<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>Saints' top pick Bush wants to avoid holdoutESPN.com news servicesMETAIRIE, La. -- New Orleans Saints rookie running back Reggie Bush says he wants to avoid a contract holdout at all costs."I told my agent I want to be in here in camp on time ... whatever it takes, I want to be in camp on time," the No. 2 overall draft pick out of Southern California told USA Today at the team's mini-camp on Saturday. "I think it is important to start off on a good foot and a good note, not only with the team but the city."Saints general manager Mickey Loomis said negotiations are in the early stages with Bush, the newspaper reported in Monday's editions."We're encouraged he feels that way, but we haven't really started talking," Loomis said.Bush's strained left hamstring limited his involvement in the team's rookie mini-camp for the second consecutive day Sunday.Bush stood on the side and watched as others went through two practices, referring to a list of plays he carried in his hand and riding a stationary bike at times.The Heisman Trophy winner and second pick in last month's NFL draft felt tightness in the hamstring as he stretched prior to the team's first workout Saturday and worked in just a few drills in the first practice. He said after Saturday's late workout that he hoped to practice Sunday, pending approval of the coaching and medical staffs, which never came."I think not just me but collectively the coaches and training staff thought, just give it a rest, get it to 100 percent before you come out here," Bush said. "Obviously I'd love to be on the practice field and practicing, so it's frustrating right now. But it's still early, too."Bush stayed involved mentally by following the play sheet."I was still able to follow along and learn the plays," he said. "It didn't feel worse, but it's just not 100 percent. There's no reason to push it and risk any further injury if it's not 100 percent."Coach Sean Payton said it was important that Bush learn as much as he can even when he's not participating in drills."He needs to get up to speed with what we're doing," Payton said.</div> http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2445011
Smart guy. He might have a chance to start and not have to worry about McAllister taking his spot because he holds out. Most rookies that hold out ride the bench a year or two longer than there suppose to.
