FOXBORO, Mass., June 10 (UPI) -- New England defensive end Richard Seymour was absent when the two-time defending Super Bowl champions began a three-day mini-camp.
The team said on its Web site participation is mandatory and Coach Bill Belichick termed the absence unexcused.
"Richard is not here," Belichick said when asked if Seymour was suffering from an injury that prevented him from taking part in Thursday's workout. "All the players under contract are required to be here. So this is different from any other thing we've done."
Seymour, a three-time Pro Bowl choice, has two years left on the rookie deal he signed in 2001 which the team said could pay him $3.4 million based on duration and playing time.
The 6-6, 310-pounder, who was a first-round draft pick by New England in 2001 out of Georgia, has expressed unhappiness about his pay in the past. The Patriots have a policy of not renegotiating contracts.
