SEATTLE — The Seahawks unexpectedly waived running back LenDale White on Friday, just weeks after the splashy draft-day trade that brought him to Seattle from the Tennessee Titans.
“It became apparent at this time that LenDale was not ready to be a member of the Seattle Seahawks,” general manager John Schneider said.
He did not elaborate.
NFL Network, citing unnamed sources, reported Friday that White was “likely” facing a four-game suspension for violating the NFL’s drug policy.
“We have not announced any such suspension,” league spokesman Greg Aiello told The Associated Press on Friday night. “I have no other information on it.”
The list of players enrolled in the league’s substance-abuse program for a prior incident, and therefore subject to discipline, is confidential.
The former USC and Chatfield High School star was seemingly getting a second chance as a pro in Seattle, maybe to even become a starter again, while being reunited with his former college coach, Pete Carroll.
Issues with weight, work ethic and the emergence last season of Chris Johnson cost him his job with the Titans.
The Seahawks gave up on White after he had only limited chances to display his work ethic — and months before he was even going to put on full pads. He participated in just one minicamp and a handful of organized team activities on the practice field before the team waived him.
White had lost more than 45 pounds during the past year. He was down to 220 with the Seahawks. White said he wanted to get back up to 228 pounds for this season. Seattle’s starting job seemed within his reach as Carroll opened every position to competition.
Footnotes.
The Bears have signed Florida safety Major Wright to a four-year deal, putting their last unsigned draft pick under contract.
The Bears selected Wright with their first overall pick, taking the 5-foot-11, 206-pound defender in the third round.
• The Texans signed fifth-round draft pick cornerback Sherrick McManis.
McManis was selected with the 144th pick from Northwestern.
