Pittsburgh Steelers QB Big Ben backs breakthrough in WR Mike Wallace deal talks – NFL News
Pittsburgh Steelers’ quarterback Ben Roethlisberger says he is in regular contact with the troubled wide receiver Mike Wallace, who is on a holdout due to the compelling long-term deal demand, and also talked to the Steelers’ managers hoping to encourage
a breakthrough in the talks between the stakeholders on the deal matter.
Ben said he has told the Steelers’ president Art Rooney II that he would travel to Louisiana to talk to the receiver and encourage him to show up at training camp.
He told Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:
"I've tried to be proactive and talk to Mike. I just want to encourage him, let him know we love him, he's a great teammate, he's a great friend.”
The QB added:
"We just want him to get here as soon as he can. Obviously, this is a business and he has to do what's best for him. I don't know what's going on or what's offered. But I just want Mike to be happy and I want him to be here because he's a great asset to
the team."
A talk has recently been initiated between the two parties to discuss the deal matter but the Steelers pulled out of the process after the player did not show up at training camp.
Coach Mike Tomlin said it was down to the player's choice and by choosing to skip the camp he has hurt the chances of getting fresh contract from the team.
Mike insisted that the receiver should end the protest and join them at the camp to help restart the negotiations process. He sounded to be firm that the Steelers are unlikely to return to the table otherwise.
Wallace has missed the entire offseason programme of the team in protest of his deal demand.
It started right from the assigning of $2.742 million restricted free tag to him. He stayed out of the three-day minicamp in spite of facing a fine up to $60,000. The coach, who had the authority to impose the fine, did not exercise it, probably in hopes
that the WR would show up at training camp unconditionally. This is yet to happen, though.
Tags: