Deal demand: Baltimore Ravens, Ray Rice far apart as RB stays out of OTAs -NFL News
Baltimore Ravens and running back, Ray Rice, are still far apart on the matter of a long-term expensive deal for the player.
Under the rules of the professional football regulator, National Football League (NFL), Ravens have July 16 to work out a deal for the player.
If a deal is not reached between the two parties by the deadline, the player will play under the franchise tag of worth $7.742 million.
So far no real progress on the prospective deal issue has been reported as the player continues to remain on holdout from organised team activities (OTAs) in protest of his pressing demand for a lengthy and hefty contract.
He showed up with his teammates for a charity game of cornerback Lardarius Webb for the first time since opting out to be on the fence.
Rice admitted to have been missing his teammates and fans but emphasised that they should be able to understand the matter.
The RB said:
"I miss it. That's one thing you miss is the camaraderie with the guys. As far as playing football, I know I'm always going to be up to speed."
He added:
"At the end of the day, I wouldn't say it's a killing feeling. You got to understand what's going on. Once you understand what's going on, you kind of separate yourself from it."
Rice is one of the veterans who have been a part and parcel of Ravens for many years. He is now hopeful of winning a fresh and expensive contract.
Even though the process of formal negotiation has not started yet, some of independent commentators believe both sides will agree to the fresh deal terms well before the deadline.
This could be true given the fact that the agent of the player has so far remained rather calm over the situation. He might have some assurances from the management that has left him quiet over the matter so far while his client continues his protest openly.
Rice is most likely to join the team in their training camp and preseason activities.
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