Sober Up, Jackson's Back
Sober Up, Jackson's Back Steven Jackson, star running back for the St. Louis Rams, agreed in principle with the team to a new contract and will report to training camp Thursday. Jackson had been holding out, refusing to show up for the preseason camp until his current contract was reworked.

The old contract was a five-year deal worth approximately $7 million, and due to expire next after this season. This deal was given Jackson as a first-round draft pick in 2004.

The team had cut off negotiations with Jackson's agent, Eugene Parker, when camp started at the end of July, and had said they would not talk new deal while Jackson held out. However, the team apparently relented in the face of a possible season without
Jackson, by far St.Louis' best offensive player.

Even though Jackson missed four games last year with injuries, he still managed to break the 1,000 yard mark for the third year in a row.

Head coach Scott Linehan said it probably would not take long for Jackson to get back into form and synchronize with the team, as he had worked with new offensive coordinator Al Saunders on the new offense during offseason workouts.

Fan reaction to Jackson will be interesting, as the holdout followed a year of bad Rams losses and Jackson commentary critisizing low fan turnout and support. While boos may be the initial reponse to the star's return, a few long runs or touchdowns might persuade St. Louis Rams supporters to cheer once again.