THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, June 8, 1994 TAG: 9406080547
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C3 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY JIM DUCIBELLA, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: 940608 LENGTH: Medium
Participating in the Jets' passing camp at Hofstra University, Monk told Big Apple media that new Redskins coach Norv Turner wanted him back for a 15th season, but couldn't convince general manager Charley Casserly.
{REST} Football's alltime leading receiver also indicted the team and ex-coach Richie Petitbon for lacking leadership last season and said that he had the feeling Redskins management had been trying to phase him out for two years. He also accused them of reneging on major promises. He did not specify.
``It actually started two years ago,'' Monk said. ``It wasn't as obvious then, but some things happened behind the scenes. Certain things were promised that never took place. I kind of sensed something was going to happen, I just didn't know how or when.''
After catching a couple of passes from Jets quarterback Boomer Esiason, Monk - still wearing No. 81 - said he signed with the Jets because ``they got across to me here that they really wanted me and needed me.''
That's something, he said, he hadn't felt in several years from Washington management, though he had hoped a change was possible after his first meeting with Turner.
``I met several of the coaches and from my understanding, they all wanted me there,'' Monk said. ``The first time I met (Turner), we sat down and watched some films, talked about what his plans were and how he wanted me to be a part of his offense. But, obviously, he didn't have any control over the other end of things, coming to terms over a contract.
``I honestly feel they never wanted me to return. There were several opportunities they had to sign me. I gave them every opportunity possible. I left no stone unturned, but I finally realized that the door was absolutely closed. Then I made my decision to go somewhere else.''
Monk, who turned down Washington's offer of $650,000, agreed to a one-year pact with the Jets, terms of which have not been disclosed.
Adding insult to injury, Monk said, was Washington's decision to sign free agent Henry Ellard for $800,000 a couple of days after he and the team parted company.
``That kind of threw me for a loop,'' Monk said. ``All the time they were saying this is all we can give you, nothing else, and then they release me and sign him for that. I don't understand what the thinking was.''
Ellard is six years younger than Monk.
The former Syracuse All-American, who grew up in White Plains, N.Y., said he never considered retiring after losing his job with the Redskins. He hopes to play two more seasons but ``I'm going to take one year at a time and see how it goes.'' by CNB