Steelers Notebook: No change in Ward's situation, but teammates feel his absence
Sunday, August 07, 2005
By Ed Bouchette, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
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Hines Ward enters the second week of his training-camp holdout much the way it began, with the Steelers still determined not to negotiate for a contract extension until they see the white's of his eyes.
Kevin Colbert, the team's director of football operations, said yesterday there was nothing new in Ward's situation. The receiver continues to hold out since he failed to report to St. Vincent College last Sunday, and there has been no contact between the club and agent
Eugene Parker.
Ward, who has one year left on his contract, said he will not report to the team without a new deal. Colbert said the team will follow its long policy of not negotiating a new deal for a player under contract who holds out.
Teammates said Ward's absence through the first week of camp has been a loss for them.
"More than anything, I think some of the rookies are missing out on a lot," fellow receiver
Antwaan Randle El said. "When he's watching them, he'll talk to them about certain routes and certain plays, that kind of thing. That's a big part of it.
"I miss him in terms of, as a ballplayer, he certainly can help our team. He's still part of this team. We need to get him here, some kind of way, that's why I hope it all works out."
Life at training camp without his roommate is quieter for cornerback
Deshea Townsend, but less rewarding.
"That's my alarm clock," Townsend said. "I'm not used to waking up by myself. Most times in the morning when he gets up before me, he says 'Deshea, I'm about to go,' so I go ahead and get up. "We need him here. When you think about the Steelers and how tough we are, you think about Hines Ward."