Posted by ESPN.com's Bill Williamson
Darren McFadden said all the right things in his first appearances in Oakland as a Raider on Sunday. At the front of everyone's mind is if McFadden, the No. 4 overall draft pick, will pull a JaMarcus Russell and engage in a long contract holdout. Russell, the No.1 overall pick last year, didn't sign his contract until September and it affected his rookie season greatly.
McFadden said he no designs of a holdout. He wants to be in the mix right away.
"It's very important," said McFadden about reporting to training camp on time. "The more time you miss the less chances you get to play."
That has to be music to the ears of both the Raiders -- who were a culpable party in the Russell holdout -- and their fans who showed great frustration during the Russell holdout. Of course, McFadden can say all he wants about not wanting to hold out. It will be up to his agent Ian Greengross and the Raiders to make sure he arrives at training camp on time. Greengross doesn't have a history of representing players who have endured long holdouts.
