Bengals’ first-round pick calls out team’s front office

The Cincinnati Bengals are at odds with their first-round draft pick before he has even played a game for the team.

No. 17 overall pick Shemar Stewart is with the Bengals during their mandatory minicamp, but is refusing to practice due to a contract standoff. According to Kelsey Conway of the Cincinnati Enquirer, the Bengals are trying to insert language in Stewart’s rookie contract that could allow the team to void future guarantees.

On Tuesday, Stewart spoke to the media about the dispute. He accused the Bengals’ front office of wanting to “win arguments” instead of winning games, and claimed that he has the backing of the team’s stars in his standoff.

“I’m 100 percent right. I’m not asking for nothing y’all have never done before. But in y’all case, y’all just want to win arguments (more) than winning more games,” Stewart said of the team’s front office.