Unhappy Joseph will ask to be traded
Earlier this month, Shalrie Joseph was named captain of the Revolution. Yesterday, though, Joseph said he is relinquishing the captaincy and will seek to be traded because of a breakdown in contract negotiations.
"It's an honor and a privilege to be named captain of any team, especially the Revolution," Joseph said last night. "But I wouldn't be able to lead these guys. I have been patient and I have been the good boy they wanted me to be, but I can't wait any more. Our next practice is Wednesday and when that day comes around, I am going to tell my teammates."
Joseph, who has two years remaining on a contract worth about $167,500 annually, has been a guiding force in the midfield as the Revolution reached the MLS Cup final two successive seasons. Last year, Joseph was the subject of a $1 million-plus transfer bid from Celtic FC, turned down by the Revolution, according to agent Ron Waxman.
Joseph is seeking a three-year guaranteed contract, Waxman said. Revolution officials could not be reached for comment.
"We were within $10,000 for the first year of the contract," Waxman said. "But we are off by $50,000 to $60,000 in bonuses. They made their final offer March 2. I talked with [MLS administrator] Todd Durbin March 9 and made a new proposal [Tuesday]. On [Friday] they informed me they would not be upping their offer."
Among the Revolution incentives offered was $10,000 for winning the league most valuable player award, Waxman said.
"We approached them after last season and said if they committed to Shalrie like [Chicago] did to Chris Armas, he would be happy to stay and be the team leader," said Waxman, referring to Armas's three-year guaranteed deal at $325,000 per season. "I have been doing this since Day 1 of the MLS and I've never had anything like this arise. I have talked to Sunil [ Gulati, president of Kraft Soccer] and Mike Burns [Revolution director of soccer] and requested to talk to Jonathan Kraft, but was denied."
Waxman said Joseph experienced a "protracted" renegotiation two years ago after playing for the league minimum salary (less than $30,000) in 2003 and '04. Before training camp started last month, the Revolution offered Joseph $200,000 annually, then raised the offer to $300,000 on the eve of training camp, according to Waxman.
"We have a great team and I see us getting to the final every year and winning championships," Joseph said. "But if I am not that important to them, another team might value me more. There is a lot of disenchantment on the team; I don't want to speak for all the guys, but I know I have been unhappy about my contract situation and others have been worried about theirs.
"I do have two years left but that's the only argument they have. I had a great offer from Celtic and I should be paid what I am worth. There are always compromises on both sides, but they didn't come willing to negotiate."
Frank Dell'Apa can be reached at f_dellapa@globe.com. 
