Notebook: Tennessee running back mess

Updated: May 30, 2007, 3:27 PM ET

Titans running back LenDale White created some controversy on Tuesday by failing to show up for an organized team workout. While it was ultimately reported that the second-year pro had legitimate personal reasons for the no-show, his initial absence created unrest among the Tennessee coaching staff and his teammates.

"I'm anxious to hear what kind of excuse he has," Jeff Fisher told the Nashville Tennessean before finding out that White had remained in Denver to be with an ill family member. Before he learned of White's family issue, linebacker Keith Bulluck also questioned White's absence. "In the eyes of all his teammates he needs to commit himself," Bulluck told the Tennessean.

While White ultimately was excused, the reactions of Fisher and other Titans players, some of who didn't even realize White was missing, spoke volumes about how the young running back has fallen out of favor very quickly. White has continued to frustrate the Titans in a year when they clearly need him to step forward and fill the void created by the loss of Travis Henry.

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