Peppers not at Carolina minicamp Friday

CHARLOTTE, N.C., May 1 (UPI) -- Star defensive end Julius Peppers was a no-show Friday when the Carolina Panthers began their three-day minicamp.

Despite the expectations of Coach John Fox, Peppers was not among the players who attended the first day -- after voicing his anger this off-season about a franchise tag and a subsequent trade demand.

Panthers General Manager Marty Hurney told The Charlotte (N.C.) Observer Thursday he has had positive discussions this week with Carl Carey, Peppers' agent, but the four-time Pro Bowl selection has said he will never sign a long-term contract with the NFC South team.

The second overall pick in the 2002 NFL Draft out of North Carolina, Peppers switched from left to right defensive end last season and recorded a career-high 14 1/2 sacks with 51 tackles.

In 106 NFL games, all with the Panthers, Peppers has 70 1/2 sacks and 344 tackles.