Seahawks GM Schneider: Lynch has 'made a decision not to be here'

Seattle Seahawks general manager John Schneider confirmed reports Friday that running back Marshawn Lynch will not be attending the start of training camp.

In an interview with ESPN 710 (per Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times), Schneider said Lynch "has made a decision not to be here." He also indicated that the Seahawks have little interest in giving Lynch a new deal.

"There is a specific plan in place here and it's my responsibility to [owner Paul Allen] and the fans to try to provide a consistent championship-caliber football team, one that the fans feel we have a shot every year," Schneider said.

"[J]ust two years ago Marshawn was one of our first guys we were able to reward in terms of this plan going forward," he added, referring to Lynch's four-year, $30-million contract.

Asked whether he would be comfortable entering the season with Christine Michael and Robert Turbin at tailback, Schneider replied: "I think it's a fair question. But I think obviously Marshawn Lynch is a heck of a running back, you know what I mean? But it's just like we had players at different positions, like last year we ran into the deal with Brandon Browner and (Byron) Maxwell steps up and has to go. 

"… I think that the players and teammates think that they are comfortable with the next player. And that's no disrespect to Marshawn - everybody knows what he can do."