Julius Peppers described his offseason departure from Carolina as “a little sour†on Wednesday, claiming the Panthers tried to paint him in a bad light after deciding to let him leave in free agency. In a conference call with reporters ahead of Peppers’ return to Charlotte on Sunday with the Chicago Bears, the five-time Pro Bowl defensive end said he was under the impression the Panthers decided to “do away with anybody who is making a significant amount of money†as part of a roster overhaul that’s produced the NFL’s youngest team. “That’s a business decision. I can understand and respect that,†the 30-year-old Peppers said. “The problem that I had was they tried to turn the tables and make it look like I wanted out no matter what. Really, I didn’t have the option to stay. It was never offered to stay. So when I say it ended a little sour, I felt like it could have been a little more respectful. At least a phone call to say, ‘It’s been good. We’re going in a different direction. We’re going to let you go.’ They couldn’t even give me that.†Peppers also disputed Panthers general manager Marty Hurney’s earlier claims that they twice tried to make him the NFL’s highest-paid defensive player. Peppers said that happened only once, after the 2007 season, a deal he rejected. Hurney didn’t return a message seeking comment, releasing only a short statement that didn’t address Peppers’ criticism. “Julius gave us eight great years and we appreciate everything he did for us,†Hurney said. Source: Yahoo! Sports
