Eddie Lacy Weight Contract
Coming off losing their bruising running back Marshawn Lynch, the Seattle Seahawks were looking to replace him with the most physical back they could get in free agency. Eddie Lacy fit the mold but in the last few years of his time in Green Bay his weight had become an issue. Seattle signed him to a one year fully guaranteed contract but added weight clauses that if he hit certain weights, $55k more at each weigh in. It would be little easier for all of us on diets if those were the stakes we were playing for.
Interesting to look at other weight clauses in player contracts such as Jared Sullinger and Glen “Big Baby” Davis.
Rick DiPietro
The amount of money on his contract was not absurd but the length given to Rick in only his 2nd year in the NHL was the unique part of his contract. In 2006, Rick DiPietro signed a 15 year contract with the NY Islanders. This is unique because it set a market and many other NHL contracts exceeding the average length in other leagues were singed. This trend did not continue as clubs started to see guaranteeing money that far in advance is not a good idea with the amount of injuries possible.
Bobby Bonilla Day
The Mets acquired Bobby Bonilla to play for a second stint in the late 1990’s. His performance was not up to par still and with 1 season and $5.9 million still owed to him, they bought him out. Now this was a unique buyout as with most player, they will get either the whole amount or a agreed upon lump sum payment. Bonilla and his agent offered the Mets a deal: Bonilla would defer payment for a decade, and the Mets would pay him an annual paycheck of $1.19 million starting in 2011 and ending in 2035, adding up to a total payout of $29.8 million.
Interesting note, Mets owner was highly leveraged with Bernie Madoff’s Ponnzi Scheme and the differed of payment really made a difference to him at the time. Unfortunately, he got taken advantage of both times.
“For the Love of the Game” Clause
Most athletes will have clauses in their contracts prohibiting dangerous activities that would put their health in danger. And in most contract, teams will also not allow players to participate in non sanctioned playing of their sports, as it could lead to them missing time from the team with injury.
Michael Jordan made sure his contract with the Bulls included a “for the love of the game” clause that allowed him to play basketball whenever, where ever. This was a great look for him, the Bulls, and the NBA. It really added to the popularity of the game in the late 80’s/ early 90’s.
Let us know your thoughts on this list. We see these contracts as ones that have help shaped the leagues and player’s rights. No contract is perfect but if something matters enough, and you have leverage. You can make a deal.
