Falcons say White's holdout won't 'be a distraction'

By CHRIS VIVLAMORE

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Flowery Branch — The last Falcons holdout also is the most-recent Falcons holdout.

Roddy White missed the team’s first full day of training camp Saturday because he wants a new contract following his Pro Bowl season. The wide receiver missed the first six days of training camp as a rookie in 2005 before signing his current contract. He is in the final year of a five-year, $7.35 million deal and is due $2.28 million this season.

White was unsigned when he was late to camp in 2005. The Falcons’ most-recent player under contract who did not report to training camp on time was running back Jamal Anderson in 1999.

“I’m confident things are going to get done, and they are going to work in the best interest of both the club and Roddy,” Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff said. “I truly believe it’s something that won’t be contentious. It’s about two parties working together in a fair and firm fashion.”

Based on criteria in the NFL’s collective bargaining agreement, White will be fined $15,888 for each day he misses camp. He was considered a holdout when he did not report to the team headquarters by 6:30 p.m. Friday.

“Negotiations are ongoing,” White’s agent Jonathan Feinsod said. “Once his contractual situation is resolved, Roddy is looking forward to training camp and helping the Falcons to achieve their goal of reaching the Super Bowl.”

Coach Mike Smith said White’s holdout would not be a distraction.

“I want to state that I’m not angry,” Smith said. “How can you be angry on the first day of training camp, the first day of the 2009 season. ... I don’t believe it will be a distraction. You can’t concern yourself with guys that aren’t here. All we can do is coach the guys that are here. Our job as a coaching staff is to prepare our team for 2009.”

Several of the veterans understand White’s situation.

“Obviously, we are going to miss him,” tight end Tony Gonzalez said. “He’s a Pro Bowl receiver. He’s got to take care of his business. I’ve been on that side of it — a couple of times. I know exactly what he’s going through. Hopefully, they’ll get it done soon.”

“I understand both sides of the situation,” defensive end John Abraham said. “We need him, and he needs us. It’s the business side.”

Last season, White quickly became the favorite target of rookie quarterback Matt Ryan, and he earned his first Pro Bowl trip after catching 88 passes for 1,382 yards. Ryan threw 148 of his 434 passes (34 percent) to White. In the Falcons’ playoff loss to Arizona, White had 11 catches for 84 yards.

“I’m hopeful that it gets down soon and he’s back out there with us,” Ryan said.

-- Staff writer D. Orlando Ledbetter contributed to this report.