Maurice Jones-Drew Holdout: Khan Says "No" To New Deal

As the players get set to report to camp tomorrow, it appears almost a certainty that Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew will be true to his stance taken in the off-season, and not report on time with the team.

The possibility of a holdout by the leagues reigning rushing champion, became more of a reality today, when Jaguars owner Shad Khan told the Florida Times-Union's Vito Stellino, that the team will not give the extension Jones-Drew is seeking.

In the interview, Khan tells Stellino, "There's no decision here....It''s his choice. There's been very little for us to do rather than wait on whatever he might chose to do.".

When asked if a decision has already been made on the contract demands, Khan went on to say, "There's more than 50 players under contract. There are other people under contract in management, coaches. Does that mean if you do it for one, you do it for everybody? Where do you draw the line?''.

It's pretty clear both sides are dug in on their stance. Jones-Drew will likely use this as an opportunity to skip the wear and tear of training camp and the pre-season, while making sure the team hears him loud and clear. While I don't doubt Jones-Drew can come in and immediately be effective, despite a new system, this holdout will only continue to cast a cloud over what should be a renewed sense of excitement as camp and the 2012 season begins.