The No. 17 overall pick said he won’t practice until he signs his contract but has been present for each practice. A source with knowledge of the situation confirmed to The Enquirer that the reason for Stewart’s absence on the final day of minicamp was to not be a distraction to his teammates.

Shemar Stewart is refusing to practice until the Bengals remove uncharacteristic language from his rookie contract, and says his teammates support this decision.

First-round pick Shemar Stewart has left the team’s mandatory minicamp since the sides have not come to an agreement on the particulars of his deal, according to ESPN. The Bengals want to establish a “new precedent” with rookie contracts that allows the franchise to void future guarantees,