LATROBE, Pa. – One of the tests of every NFL training camp is finding a way to deal with the highs and lows, and the Steelers were exposed to both ends of that spectrum within a 30-minute span Sunday evening. During that time, one news conference was held to announce the signing of No. 1 pick Heath Miller; shortly after, in the same room, another media briefing delivered more somber news concerning the status of Hines Ward.

As of Sunday’s 6 p.m. deadline, 85 Steelers players had reported to St. Vincent College for the start of this training camp, but Ward was not among them. The four-time Pro Bowl receiver who has one year remaining on a contract he signed in 2001 had said earlier in the week that he would not report to training camp unless an extension was worked out with the team, and when it wasn’t he didn’t.

"Obviously we have been in contract discussions with Hines and his representatives for an extension," said Director of Football Operations Kevin Colbert. "Unfortunately we weren’t able to come to an agreement and he has chosen not to be here at this time. We’ve had discussions as late as today, and we’ve had discussions periodically since February, and this is where it is. The player is not here, and until you have an agreement I don’t think (you can say) there’s been significant progress."

Throughout the day, Ward’s teammates expressed support for his situation, they said they understand the business aspect of professional football, and they said they hoped for a quick resolution to the stalemate. But in answer to a question, Colbert said there will be no more negotiations with Ward holding out while under contract.

"It’s always been the policy of this organization that there will be no negotiations while a player who is under contract is not in camp," said Colbert.

When asked if the next move belonged to Ward and his representatives – Eugene Parker and Roosevelt Barnes – Colbert said, "Again the policy always has been if a player is under contract, he has to be in camp for any negotiations to go forward. There’s always give-and-take in negotiations, but without the player present there won’t be any exchange."

Colbert said that any decision to fine Ward for missing days of training camp would belong to Coach Bill Cowher.

Earlier in the day, team president Art Rooney II officially welcomed Miller to the Steelers and congratulated him for graduating from the University of Virginia during the offseason. The Steelers announced the signings of Miller, No. 2 pick Bryant McFadden and No. 3 pick Trai Essex on Sunday, and getting those three deals done meant the Steelers had all of their rookies in camp before the reporting deadline.

"I think you have to start giving the player the credit for that," said Rooney about why Miller’s deal got done. "Usually it’s the player who has to push his representative to get things done on time. It’s indicative of Heath’s commitment to being here on time."

Colbert wouldn’t elaborate on the specifics for the impasse in the negotiations with Ward and his agents, but Ward himself has said it’s about the amount of guaranteed money in the proposed contract extension. Reports have indicated the Steelers were willing to make Ward the highest-paid player in franchise history, with a signing bonus also at a level of the highest in franchise history. Those same reports have Ward looking to be paid on a level of the top receivers in the NFL.

"We’re aware of what goes on around the league, and we’re sensitive, even though we don’t like to use the term, market, we understand what players are being compensated," said Colbert. "And we try to be as fair as we can within our own constraints, because we have to make the best decisions, not only for that player, but for our team as well. These are things that have to be worked out over time. We’re aware of it, and we try to make it the best we can for the player. Hopefully, we can get to that point where the player will be satisfied. We’re sensitive to what goes on around the league, but we also have to be sensitive to what’s best for our team in the long run."

And now, the Steelers will go about the business of conducting their training camp without Ward, for now.

"I don’t know if I would determine it a distraction, because I don’t think it’ll be talked about from this point forward, until something changes," said Colbert. "But in our minds there’s nothing to discuss beyond what we’ve already discussed. If the player was in camp, we hopefully would continue the negotiations. But unfortunately, he’s not."

Camp officially gets underway on Monday afternoon when the team holds its annual conditioning test, which is slated to begin at 2 p.m. The run test is closed to the public. The first open practice for the general public is set for Tuesday at 3 p.m.