The Cincinnati Bengals are insisting on including a clause in the contract of rookie first-round pick Shemar Stewart that could void his deal under certain circumstances.

It is the strongest accusation. It is the worst fear.

What if your team isn’t really trying to win?

The Cincinnati Bengals are insisting on including a clause in the contract of rookie first-round pick Shemar Stewart that could void his deal under certain circumstances.

There is not much precedent for this, as we understand it … and as Stewart understands it.

So his holdout, as he has been skipping the practice portion of organized team activities (OTAs) and, now, minicamp.

Oh, and he’s not quiet about what he thinks is wrong.

“I’m 100 percent right,” Stewart said of his stand. “I’m not asking for nothing y’all (the B Bengals) have never done before. But in y’all case, y’all just want to win an argument instead of winning more games.”

Oh my.

The Bengals can argue that they have earned the benefit of the doubt against n accusation that they are not prioritizing “winning more games” by noting their recent monster signings of receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.

Or … the organization can get ripped for now taking care of superstar edge rusher Trey Hendrickson, who is holding out from mandatory minicamp.

Said Stewart: “In Trey’s case, I think it should be a no-brainer, too. He had 17.5 sacks for two years back-to-back. If I was the GM or I was the owner, take all my money. But I guess they don’t operate like that.”

The Bengals just invested the 17th pick of the NFL Draft in Stewart. Why the sudden lack of faith? Why even allow the perception – a well-established one over the years in Cincy – of an ownership looking to pinch pennies?

“Something very simple to fix,” Stewart admitted. “It’s kind of disappointing.”

Stewart pledges that he’s working out in anticipation of a done deal.

“I’m always ready to go,” Stewart said. “I’ve been staying ready to go. It’s my job now, I have no choice but to be ready to go.”