As the Cincinnati Bengals continue their contract clause dispute with Shemar Stewart, Chris Broussard can’t help but wonder if there’s a larger issue at hand.

Training camps open this week, and Cincinnati’s rookie defensive end isn’t there. After months of negotiation, the Bengals still haven’t been able to sign the 17th overall pick from this year’s NFL Draft.

Stewart wants a fully guaranteed contract, while the Bengals want to maintain the ability to void some of those guarantees. Currently, the Bengals and Stewart remain at a standoff over potential conduct detrimental to the team.

While speaking with the media this week, Bengals owner Mike Brown said, “If we get a player who…does something that is just unacceptable, guess what? I don’t want to pay him. I really don’t. If he’s sitting in jail, I don’t think I ought to be paying him.”

After hearing that explanation, Broussard said Stewart should be “insulted,” noting that the Bengals’ first-round pick has been considered a high-character person and hard-working player.

“I would be insulted if I was Shemar Stewart.” — @Chris_Broussard reacts to Bengals owner Mike Brown’s comments on their 1st round pick pic.twitter.com/ln4ywIecSY

— First Things First (@FTFonFS1) July 22, 2025

“I would be insulted,” Broussard said. “Like, ‘I’m the first one you’re gonna set this with? I’ve done nothing in the past to lead you to think I’m gonna end up in jail. Why are you doing this with me?’ I think it’s ridiculous. Obviously, they’ve had Black players in the past they haven’t done it with. But it sounds some racial stuff.”

Broussard was quick to admit that the contract extensions for Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins in Cincinnati earlier this year would counter any potential allegations of racism. But Broussard still couldn’t help but venture down that path after hearing Brown address the contract dispute with Stewart.

Additionally, this clause is widely considered common in the NFL. 30 other NFL teams reportedly put clauses in player contracts that match the one Cincinnati is attempting to have Stewart sign. The Baltimore Ravens are the only team that doesn’t include the clause in their contracts.

Stewart’s agent, Zac Hiller, has a history of dealing with the Ravens, which is why he might be advising his client against signing the deal. And while the Bengals haven’t used the clause previously, they’re trying to set the precedent. While all signs point to the fact that this isn’t an act of racism by the Bengals, Brown’s statement did little to help the cause.