THE FRONT ROW WITH JASON ELLIOTT: June 21, 2014

It amazed me how much of a fuss was made of Marshawn Lynch not attending or coming to mini-camp earlier this week by some.

Remember, it's still June.

DURING THE drive to Seattle last week, the biggest breaking news - outside of the start of the World Cup - was a rumor that Lynch had told someone in the media that he wasn't coming to camp.

Really?

The same guy that hid from the media during the week of the Super Bowl, and was fined last year for not talking to them during the regular season?

Yeah, that makes sense.

Meanwhile, those in the Seattle area that make a living covering the Seahawks, as well as other teams in the area, were quick to wonder if it was all a stunt - like an effort to get more money - or that maybe he'd played his last down of football as a pro.

Tuesday, Lynch showed up, although he didn't participate due to an ankle injury.

It's the thought that counts.

But some believed that if Lynch didn't show up, that meant he'd either retire or was looking for more money.

He may or may not find it in Seattle in the coming months.

As long as he's occupying the backfield in September, all of those critics will have forgotten this little bump in the road.

THE SAME might not be said for Wednesday's little dust-up during practice between cornerback Richard Sherman and wide receiver Phil Bates.

As some in the Press newsroom have stated in the past few months, it was only a matter of time until someone took a swing at Sherman.

Who knew it was going to be a teammate of his?

During the minicamp, the incident began when a receiver was being closely defended by safety Earl Thomas, starting words between the offensive and defensive players.

On the next play, Bates and Sherman locked up, having their helmets knocked off and arms flailing before teammates separated the pair.

It was reported that Thomas and wide receivers Percy Harvin and Doug Baldwin were all chirping at each other as well.

For one, I like the intensity the team is showing right now, where they're willing to fight for each other.

But right now?

By the end of Wednesday's practice, the players were seen shaking hands and laughing about the situation.

And who knows, with another championship, this will be something that fans can just sit back and laugh about.

Otherwise, those other fans will be doing all the laughing right back at the Seahawks.

Jason Elliott is a sports writer for the Coeur d'Alene Press. He can be reached by telephone at 664-8176, Ext. 2020 or via email at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter at JEPressSports.