Show Hines the Money

I went away for a week, and nothing happened: Hines Ward is still holding out.

There are a fair number of Pittsburghers and Steeler fans (the latter being a superset of the former) and even Steelers themselves who are simply anxious to get this over with. But sometimes, a little confrontation is good for the soul. I'm with Hines all the way. In practical terms, pro football contracts are year-to-year arrangements. Hines has played his way to the top, and he's being paid way below market. He's due. Smash mouth football works on the field, but not at the negotiating table. Give Hines a deal.

Is he being greedy? Stubborn? No more so than the Rooney family. If the Steelers negotiate with Hines today, they can sign him to a long-term deal. He wouldn't dare hold out again -- he has too much class for that. If the worst happens and Hines sits for a full year, he may be willing to stay in Pittsburgh, but don't count on it. Would you play for a team that treated you this way? Even if he were, would the Steelers be willing to pay full market value? Put principle aside. Where's Monty Hall?