BY HERB ZURKOWSKY, THE GAZETTE
Alouettes backup quarterback Adrian McPherson denied a published report claiming he recently worked out for the Cleveland Browns - a potential violation of rules, if it's true, because he remains under contract to Montreal.

McPherson also denied he has permission from the Canadian Football League team to seek out potential employment opportunities. British Columbia running-back Martell Mallett, the league's outstanding rookie in 2009, had such an agreement from the Lions and signed during the winter with the Philadelphia Eagles.

"That's not true at all. I'm getting ready for the season. I'm under contract. I'm being honest. That report's ridiculous," McPherson told The Gazette from New Orleans, where he became the father of baby girl last weekend.

However, according to a report yesterday on Bradenton.com, McPherson worked out for the Browns, who recently signed QB Jake Delhomme after his release by Carolina, and traded for Seattle backup Seneca Wallace. Cleveland also released Derek Anderson and traded Brady Quinn to Denver.

The Als, meanwhile, have said they have no knowledge of such a workout occurring, adding they would be surprised, because NFL teams generally are thorough, doing their due diligence before working out any player.

Although McPherson told The Gazette in January he wanted to be traded, a subsequent call he received from head coach Marc Trestman changed the player's outlook. Trestman told McPherson there was no desire to trade him.

"He told me I'm not going anywhere," McPherson said. "He told me I could be mad, until I come to training camp. He told me I mean a lot to the locker room. Once he told me that, I was fine with the situation.

"To be honest, him telling me that made me feel a lot better as a player. There won't be any trade because I'm too valuable and I mean too much..... Read more: http://bit.ly/ahoK1i

hzurkowsky@thegazette.canwest.com