Browns Are at Odds With Former SDSU Receiver Slaughter

Wide receiver Webster Slaughter disagrees with the Cleveland Browns about his status.

Slaughter, who has not reported to camp, refers to himself as a contract holdout. The Browns say Slaughter has retired.

When asked whether he expected to have Slaughter on this season’s roster, Cleveland coach Marty Schottenheimer had a quick response after Tuesday’s workout at Lakeland Community College.

“I don’t,” Schottenheimer said. “He’s an honorable man, and I’ll take him at his word. We will not trade him. Webster Slaughter has retired.”

Slaughter, 23, a San Diego State alumnus who was Cleveland’s leading receiver last season, is in the third year of a four-year contract that would pay him $170,000 this season and $200,000 in 1989. He says he deserves to have his contract renegotiated because he is worth more than other Brown receivers.

Last season, Slaughter had 47 catches and led the team with 808 yards and 7 touchdowns. Brian Brennan, who had 43 receptions for six touchdowns, will be paid $225,000 this year.

Slaughter said, “I told the Browns I would come in and play this year (for $170,000) if the team would void the final year of the contract. They didn’t even come back with an answer.

“I just want what I’m worth. I’m worth more than what I’m making.”

The Browns have responded to Slaughter’s absence by acquiring wide receiver Darryl Turner from Seattle. Turner, 27, had 14 receptions for 153 yards in 12 games last year, but he scored six touchdowns. In his four-year career, Turner has one touchdown for every 2.8 receptions, and his 36 touchdowns are second behind Steve Largent’s 95 in Seahawk history.