Shemar Stewart Absent at the Start of Bengals Training Camp
Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Shemar Stewart did not show up for training camp along with the rest of the team’s rookies this Saturday. Stewart, selected in the first round of the draft, is the only first-round player who has not yet signed his rookie contract. Stewart, chosen at number 17 in the draft from Texas A&M, also did not participate in the preseason training due to a contractual dispute over the language that could void the guaranteed money in his agreement. Before Saturday, Stewart and linebacker Demetrius Knight, the team’s second-round pick, were the only members of Cincinnati’s six-player class who had not signed their rookie contracts. However, Knight formalized his agreement on Saturday afternoon, before the start of training camp. The difference in the details is notable and shows the gap in Stewart’s negotiation. According to a source familiar with the negotiations, the percentage of Knight’s signing bonus that was paid upfront was not offered to Stewart. Knight’s signing bonus is projected to be $3.2 million, while Stewart could receive one of $10.4 million.Under the current collective bargaining agreement between the NFL Players Association and the NFL, the team that drafted a player retains their rights until the following year’s draft. Since Stewart declared himself eligible for the draft after his third year, he would likely need to sue the NCAA to obtain his final year of eligibility. Cincinnati’s veterans are scheduled to report on Tuesday, a day before the team begins its training camp in downtown Cincinnati.Stewart has no intentions of returning to college to play with the Aggies.
Mike Elko, Texas A&M Coach
