*sigh*

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2121284

Hines Ward became the Pittsburgh Steelers' first major holdout in 12 years Sunday, keeping his promise not to report to training camp without a contract extension that would make him one of the NFL's top-paid wide receivers.

Once Ward missed the 6 p.m. ET reporting deadline, Steelers director of football operations Kevin Colbert said negotiations were over until Ward shows up -- something the four-time Pro Bowl receiver has insisted that he won't do without a new deal.
Now, generally I am not a fan of holding out. But in this case maybe I can understand it. Hines Ward didn't just have 1 good year. He's been kicking ass for at least 4 years. He's gone to multiple pro bowls.

He is also apparently a huge leader on the team.

The guy is getting paid something like 40th on the list of receivers. That's nuts.

It is interesting that the Steelers have a policy that they do not negotiate with someone who doesn't show up for camp. I'm not sure what I think about that.