NorthHawk wrote:A statement of ‘if things don’t change, I want out’ is much different from a simple ‘I want out’ or trade request.
He could very well have wanted to stay, but was forced out.
Was forced out? How could he be forced out if he had a no trade clause?
Here's what Russell said in the 2nd week of February of 2022, just 3 weeks before the trade:
Just to be in Seattle, it’s been a blessing to play 10 years there, so hopefully we get to win more Super Bowls there. That’s my focus, that’s my plan and that’s where my head’s at.”That statement was made just prior to SB 56, 2nd Sunday in February. Pete had an end of season meeting with Jody on or before Jan. 15th of 2022 (we missed the playoffs that season). Following that meeting, it was pretty obvious to everyone, including Russell, that Pete was going to be the coach in 2022.
"Things" weren't changing, but Russell still claimed that his
"focus," his
"plan", and
"where my head's at" was in winning multiple SB's in Seattle.
That clearly was NOT his focus or his plan. He knew that Pete and John weren't going anywhere, which blows that
"if things don't change" argument out of the water. Russell had a no trade clause, so they had to work through him and/or is agent on a trade and deals like that one doesn't happen overnight. They had to have been having discussions with Russell and/or his agent since at least the end of the 2021 regular season, likely much longer. You also have to consider that Pete, John, and Jody all claim that Russell was the one that was the primary motivator in the trade, a claim of which Russell has denied.
Someone wasn't telling the truth. Is it no wonder that a lot of people chose to believe three people vs. one, especially when you put it in the context of his above statements?