Veteran defensive end Robert Mathis downplayed a report Sunday suggesting that he won't play for the Indianapolis Colts under his existing contract.
Sports XChange stated that Mathis "has no intention of reporting" to the team until his contract situation is addressed. A source close to the eight-year veteran said: "He'll never play another snap there under that (existing) contract."
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Mathis took to Twitter on Sunday in response, saying he's "overpaid already" and adding that teammate Dwight Freeney "takes all the blockers."
"I have every intention (of) doing my job once the NFL gives us our job back," Mathis tweeted. "I never been a locker room cancer & wont start now."
Wrote Mathis: "im no dummy in #Business101 so why stir the pot knowing there's minimal interest in re-signing me rite now despite how I feel ... i take pride in being a leader. ... There's a time & place for all things and contract will take care of itself in route 2SuperBowl"
Mathis has netted $27 million of the five-year, $30 million extension that he signed in 2006, according to Sports XChange. Mathis is set to make $2.41 million in 2011 after racking up 11 sacks and 60 tackles last season.
Mathis has been a mainstay for the Colts since joining the team in 2003, pairing with Freeney to form one of the NFL's most imposing defensive duos. Mathis has 74 career sacks, with 32 over the past three seasons, making the Pro Bowl each time. Freeney has 34 sacks over that span.
