Jon Beason wants nothing more than to put on his pads and sweat through two-a-day practices in 90-degree heat.
Instead, the Carolina Panthers’ first-round pick is working out on his own, worried about how much he’s falling behind as his holdout continues.
By MIKE CRANSTON
AP Sports Writer
SPARTANBURG, S.C. (AP) – Jon Beason wants nothing more than to put on his pads and sweat through two-a-day practices in 90-degree heat.
Instead, the Carolina Panthers’ first-round pick is working out on his own, worried about how much he’s falling behind as his holdout continues.
“It’s been real hard,” Beason told The Associated Press Monday in his first interview since the holdout began. “I’ve been talking to some of the rookies and the veterans on the team, telling them how bad I want to be there and I want to know what’s going on.
“Obviously now it’s a job, but I’ve been playing football since I was a little kid and I just love the game. Nothing would make me happier now than practicing in that heat of Spartanburg.”
Instead, the linebacker is working out on his own in Jacksonville, Fla., trying to keep in shape and stay mentally sharp. He said he may ask for a playbook soon so he can study the defense and plans to try to get tips from teammates.
Beason is the lowest first-round pick still unsigned. His agent, Michael Huyghue, said they are at an impasse in negotiations in a dispute over when money will be paid. And Beason emphasized the dispute isn’t over the total financial package but over the structure of the contract.
A lengthy holdout is possible.
“I think coming in as rookie you’re already at a tremendous disadvantage,” Beason said. “I just want to come in. I don’t want to make mistakes. Not having time to prepare is preparing to fail. I just want to get in as soon as possible, get the playbook and just try to compete.”
Beason said he never expected to be a holdout. When he and his agent flew to Charlotte last Thursday for face-to-face negotiations, Beason expected he would sign a deal and go to Wofford College the next day.
Instead, Beason wasn’t there players checked into their dorms Friday. He missed his third straight day of practice Monday.
“That’s my biggest concern, falling behind,” he said.
Beason said he’s been getting support from many of the veterans, who have shied away from criticizing him.
“We’ll get him when he takes care of the business side of it,” defensive tackle Maake Kemoeatu said. “He’ll just roll in and he won’t even miss a step. He’s a first-round pick and we expect some big things out of him.”
Still, Beason knows he’s hurting himself and the team while alienating fans.
“Carolina is my home. I bought a house there,” Beason said. “Going into the draft, that was the No. 1 place I wanted to go and play football. Me being there is a great situation.
“I love the city. I love the fans. I definitely wouldn’t want them to think that money was the issue at all.”