Texas A&M fans were overjoyed when Shemar Stewart heard his name called in the first round of the NFL Draft at pick number 17 by the Cincinnati Bengals. This seemed like a great on-field fit for the promising Aggie alumnus as he began to leverage his considerable physical talents to terrorize opposing offenses in the league.
However, things hit a snag not long after the draft concluded. After reporting to Cincinnati, it quickly became public news that Stewart was refusing to practice with the team due to a dispute over a few details in the rookie contract that he was offered.
This was strange to hear for football fans around the league. Though we are accustomed to hearing about huge stars engaging in contract holdouts before the season, this began to come off like Stewart had already begun to view himself in that echelon of player, even before stepping foot on a professional field.
However, that couldn't be further from what is actually happening. Here's why Shemar is in the right in this odd exchange.
Shemar Stewart knows exactly what he's doing in refusing to give into Bengals' pressure
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At the end of the day, what Stewart wants to happen with his rookie contract is [exactly what the two previous contracts for the Bengals' first-rounders](https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/shemar-stewart-remains-on-sideline-due-to-contract-dispute), both of whom were chosen later in the first round than he was. The Bengals, who are notoriously difficult in contract disputes, are refusing to budge on their offer.
Stewart has even expressed willingness to practice with the team while the details are worked out, but the [Bengals are refusing to insure him for a portion of the deal against injury](https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nfl/bengals-no-1-rookie-holding-out-over-missing-contract-detail/ar-AA1EIqsG) in those practices.
With that in mind, Stewart's case looks a lot more reasonable than it may on the surface. The Bengals are denying him what should be expected for a guy in his situation, and he's in the right for insisting on being treated well as a player.
Hopefully these details can get worked out sooner rather than later, as I'm sure not only Aggie fans but Bengals faithful want to hear about Stewart taking the field for Cincy. Until then, though, Stewart is right to stand his ground.