Peppers a no-show for start of Panthers minicamp

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) - Disgruntled defensive end Julius Peppers
was a no-show at the start of the Carolina Panthers’ three-day
minicamp.
    The stalemate continued Friday with the four-time Pro Bowl
selection, who wants to play elsewhere. But the Panthers have
placed the franchise tag on him, limiting his options in free
agency.
    Because Peppers has not signed Carolina’s one-year, $16.7
million tender, he can’t be fined for missing the mandatory
minicamp.
    General manager Marty Hurney says Friday he’s had several
conversations with agent Carl Carey and they’ve been “all
positive.“
    Second-round pick Everette Brown of Florida State got more reps
in Peppers’ absence.