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The agent for disgruntled Browns defensive lineman Shaun Rogers said Wednesday that he's been in contact with the Browns, but would not say if his client has asked to be traded or released.
"I can't confirm or deny that," said Kennard McGuire. "My conversation with them is going to stay between us and we're going to govern accordingly from there."
McGuire stressed "there are no financial or contract concerns on our behalf."
A Browns source said that as of Wednesday afternoon, Rogers had not asked to be traded or released and that coach Eric Mangini was trying to reach Rogers to try and resolve the misunderstanding.
The source said the Browns are confident the situation can be rectified when the two parties have a chance to talk and that Mangini highly values Rogers and wants him on the team.
Another source confirmed a report on NFL.com that Rogers is upset about two separate incidents when he felt Mangini snubbed him. The first was when Mangini failed to say hello to him in the training room at the Browns' facility in Berea, and the second was at the Greater Cleveland Sports Awards on Jan. 23 when both men were in the media room at the same time but did not acknowledge each other.
Rogers, who made the Pro Bowl this past season, is also upset about a larger issue, the nature of which is unknown. But most of it boils down to a lack of communication, sources said.
Rogers' concerns are serious and not something that have been blown out of proportion, those close to him said. If the matter is not resolved to his satisfaction, he probably will ask to be traded or released.
As it is, Rogers has asked the Browns not to pay his guaranteed $6 million option bonus next month, according to NFL.com's Adam Schefter - he would rather be released after only one season even though he's owed $15 million in guaranteed money.
One bone of contention is that more than a month passed after the awards ceremony without any word from Mangini about the perceived media-room slight. Even after it was brought to the attention of the Browns that Rogers was upset and there was a sense of urgency, he never heard from the coach.
Mangini explained during a news conference Feb. 4 that he didn't mean to disrespect his star defensive player.
"I didn't even realize Shaun was there at the time," Mangini said. "I know that's probably hard to believe considering how big he is and how big I am. It's like two destroyers missing each other."
Mangini went on to wish Rogers well in the Pro Bowl that upcoming weekend, but seemed to know trouble might be brewing. Mangini said Rogers would have a chance to talk to Jets nose tackle Kris Jenkins, a Mangini supporter, at the Pro Bowl.
Acquired in a trade with the Lions last off-season for cornerback Leigh Bodden and a third-round pick, Rogers signed a six-year, $42 million deal shortly thereafter that extended his contract through 2013. It included $20 million in guarantees and a total of $23 million over the first three years.
Rogers recorded 76 tackles, 4.5 sacks and a team-high 15 pressures in 2008 en route to his third career Pro Bowl.
The Browns would take a $9.7 million salary-cap hit if they cut Rogers, according to NFL.com.
To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: mcabot@plaind.com, 216-999-4670