Steelers' Wallace no shows opening of camp; team expected to suspend negotiation

Also, a line from Mark Kaboly's article that sums up my thoughts on what is actually happening:

Quote :

It’s likely that Wallace will show up by the beginning of the week meaning that his mini-holdout was just to reinforce his displeasure.

http://blog.triblive.com/steel-mill/2012/07/25/wallace-cant-win/#.UBCBBh2EL24.twitter

Quote :

The longer he holds out, the amount of fucks I give if he comes back continues to decrease

Ok, I admit that I just got home from a grueling exam that left me with a major headache and shaky hands, but for some reason this freaking made me laugh my ass off. Go figure.


Seriously, I was really, really trying to give this guy the benefit of the doubt. I am still going to hold off on calling him a self-centered, over-inflated ego, don't give a shit about the team because I am bigger than the team .....type of person. I will still hold out hope that he shows up for training camp.

No one wins a standoff with the Rooneys. No one. IF he doesn't show up for training camp at all...... then screw him and bring on Sanders, Brown, and Cotchery. I've always said we'll do just fine either way.

Well, if he actually holds out through the entirety of camp, then I imagine you won't find many disagreeing with you. However, many believe that won't be the case. Again, the Mark Kaboly quote that I cited above your post reflects what I believe to be going on here. Honestly, he could report as early as Friday, which is the team's first practice. OR, he would report on Monday. Or in two weeks. I do think, if he's paid any attention at all to the things written today (which, now that I write that, in reality he probably didn't), that he has more incentive today to get his ass to camp than he realized yesterday.

Let's also keep in mind, however, how easily production sways opinions. Vincent Jackson and Logan Mankins were pariahs during their holdouts, remember that? How do you think their fans regard them now? As soon as Wallace gets back to catching touchdowns, all (or most) will be forgotten, as is typically the case, regardless of what happens in the next month.

Colbert: Steelers will not talk without Wallace in camp

By Alan Robinson

Mike Wallace is sitting out training camp, but the Steelers are moving on.

General manager Kevin Colbert said Thursday the team won't budge from its long-standing position of not negotiating with a player when he is out of training camp. Wallace, a big-play wide receiver, failed to report when the other 89 players showed up for Wednesday at St. Vincent College.

"Every negotiation is unique, you put best foot forward and hope to reach an agreement, and it takes two parties to reach an agreement," Colbert said. Obviously we're not at that stage and we've chosen to not progress with negotiations at this point."

He added, "That's been the Steelers policy forever."

This situation is unique because it is the first time a Steelers restricted free agent held out before camp began. Now, the Steelers say they will negotiate a long-term deal only if Wallace reports and signs his $2.742 million tender for this season.

"We'll have to address any new negotiations if we get to that point," Colbert said.

Colbert is continuing to talk to Wallace and agent Bus Cook and Steelers negotiator Omar Khan is talking with Cook. Should Wallace sign the tender and report, any new deal that is worked out would circumvent the tender, so his income for this season would not necessarily be limited to that $2.742 million tender.

http://triblive.com/sports/steelers/2279544-85/wallace-colbert-steelers-camp-tender-team-2742-agent-agreement-control?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+tribunereviewsteelers+%28Steelers+Stories%29
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There's no question what needs to be done. Wallace needs to get his ass in camp. He might not even be in Pittsburgh, so it's not a big deal if he doesn't show up today. But he'd better be there by Monday. He's got ZERO leverage. At least with Hines, the Steelers needed him. The Steelers are OK at receiver without Wallace. They're better with him, but they'll be fine without him. Get to camp, Mikey.

Quote :

Mark Kaboly ‏@MarkKaboly_Trib

@wheels1272 @steelersdepot can't trade him unless he signs. But can agree to sign and trade which I have been told the steelers won't do

Quote :

Mark Kaboly ‏@MarkKaboly_Trib

Colbert said that steelers are fine when it comes to cap but might have to re-work some things if Wallace signs.

Quote :

Mark Kaboly ‏@MarkKaboly_Trib

Colbert said they will use the three $500K cap breaks this year.

Quote :

Mark Kaboly ‏@MarkKaboly_Trib

@ThePittsburgher -- I believe he will be here Monday and on the field Tuesday still without a long-term deal ... but that's just me

Quote :

Ed Bouchette ‏@EdBouchette

#steelers GM Colbert confirms talks off with Wallace until he ends holdout. Plus, last offer no longer on table

Mike Wallace contract offers pulled, Steelers GM says

By Dan Hanzus

The Pittsburgh Steelers aren't messing around with wide receiver Mike Wallace.

General manager Kevin Colbert confirmed Thursday the Steelers will not progress with contract negotiations until Wallace signs his $2.7 million first-round tender and reports to training camp.
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Additionally, the team has pulled any prior offers its made to Wallace.

"I think once we made that decision we're in a different mode and we would have to address any new negotiation if we get to that point," Colbert said, via Scout.com.

The message is clear: You want a new deal? Get in the building. Only then does the conversation continue. Since Wallace isn't under contract, he can't be fined for missing time. And, unlike the case with players under the franchise tag, there's no deadline to negotiate a long-term pact.

The Steelers still have the right to slash Wallace's tender at this point, but it appears they've drawn the line there.

"We never planned on using the tender or reducing the tender as leverage," Colbert said. "I think that just shows what you think about the player, and it gives you a launching point for a long-term deal. But again we weren't able to conclude that, so we move on."

READ MORES: http://burgh.us/f6j
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I might be reading the situation wrong, but it seems to me that the Steelers and Wallace weren't on the same page as to where they were in the negotiations. It seems as if the Steelers are feeling betrayed right now. The ball is in Wallace's court, he has no leverage, and the Steelers won't budge ... so there's only one way out of this. Show up, Mikey.

I posted a Tweet from Kaboly about the cap credits. Obviously, those will come into play if they're going to sign Wallace.

Quote :

Steelers Depot ‏@Steelersdepot

Remember those (3) $500K vet cap credits I've been talking about? Colbert said today they will use them. Means $1.5 million xrta cap room

it's time to change your name and signature pic to Brown108

fer69 wrote:

it's time to change your name and signature pic to Brown108

Hush, or the next time you log in, you'll have a Wallace avatar.

"PAY THE MAN!"

Snoop Dogg has spoken.

http://www.nfl.com/videos/auto/09000d5d82ad5256/Snoop-Dogg-on-Mike-Wallace-Pay-the-Man

Wallace108 wrote:

fer69 wrote:

it's time to change your name and signature pic to Brown108

Hush, or the next time you log in, you'll have a Wallace avatar.

Don't you dare touch my girl,she's worth a lot of money

Wallace108 wrote:

"PAY THE MAN!"

Snoop Dogg has spoken.

http://www.nfl.com/videos/auto/09000d5d82ad5256/Snoop-Dogg-on-Mike-Wallace-Pay-the-Man

Oh good, Snoop Dog has chimed in to save the day. This ought to show those clueless Rooneys how to operate a successful professional sports franchise.

Last night I watched the Steeler vs. Pats* game from October 2011.

I've somewhat changed my mind about Wallace. I'm leaning towards we really do need him. I say this because clearly the teams are afraid of his speed and since they double cover him, it leaves Brown, Sanders, Cotch, and Miller open. Now I'm really going to be pissed off if he doesn't get locked up.

I also have to say that as much as we have bashed Arians, his plan for that particular game was genius.

http://espn.go.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/60650/mike-wallace-holdout-day-3-update


Mike Wallace holdout: Day 3 update

July, 27, 2012

Another twist surfaced as Mike Wallace's holdout nears a third day: the Steelers wide receiver is reportedly the one calling the shots.

Sources told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that it was Wallace's idea to hold out of training camp and not his agent, Bus Cook. According to the paper, this has led the Steelers to take a different approach with their No. 1 wide receiver.

Wallace Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert confirmed that the team has stopped negotiations with Wallace on a long-term deal and its last offer is now off the table.

I still think a deal can get done between Wallace and the Steelers before the start of the regular season, but this recent downward spiral in negotiations has certainly created some doubt that this will be resolved quickly. This has become a high-priced game of chicken, in which one side is going to have to back down. Right now, it doesn't look like the Steelers are going to give an inch until Wallace signs his $2.7 million tender.

"Him not being here, really we have to focus on what we can control because we can't control that," Colbert said. "Again, every negotiation is unique, you put your best foot forward. If it's not suitable for both parties, you have to adjust, and we're really in adjust-move-forward-mode right now."

Both sides made their best power plays this week. Because no team showed any interest in him in restricted free agency, Wallace's only move to gain any sort of leverage was holding out. Because the Steelers can't discipline or fine Wallace (he isn't under contract until he signs his tender), the team's only move to force him to report was to suspend talks.

According to Colbert, the Steelers will answer the phone from his agent, but they won't be making any calls to him. It looks like the only way this stalemate will end is if Wallace shows up at St. Vincent College.

"Yeah, we have to move on," Colbert said. "We have to prepare with the 89 guys who are here. You have to, you can't focus on who isn't here because you lose track of what you're supposed to be doing.




Hey Wally ----- you need to get involved in this and knock some sense into your clients head!

Gingerchip wrote:

Last night I watched the Steeler vs. Pats** game from October 2011.

I've somewhat changed my mind about Wallace. I'm leaning towards we really do need him. I say this because clearly the teams are afraid of his speed and since they double cover him, it leaves Brown, Sanders, Cotch, and Miller open. Now I'm really going to be pissed off if he doesn't get locked up.

I also have to say that as much as we have bashed Arians, his plan for that particular game was genius.

agreed, he and lebeau called a great game

Gingerchip wrote:

I've somewhat changed my mind about Wallace. I'm leaning towards we really do need him. I say this because clearly the teams are afraid of his speed and since they double cover him, it leaves Brown, Sanders, Cotch, and Miller open. Now I'm really going to be pissed off if he doesn't get locked up.

This is exactly what I've been arguing for quite a while. Not to take anything away from Brown ... he's a great, young receiver and is going to be a force ... but he definitely benefited from having Wallace on the other side. Defenses were focusing on Wallace. Not only was Wallace going up against teams' No. 1 CBs, but he also was attracting double teams. Even if Wallace wasn't getting the ball, he was getting all the attention, which opened up running room for Brown. If Wallace isn't there, all that attention will shift to Brown. That's why I don't buy into the thinking that we don't need Wallace because Brown is just so awesome. Everyone is talking about Brown like he's the next Ward or Stallworth. Let's wait and see what he does when he has a target on his back. Wallace had that target on his back, and he was damn good until Ben got hurt, couldn't get him the ball downfield, and started looking more for Brown underneath. Here's something to consider ... Wallace didn't play much his rookie season, so he has only two full seasons of experience. He's already a pro-bowl receiver and is only going to get better.

Gingerchip wrote:

I also have to say that as much as we have bashed Arians, his plan for that particular game was genius.

Yep, he strayed from his normal game plan against the Patriots** and Titans. Our offense kicked ass in both those games. It makes you wonder why he didn't use that kind of game plan more often. And that's one reason why a lot of us hated Arians.

Gingerchip wrote:

Hey Wally ----- you need to get involved in this and knock some sense into your clients head!

Further proof that NO ONE listens to anything I say.

Wallace108 wrote:

Defenses were focusing on Wallace. Not only was Wallace going up against teams' No. 1 CBs, but he also was attracting double teams. Even if Wallace wasn't getting the ball, he was getting all the attention, which opened up running room for Brown. If Wallace isn't there, all that attention will shift to Brown. That's why I don't buy into the thinking that we don't need Wallace because Brown is just so awesome. Everyone is talking about Brown like he's the next Ward or Stallworth. Let's wait and see what he does when he has a target on his back.

I agree Wallace drew a lot of attention for his speed, but Brown definitely showed some serious skills and guts. If Wallace holds out long-term or isn't with the team in some fashion, I think defenses will key in on Brown next. This could have the potential to then spring Sanders and/or Cotchery into the offensive mix big time. I have faith that these 3 guys will produce big results regardless if Wallace is there or not. Don't get me wrong, I'd prefer Wallace were there, but my patience is growing very thin now. He'd better ice his large head down a bit and reduce the swelling for his own good.

Buddha Bus wrote:

Wallace108 wrote:

Defenses were focusing on Wallace. Not only was Wallace going up against teams' No. 1 CBs, but he also was attracting double teams. Even if Wallace wasn't getting the ball, he was getting all the attention, which opened up running room for Brown. If Wallace isn't there, all that attention will shift to Brown. That's why I don't buy into the thinking that we don't need Wallace because Brown is just so awesome. Everyone is talking about Brown like he's the next Ward or Stallworth. Let's wait and see what he does when he has a target on his back.

I agree Wallace drew a lot of attention for his speed, but Brown definitely showed some serious skills and guts. If Wallace holds out long-term or isn't with the team in some fashion, I think defenses will key in on Brown next. This could have the potential to then spring Sanders and/or Cotchery into the offensive mix big time. I have faith that these 3 guys will produce big results regardless if Wallace is there or not. Don't get me wrong, I'd prefer Wallace were there, but my patience is growing very thin now. He'd better ice his large head down a bit and reduce the swelling for his own good.

Yeah, I'm not saying I don't have faith in the other receivers. I do. But I think a lot of fans are putting too much faith in Brown right now, and that's why they're so eager to kick Wallace to the curb. But games aren't won on faith. I WANT Brown to be a beast and the next great receiver, but there's no guarantee he will be. We're judging him on half a season of play. I'm not ready to put him in the Hall of Fame just yet.

Wallace108 wrote:

Buddha Bus wrote:

Wallace108 wrote:

Defenses were focusing on Wallace. Not only was Wallace going up against teams' No. 1 CBs, but he also was attracting double teams. Even if Wallace wasn't getting the ball, he was getting all the attention, which opened up running room for Brown. If Wallace isn't there, all that attention will shift to Brown. That's why I don't buy into the thinking that we don't need Wallace because Brown is just so awesome. Everyone is talking about Brown like he's the next Ward or Stallworth. Let's wait and see what he does when he has a target on his back.

I agree Wallace drew a lot of attention for his speed, but Brown definitely showed some serious skills and guts. If Wallace holds out long-term or isn't with the team in some fashion, I think defenses will key in on Brown next. This could have the potential to then spring Sanders and/or Cotchery into the offensive mix big time. I have faith that these 3 guys will produce big results regardless if Wallace is there or not. Don't get me wrong, I'd prefer Wallace were there, but my patience is growing very thin now. He'd better ice his large head down a bit and reduce the swelling for his own good.

Yeah, I'm not saying I don't have faith in the other receivers. I do. But games aren't won on faith. I WANT Brown to be a beast and the next great receiver, but there's no guarantee he will be. We're judging him on half a season of play. I'm not ready to put him in the Hall of Fame just yet.

I didn't ever say anything about the Hall of Fame, just that he's shown he can be a great and reliable receiving threat. I just happen to believe he can do it even without Wallace. I certainly wouldn't be bronzing a bust of Wallace just yet either since he has yet to show up in a big time game yet. I see no difference in my expectations of Brown and the perceived greatness and feeling that Wallace isn't expendable at any cost that some feel. They are both only opinions based on how a person feels about a certain player.

Buddha Bus wrote:

Wallace108 wrote:

Buddha Bus wrote:

Wallace108 wrote:

Defenses were focusing on Wallace. Not only was Wallace going up against teams' No. 1 CBs, but he also was attracting double teams. Even if Wallace wasn't getting the ball, he was getting all the attention, which opened up running room for Brown. If Wallace isn't there, all that attention will shift to Brown. That's why I don't buy into the thinking that we don't need Wallace because Brown is just so awesome. Everyone is talking about Brown like he's the next Ward or Stallworth. Let's wait and see what he does when he has a target on his back.

I agree Wallace drew a lot of attention for his speed, but Brown definitely showed some serious skills and guts. If Wallace holds out long-term or isn't with the team in some fashion, I think defenses will key in on Brown next. This could have the potential to then spring Sanders and/or Cotchery into the offensive mix big time. I have faith that these 3 guys will produce big results regardless if Wallace is there or not. Don't get me wrong, I'd prefer Wallace were there, but my patience is growing very thin now. He'd better ice his large head down a bit and reduce the swelling for his own good.

Yeah, I'm not saying I don't have faith in the other receivers. I do. But games aren't won on faith. I WANT Brown to be a beast and the next great receiver, but there's no guarantee he will be. We're judging him on half a season of play. I'm not ready to put him in the Hall of Fame just yet.

I didn't ever say anything about the Hall of Fame, just that he's shown he can be a great and reliable receiving threat. I just happen to believe he can do it even without Wallace. I certainly wouldn't be bronzing a bust of Wallace just yet either since he has yet to show up in a big time game yet. I see no difference in my expectations of Brown and the perceived greatness and feeling that Wallace isn't expendable at any cost that some feel. They are both only opinions based on how a person feels about a certain player.

No, I wasn't directing that at you. I was referring to the general thinking among a lot of fans that we don't need Wallace because we've got Brown. I know you're not in the "kick Wallace to the curb" camp.

Wallace108 wrote:

I know you're not in the "kick Wallace to the curb" camp.

Not yet, anyway.