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Relations between CB Samuel, Eagles remains strained

Saying the Eagles and Asante Samuel aren't on the same page right now is a vast understatement. They're not even reading from the same book.

Samuel made that clear Wednesday after he was asked if he still felt wanted in Philadelphia.

"By Andy (Reid). A couple people upstairs might not want me, but who cares. They probably never played football," Samuel said, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. "It's a business, they run it like a business, so they're going to do what they need to do. So they're upstairs playing with a lot of money, playing a little fantasy football, so they're doing their thing."

Samuel didn't shy away when asked if the fantasy reference was directed at team president Joe Banner and general manager Howie Roseman.

"Do they fit the comment I made?" Samuel asked. 

One reporter said they seemed to. 

"Then maybe so," said Samuel.

Samuel later issued a statement via the team's official site, saying he let his emotions get the best of him while speaking to the media. 

"Everything's good and I'm happy to be here," Samuel said. "I had a talk with coach Reid this afternoon and I now have a better understanding of how business works in the NFL. Let's get a win Sunday."

Reid echoed that sentiment in a statement of his own.

"I am aware of how Asante felt and we have since talked," Reid said. "We both left with a positive feeling going forward. ... Asante is a valuable member of our team and we appreciate all that he brings to this organization. As far as my relationship with Howie and Joe, I have a great deal of respect for both of them and I know we are all on the same page."

The Eaglestold teams Samuel was available leading up to the NFL trade deadline, nearly three months after Banner discussed how the team was actively entertaining trade offers for the four-time Pro Bowl cornerback in August.

"As long as I'm here, as long as I get paid each and every Tuesday, I'm going to go out and do my job to the best of my ability, each and every Sunday," Samuel said last week. "I play for the fans and I play for my teammates, that's what it's all about."

With the trade deadline passed, it's a lock Samuel will remain in Philadelphia the rest of the season. Even though he's signed through 2013, Samuel's future in Philly seems to be anything but that.

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