Report: Mike Macdonald Threatened to Cut Seahawks Player over Bad Conditioning Test
Doric SamSeptember 25, 2024
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One of the elements that Mike Macdonald brought over from the Baltimore Ravens when he was hired as head coach of the Seattle Seahawks was a rigorous conditioning test, and a player reportedly almost lost their spot on the roster because of it.
According to ESPN’s Brady Henderson, Macdonald “told at least one of the players that he’d have been cut on the spot if not for the guaranteed money in his contract” after he didn’t have a good showing in the conditioning test.
Each team requires conditioning tests at the start of training camp, as players must pass to be cleared to practice. The tests can vary from team to team, and Henderson noted that the one Macdonald brought over from Baltimore “requires them to complete six 150-yard shuttles, with a time limit on each leg that differs depending on position groups.” If any of the six legs weren’t completed in the allotted time, the player failed the test and had to start it over.
“Never want to do it again,” Seahawks wide receiver Laviska Shenault Jr. said of the conditioning test. “It’s deadly.”
While it’s not surprising when young players fail such a difficult test, Macdonald found it unacceptable. Henderson noted that he “chewed out the players individually” before bringing up the issue in front of the entire team to drive his point home.
“Macdonald was pissed,” a source close to a player said.
Macdonald’s approach is a stark contrast to former Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll, who stepped down to move into an adviser role this past offseason following 14 seasons on the sidelines. Carroll was known for his easygoing nature, but Macdonald made it clear early that the team’s culture was changing.
The players have responded well to Macdonald’s tough coaching, as the Seahawks are one of just five remaining unbeaten teams at 3-0. Seattle will look for its fourth straight win when it faces the Detroit Lions on Monday Night Football.
