LaChapelle
09-12-2009, 10:05 AM
"Blindsided" Seymour says he's "happy"
Posted by Tom Curran on September 12, 2009 10:55 AM ET
Finally, the Seymour speaketh.
In comments to Ron Borges of the Boston Herald, Raiders defensive lineman Richard Seymour shed much-needed light on his feelings about being traded by New England last Sunday morning in exchange for the Raiders' 2011 first round pick.
First off, Seymour described himself as "blindsided" when Patriots head coach Bill Belichick called and said, according to Seymour, "We traded your rights to Oakland."
"There are a lot of different emotions," Seymour told Borges. "Football was not my main concern at that point."
The trade was a major shock to Seymour's family system. Deciding how his wife, four children and a 15-year-old cousin to whom he is guardian would proceed seems to have been a major factor in delaying his arrival in Oakland.
"When you get blindsided, you should take a moment to gather your thoughts," Seymour said. "I have a lot of personal issues more pressing than football."
Seymour acknowledged negotiations about his future with the Raiders have taken place but said he "didn't demand anything to go there."
"I've had discussions with the Raiders . . . I'm excited and happy with the way they're looking at me," he said.
He said he plans on playing Monday night against the Chargers and added that, "I'll be the guy on top of the quarterback."
Posted by Tom Curran on September 12, 2009 10:55 AM ET
Finally, the Seymour speaketh.
In comments to Ron Borges of the Boston Herald, Raiders defensive lineman Richard Seymour shed much-needed light on his feelings about being traded by New England last Sunday morning in exchange for the Raiders' 2011 first round pick.
First off, Seymour described himself as "blindsided" when Patriots head coach Bill Belichick called and said, according to Seymour, "We traded your rights to Oakland."
"There are a lot of different emotions," Seymour told Borges. "Football was not my main concern at that point."
The trade was a major shock to Seymour's family system. Deciding how his wife, four children and a 15-year-old cousin to whom he is guardian would proceed seems to have been a major factor in delaying his arrival in Oakland.
"When you get blindsided, you should take a moment to gather your thoughts," Seymour said. "I have a lot of personal issues more pressing than football."
Seymour acknowledged negotiations about his future with the Raiders have taken place but said he "didn't demand anything to go there."
"I've had discussions with the Raiders . . . I'm excited and happy with the way they're looking at me," he said.
He said he plans on playing Monday night against the Chargers and added that, "I'll be the guy on top of the quarterback."