Lelie unlikely to show for mandatory minicamp

DENVER » Peter Schaffer, agent for disgruntled Denver Broncos wide receiver Ashley Lelie, was asked yesterday if his client would be at the Broncos' mandatory minicamp that starts today.

Schaffer replied: "No updates. We have nothing to say."

Drawing by inference and recent history, it appears Lelie will not take part in the three-day minicamp at Broncos headquarters.

Unhappy over what he feels will be a noncompetitive situation for the Broncos' No. 1 receiver position this season, partly because of the team's offseason acquisition of Javon Walker from Green Bay, Lelie is threatening to sit out the season unless he is traded.

Lelie, 26, missed the Broncos' first 14 offseason optional workouts. If he does not show up today, however, he can be fined by the Broncos.

The Broncos entertained trade offers for the Radford and UH alumnus during the April draft but could not find a suitable partner.

Last season, Lelie's production slipped to 42 receptions, 770 yards and one touchdown -- down from 54 catches, 1,084 yards and seven TDs in 2004. Even if Lelie were to enter Dove Valley a happy camper today, he might be in a tough fight just to be the team's No. 3 receiver, behind Walker and Rod Smith.

The offseason re-emergence of Darius Watts, whom Broncos coach Mike Shanahan has praised, indicates Lelie might be battling just to be No. 3.

Other than Lelie, the Broncos indicated yesterday they are expecting the full roster to attend, with no players having asked for excused absences.