Ex-Husky Bailey Quits Camp -- Wide Receiver Tells Holmgren He's Tired, Wasn't Having Fun

CHENEY - Receiver Mario Bailey walked into Mike Holmgren's office this morning and told the Seahawk coach he was leaving the team after five days in training camp.

Bailey, who helped the University of Washington win a share of the national championship in 1991, signed with the Seahawks as a free agent last month after playing a season in NFL Europe. He knew his chances of sticking with the Seattle team were slim and wanted to leave after a few practices.

"We talked about it a couple of days ago, and he wanted to do this last Monday," Holmgren said. "I said, `Look, you've come off of a World League season and you're tired. Just give it a couple of days.' "

Bailey remained. He played well and seemed to be learning Seattle's complex offense. But he wondered when his NFL career would blossom.

After being drafted in the sixth round by Houston in 1992, Bailey was activated for just one game and spent most of the year on the practice squad. The next season, he signed with the New York Jets, but did not make the team. In 1994, he re-signed with the Oilers, but again remained on the practice squad.

"I wish that I could stay with a team long enough to learn their system," he said Tuesday. "This is my third (NFL) team, three different systems. Just when you finally feel comfortable and know what's going on, you're out."

The Seahawks have 11 receivers on the roster, but Joey Galloway remains a holdout and reserve Michael Jenkins is out with a broken finger. Bailey received a lot of time at practice, but would have needed impressive performances in the exhibition games to win a spot on the team.

"He's been doing this since 1992 and has never really been able to hang on," Holmgren said. "He just came in and said: `It's not working. I'm tired and I'm not having much fun.' . . . Everything was fine, his heart just wasn't in it."

Bailey, who attended Seattle's Franklin High School, is the NFL Europe's all-time leading receiver with 2,932 yards. He also holds Washington's school record with 2,039 receiving yards.

NIGHT OFF IN CHENEY

Holmgren made an offer the Seahawks couldn't refuse.

"I told them (Wednesday) one of the harder things to do after an evening off is to practice well," Holmgren said. "I said, `Here's the deal: If you don't practice well (Thursday), you will never, as long as you know me, have another night off.' "

Most of the players received Wednesday afternoon off. A few Seahawks participated in a 90-minute practice - on special teams. Everyone was released from team meetings for the evening, and many players drove 15 miles to Spokane to watch a movie or dine out.

"When coach rewards you for things, you have to come out and respond well," quarterback Jon Kitna said. "It's just like anything, when somebody gives you something, you have to respond well to it and I think guys did that (Thursday). We concentrated and we did exactly what we intended to do."

And about that deal with Holmgren?

"They did a good job today," he said. "They get another night off."

NOTES

-- Washington State Coach Mike Price visited Seahawk training camp and spoke with Holmgren, an old friend.

"We go back a little ways," Holmgren said. "He's one of the good guys in the business and an excellent football coach. . . . I said, you ought to be welcoming me and giving me advice. This is your area here. I'm the new guy."

The coaches began a friendship about 20 years ago in Utah when Price was the coach at Weber State (1981-89) and Holmgren was the quarterback coach at Brigham Young (1982-85).

-- Walking wounded: CB Fred Thomas and defensive end Phillip Daniels missed yesterday's practice because of knee injuries. Both are not expected to compete in Sunday's scrimmage at Woodward Stadium. RB Ricky Watters (calf), Ahman Green (quadriceps) and linebackers Darrin Smith (knee) and DeShone Myles (knee) will not play in the scrimmage.

---------------------------------------------------------------.

Seahawk trading card.

Name: Glenn Foley. Position: quarterback. Ht.: 6-2. Wt: 220. Number: 13. Age: 28. College: Boston College. NFL experience: Six years. How acquired: Trade (New York Jets), 1999. Who's the toughest player you've ever gone against? Miami Dolphin's Tim Bowens, a 6-5 and 315-pound defensive tackle. Noteworthy: Holds almost every major passing record at Boston College. ... An avid golfer. ... Lives with his wife, Jen, in Cherry Hill, N.J. ... Started the Glenn Foley Wings Foundation after discovering his mother had a kidney illness. Favorite Seattle hangout: Sahalee Tee No. 1. "That golf course is awesome. It's immaculate. It's amazing how immaculate they can get that golf course." Favorite movie? "Silence of the Lambs." Favorite musician or musical group? Bob Dylan. "Probably the greatest lyricist of all time. The words to his songs are insane. Unbelievable and really make you think." Favorite food? "My mom's Polish chicken parmigiana. It's an Italian plate with my mom's Polish spin on it. Or her whoopie pie. ... That's a chocolate cupcake cut in half and stuffed with vanilla ice cream."