Emtman Says Money Isn’t the Reason

Defensive tackle Steve Emtman said money isn’t the main reason he decided to pass up his senior season at Washington to enter the NFL draft on April 26-27.

“The main deciding factor was that of personal challenge,” Emtman said Friday at a news conference at the school. “I feel I am at the top of my game at the collegiate level and want to challenge myself at a higher level.

“I want it understood that this is not an issue of money, but rather the opportunity to fulfill a lifelong dream of playing pro football.”

If Emtman is the first overall selection in the draft, as some expect, he probably will receive a five-year contract worth between $8 million and $9 million, including a signing bonus of $3.8 million to $4 million.

Russell Maryland, a 6-foot-1, 274-pound defensive tackle from Miami was the first pick in the 1991 draft, by the Dallas Cowboys, and received a five-year, $7.9-million contract that included a $3.6-million signing bonus.

Emtman appears headed to the Indianapolis Colts, who have the first two picks in the draft.

Emtman said he would have no problems going to Indianapolis, although the Colts had a league-worst 1-15 record last season.

“I have not talked to Indianapolis,” he said. “I’m just happy to have the opportunity to play at the next level. I don’t care who I play for.”

Emtman will be represented by Marvin Demoff, a Los Angeles lawyer, who also represents running back Eric Dickerson of the Colts.