In a rather surprising move, the Seahawks released running back LenDale White on Friday, just one month after acquiring him during April’s NFL draft. According to FOXSports.com’s Alex Marvez, the decision was made because White’s effort “stood out like a sore thumb” compared to other players and due to him facing a four-game suspension.
The source said the release was not related to an NFL Network report that White was facing a four-game suspension for failing a drug test. However, the positive test was confirmed although it remains uncertain whether White failed for a recreational or performance-enhancing substance.
The running back’s uncle Herman White told The Associated Press in a phone interview Friday night that he had been speaking with his nephew throughout the day.
“He wasn’t doing good,” Herman White said.
“I have no idea what happened.”
The uncle said he does not know what’s behind a report about the drug test.
“He was surprised,” Herman White said, adding LenDale told him this week how great his second NFL chance was going. “I’m pretty shocked, based on what he’s been telling me.
It would be one thing if the Hawks dumped White solely because of the suspension. But it was the suspension and his shoddy work ethic that led to his release, which is disappointing considering that area of his game has been questioned before.
It doesn’t bode well for White that his former college coach didn’t think highly enough of him or his work ethic to at least keep him through training camp. Considering he’s only 25, the running back will probably find work elsewhere but he’ll likely have to wait until after he serves his four-game ban before he receives any offers. Either way, he doesn’t find himself in a very good spot these days.
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