Linebacker Chad Greenway raised more questions than anything on Thursday during an interview on KFAN Radio when he would not explain why he did not take part in the Vikings' three-day minicamp.

Greenway said his issue wasn't injury or contract related, which in reality would be the only two reasons he would be present for the camp (he was) yet fail to take participate. Some of the speculation centered on the fact Greenway is entering the last year of his rookie contract and possibly wasn't happy because there have been no known talks of an extension.

Greenway declined in a text message exchange with the Star Tribune to discuss his contract situation and his agent, Marvin Demoff, has not returned calls or e-mails. However, the veteran did touch on the topic with the Sioux Falls Argus Leader while back in his home state to attend the Legends Sports Classic.

"There's nothing [contract] related at all," said Greenway, who will make just more than $3 million this season. "There is no contract issue at all. Coach [Brad] Childress gave me some time off for the minicamp, and that's really all that matters."

Part of the issue for Greenway is the fact the NFL's labor contract with its players association is set to expire after the 2010 season and at this point there has been little to no movement on an extension that would help set the ground rules for future negotiations on individual player deals. The uncertainty means many teams have not given extensions to players this offseason.

"With the scope of where the NFL is right now, with a looming lockout and things uncertain, as a player I think you have to be open-minded about what's going to happen," Greenway told the Argus Leader. "Of course you'd like to have your long-term future under control and in the bag. But at the same time it's a business. I signed a five-year contract, and I'm going to play it out to the best of my ability. The Vikings have been very good to me."