8 minutes ago, Voice of Reason said:

I didn't have a problem with his comments. I don't like this.

I am with Shemar here and I think we are on the same page?

I'm no expert on contracts, and I don't know if the issue lies in the language regarding injuries and/or conduct.  I do know it's not a good look for the organization.  That said, the team holds the cards in this case, similar to Hendrickson.  Stewart will lose not only this year's money but will likely be drafted much lower next year.  At the end of the day, is your pride worth $20M?

The entire situation is strange. Starting off with speculation by some that the Bengals drafted Shemar in a way to leverage Hendrickson contract. Then there was talking about how unproven Shemar is based on his college stats, so did the Bengals take a 1st round risk on a guy that they're not sure is worthy of 1st round money?  It's just a strange situation. I get why Shemar wants a solid 1st round contract. If he doesn't pan out it could be his only contract. 

Is it true Shemar could sit out the whole season and enter the draft next year with only one stipulation being the Bengals can't draft him again?

1 hour ago, theguru said:

Is it true Shemar could sit out the whole season and enter the draft next year with only one stipulation being the Bengals can't draft him again?

Yup Bengals front office should be fired.

Mixed feelings here:

On the non-NFL business side, aren’t “without-cause” clauses almost standard in all business employment contracts?  The specifics are generally defined and include morals, felonies, and actions that in general would result in reputational damage to the employer (obviously not an attorney, but hopefully you get the idea).  Seems the Bengals are pushing to include this type of language to guarantee future contract payments.

Does this mean the Bengals have some concern over Stewart’s’ past conduct and they feel strong enough about it to take this line in the sand position?  Or, as he says they seem to just want to win arguments?  With the slotted rookie cash flows standardized, why isn’t the entire contract terms standardized as well?

On 6/12/2025 at 5:41 PM, sportsfan41 said:

The entire situation is strange. Starting off with speculation by some that the Bengals drafted Shemar in a way to leverage Hendrickson contract. Then there was talking about how unproven Shemar is based on his college stats, so did the Bengals take a 1st round risk on a guy that they're not sure is worthy of 1st round money?  It's just a strange situation. I get why Shemar wants a solid 1st round contract. If he doesn't pan out it could be his only contract. 

The Bengals didn't reach on Stewart. He was projected around  the 15-20 area in the mock drafts. Size and athleticism, he was in the top 2 or 3 at his position. True on low production but top of the list in every other way.

On 6/13/2025 at 11:23 PM, Voice of Reason said:

The Bengals didn't reach on Stewart. He was projected around  the 15-20 area in the mock drafts. Size and athleticism, he was in the top 2 or 3 at his position. True on low production but top of the list in every other way.

My ever enlarging gut tells me this contract dispute is about off field behavior and not about on field performance.  Probably ought to call it the “Joe Mixon clause” or the “Pac-Man Jones” clause honoring language the Bengals wished they had.

56 minutes ago, Oldercoach said:

My ever enlarging gut tells me this contract dispute is about off field behavior and not about on field performance.  Probably ought to call it the “Joe Mixon clause” or the “Pac-Man Jones” clause honoring language the Bengals wished they had.

I haven't heard one word about any behavior concerns with Shermar.

13 hours ago, Voice of Reason said:

I haven't heard one word about any behavior concerns with Shermar.

I have not either.  That’s why this “line in the sand” position the Bengals are taking is somewhat  surprising.  Why Shemar?  And, why this year’s #1 draftee’s contract?

ESPN reports the Bengals and Hendrickson are talking again.  Hopefully the stalemate ends this time.

22 hours ago, Oldercoach said:

ESPN reports the Bengals and Hendrickson are talking again.  Hopefully the stalemate ends this time.

7 hours ago, theguru said:

30, 31, 28, 28, 28, 27, 31, 29, 28, 30

On 6/15/2025 at 6:31 AM, Oldercoach said:

My ever enlarging gut tells me this contract dispute is about off field behavior and not about on field performance.  Probably ought to call it the “Joe Mixon clause” or the “Pac-Man Jones” clause honoring language the Bengals wished they had.

Might even call it the “ Shadeur Sanders Clause”.