this kid is weird. hes not prepared and starts crying and now claims that he has emotional problems

 

Wright asks for release from clubCiting emotional problems, defensive tackle Manny Wright prefers to leave South Florida and catch on with another team.

BY ARMANDO SALGUERO

asalguero@MiamiHerald.com

 

MIAMI HERALD FILE PHOTO / JOE RIMKUS JR.

ISSUES: Defensive tacke Manny Wright walks off the practice field on the second day of last season's training camp. He has asked for a release from the team because of emotional problems.Defensive tackle Manny Wright said Wednesday night that he has asked the Dolphins for his release because he has battled emotional problems and wants a fresh start with another team.

 

''It's nothing against the Dolphins and nothing against Coach [Nick] Saban,'' Wright said. ``I didn't even want this to get out, so there wouldn't be any negative feelings out there. But sometimes you need to cut loose to get your life together.

 

``This has been a tough place for me emotionally, so I think a fresh start would be best.''

 

Wright left the team Friday, shortly after asking Saban for his release. Wright said he had asked for his release on more than one occasion. At the time, Saban said Wright's absence was because of a ''personal issue'' and later said it was because of ``medical issue.''

 

Wright said Saban has been supportive and encouraged him to take time off before a final decision is made.

 

''I think Coach Saban is great, and I wish him the best,'' Wright said. ``But I have to do what is best for me and my family, too.''

 

On Wednesday, the Dolphins asked the NFL for a roster exemption for Wright when they added cornerback Chris Thompson off waivers from the Cleveland Browns.

 

The exemption was necessary to make room for Thompson on the roster. But Saban would not elaborate on the nature of the exemption, and NFL officials reached Wednesday night said they would have to research the matter to get an exact reason for the exemption.

 

''The roster change we made is for Manny Wright not being able to participate, and that's all I'm going to say about that,'' Saban said. ``We got an exemption. It's to be determined.

 

``That's an internal management [issue] we're trying to work through with the league and with the player. When there's something to report in terms of what we're going to do in the final analysis, we'll be glad to do that.''

 

Saban spoke in the afternoon and was unavailable for comment after Wright was reached Wednesday night.

 

Two players said this week that Wright had confided he felt ''depressed,'' but Wright did not use that terminology Wednesday night. He did say he had been on ''medications'' that made him tired and sluggish.

 

Wright did not specify the medication or its purpose.

 

''I stopped taking it, and that was fine for a while,'' Wright said. ``But then things happen, and sometimes I feel like I need it again. It's a long story.''

 

Wright said Saban has offered to get him counseling and suggested that he speak with Dr. Lon Rosen, whom the coach uses as a team consultant. Saban recently said Rosen was visiting the Dolphins to ``help me get my head straight.''

 

It is unclear if the Dolphins will honor Wright's request for his release. The team is more likely to try to rehabilitate or trade the 6-5, 335-pound second-year player.

 

Wright's value around the league is questionable, however, because he has gone from a second-team player at the opening of training camp to a third-teamer struggling with his weight and emotional state.

 

Wright said his medication was partially responsible for his inability to play up to his standards.

 

Wright has shown signs of immaturity in the past, starting with his first day of practice last season when he showed up without the right equipment. When Saban scolded the player for not being prepared, Wright walked off the field, sobbing.

 

''I've been battling this thing since last year,'' Wright said of his emotional state. ``But I have no doubt I'll be fine, and I have no doubt I'm going to help some team in the NFL.''

 

Asked if that team could be the Dolphins, Wright paused.

 

''I don't know,'' he said. ``I don't think so.''

Yeah I'd say he has got some emotional issues...

I say just let him go...

no, dont let him go, put him on an IR and fine his asre every day he doesnt show up to practice.

What good is that for anyone? The guy is obviously emotionally disturbed. You're not going to discipline him into giving his all for this team.

 

Let the guy try to build a life somewhere else. I don't wish him any harm.

A 280+ pound man with emotional issues is never a good thing. He hasn't practiced with the team at all this week.

 

He's likely gone.

Looks like the Nicktator isn't having any of that sh*t. Manny isn't going anywhere unless Saban says so :lol

I say release him, I mean the kid has problems. The Dolphins don't need this kids drama.

Does the wittle guy need nappy time? or you want your Ba-Ba?

Looks like the Nicktator isn't having any of that sh*t. Manny isn't going anywhere unless Saban says so :lol

 

I liked Saban's comments regarding that..he's the boss