Woodley says he won’t skip out on camp over contract

It sounds like despite the recent reports that it’s going to be next to impossible for the Steelers to get something done easily with LB LaMarr Woodely, the linebacker says that he won’t be using that as an excuse to skip out on any workouts or practices once training camp starts:

Pro Bowl linebacker LaMarr Woodley said his contract situation won’t cause him to skip any offseason practices or hold out when training camp starts at the end of July. “Things that you can’t control you don’t worry about,” Woodley said Tuesday following practice. Woodley, whose 13 1/2 sacks last season were tied for third in the NFL, is heading into the final year of his contract. The Steelers traditionally sign key players such as Woodley to long-term extensions before they get to the final year of their contract – and they still have time because their policy is to negotiate until the start of the regular season. The uncertain labor situation, however, could complicate contract negotiations for the Steelers and other NFL teams. The collective bargaining agreement expires at the end of this season, and the owners could lock out the players if a new deal isn’t forged before next March. Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said he is not worried about Woodley’s contract situation becoming a distraction. “One of the attractive things about LaMarr Woodley is he is a football-first guy,” Tomlin said. “He’s committed to working for 2010, and that’s our mentality. Like a lot of things, those (contract) questions will be answered in time.”