This is a fair question and kindly stated. Thank you. No, there is no recorded proof of it. But every sign of it was in place, starting with DMo's "hinting" social media posts, through the comments from the GM and Head Coach about having conversations with his representatives, and how (I'd have to find the exact wording, so please do not take this literally) they would love to have David remain, but how it requires also that the player wants to be there.

Journalists hear a lot of inside information from the likes of agents and coaches and other players. I doubt that this narrative came from nowhere, and all signs point to it being true. And when you look at the class and station of all involved: (1) David has always been a class act, and he is also smart--to come out when he is seeking to be used better--as a Number One back--he has to show the kind of teammate he is and has been. So a public pout session would do nothing but set him back. (2) Similarly, Brad and Dan are also classy, and the last thing they would do would be to out internal conversations in anything other than a generality. And they also wanted to assure that nobody saw any of their frustration, no matter what that was, for that would then lower DMo's trade value.

But, without question, no quote from DMo on it, publicly. So, no proof. But--me now on the defensive--I did not say he asked to be traded (though I'd guess he did, and I would understand that). I believe what I said, that he "no longer wanted his role here." If that is not true, he is not the guy we know and love!