Players view on the Coles situation

[MTK]

Coles-Moss deal unlikely

"You don't want to have somebody that doesn't want to be there," said linebacker Antonio Pierce in a phone interview. "If he's unhappy, he's going to make other people unhappy. We don't need that kind of negativity.

"L.C. plays hard, and guys respected him for that. But you need everybody on the same page. He wasn't a distraction, but you could tell he wasn't happy. If he came back, he would definitely be a distraction."

Quarterback Patrick Ramsey, who has reclaimed his starting role, apparently would welcome Coles. According to a source close to Ramsey, he was stunned by Coles's desire to leave. Before Ramsey lost his job following the 2003 season, the two had formed a rapport as Coles finished with 82 catches and 1,204 yards plus a team-high six touchdowns.

Right guard Randy Thomas praised Coles for not making his displeasure public last season while performing with spirit. But Thomas added: "If your heart is not here, why even come back in the building?"

One veteran defensive player believes that Coles is showing his true colors despite his reputation for being the quintessential team player. "Why doesn't he give Coach a chance?" said the player who joined Washington last season.

Linebacker Marcus Washington, like most teammates, was conflicted about the subject: "Whatever decision he makes, he has to live with those consequences. He's a tough guy. He's one of my friends. I don't want him to leave. I don't know all the details, but if I know Laveranues. I don't think Laveranues is quitting on anything."

"Maybe he wasn't able to adjust to a new coach," Pierce said. "He was hand-picked by Spurrier, Dan and Vinny. Guys on defense can adjust since it seems like we have a different coordinator every year. So change is no big deal. Some of us are able to adjust."