie.

So far, no one in the Packers organization has spoken publicly about McKenzie's demand to be traded. McKenzie's agent, Brian Parker, has not returned messages to his Memphis office and McKenzie has not been available for comment.

Parker confirmed to The Associated Press last week that he had sought permission from the Packers to seek a trade for McKenzie. The Packers denied his request, which came after Parker met with Sherman and negotiator Andrew Brandt at the scouting combine in Indianapolis in February.

If they choose to deal McKenzie, it might not be too late for the Packers to work out a trade. The draft is nine days away and the Packers still might be able to net an attractive draft choice.

However, other teams know McKenzie doesn't want to play for the Packers and might use that to their advantage in negotiating compensation. If the Packers don't trade McKenzie, they will have to wait and see if he doesn't report for a mandatory mini-camp after the draft.

McKenzie's contract is such that the Packers would only take a hit of about $400,000 against the salary cap if they trade him. However, they would also be losing one of their best defensive players who is under contract at a reasonable price for three more years.

McKenzie's displeasure with the team appears to be more than just money-related. He has told people close to him that he is not happy with Sherman's decision to pass over assistant defensive backs coach Lionel Washington for a job as position coach.

McKenzie is currently boycotting the Packers' off-season workout program, which would earn him $200,000 if he attended.

Talks continue
The Packers and the agent for Cleveland quarterback Tim Couch talked again Wednesday, but they don't appear to be close to a contract agreement.

The pieces are mostly in place for a trade should the two teams reach an agreement on money, but at this point there is a difference of opinion on what Couch should be paid as a backup to Brett Favre.