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[size=12067e05b]Rockets continue salary purge by trading sack-man Hinson[/size067e05b]
Darren Hunt
Rockets Beat Writer
Today the El Paso Rockets announced that they have traded their most talented and most popular defensive player, Pierre Hinson, to the Albany Crows for a slew of picks and DE John Moody, continuing the salary cuts that began with the trade of Ernest Lorenzo to Cleveland last week.
"We really had no choice," said Rockets GM Jeremy Eckberg in a post-trade press conference. "We did massive renegotiations across the board and we are still way above the salary cap. If we want to be able to sign our draft picks we MUST cut some salary, and Pierre just wasn't willing to give up that much money, and I really can't say that I blame him.
Phone calls to Hinson's house went unanswered, but a release from his agent, Britt Samuels, said, "Pierre is disappointed that he and the Rockets weren't able to work out a deal to keep him in El Paso, but he's excited to join an up and coming team like the Albany Crows."
Fan reaction on the streets of El Paso was mixed. "I can't believe that Eckberg traded away the heart of the defense, the man that helped set defensive records last year," said Jennifer Massaviol, president of the Northeast Chapter of the Rockets Fan Club. "Yes, I think that we'll still have a solid line, but Pierre has been here from the start and the fans love him. We'll miss you, Pierre!"
At the same time, James Kirtland from the Westside disagrees. "Rockets management had little choice. The team has to look toward the future, and they can't afford to give a single player so much money. Hopefully they'll learn from this mistake and not give out massive signing bonuses in the future."
It is believed that the Rockets are still contemplating offers for several other players, such as star linebacker Ike Roper and offensive guard Quincy Stutz. "The main thing is that we have to cut salary. I don't like it one bit...it's the most difficult part of my job," said Eckberg. "But the league sets a salary cap and we have to abide by it."
In the trade, the Rockets receive defensive end John Moody (13 career sacks), the Crows third round pick in 2008, and their first and fourth round picks in 2009. Hinson leaves El Paso as a reigning CFL All First-Team Defensive End and with 40 career sacks and 227 career tackles.
[size=9067e05b]For further Rockets news turn to page C-3[/size067e05b][/quote]
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El Paso Rockets Beat Writer
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