Seattle Releases White

By Justin Worsley

Seattle has been one of the most interesting teams in the NFL this off-season, wheeling and dealing players at nearly ever position at the roster. This move however, was a wrong one.

Seattle waived running back LenDale White on Friday, only a month after the Seahawks traded for the former 1,000-yard rusher to reunite him with his former college head coach, current Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll.

The move was initially shocking to White, however, ESPN's Adam Schefter has reported that White is facing a four-game suspension for violating the league's substance abuse policy.

White was hoping for a career-revival in Seattle. In 2007, White ran for 1,110 yards as the starting tailback in Tennessee. Despite the team's success that season, Tennessee decided to go in a different direction and drafted blazing-fast running back Chris Johnson. The duo worked well together, with White using his bruising frame to earn the tough yards while Johnson used his speed to pick up large gains. White led the NFL in rushing touchdown in 2008 with 15 while rushing for 773 yards as the backup running back.

Last season, however, White saw a huge decline in his opportunities. Tennessee started the season off 0-6 and continued to focus on giving Johnson the ball as he ran for 2,006 yards last season. White only had 64 carries for 222 yards and two touchdowns.

White, who was known for not being a hard worker in the off-season, dedicated himself to losing that title. In 2009 he stopped drinking tequila, which he credits as the reason why he lost 45 pounds.

"It became apparent at this time that LenDale was not ready to be a member of the Seattle Seahawks," said General Manager John Schneider. "It just did not appear to be the right fit at this point in our program. We wish LenDale all the best with his future."

Seattle traded with Tennessee during the final day of the NFL draft. Seattle also acquired defensive tackle Kevin Vickerson in the trade.