It's definitely tough being a Detroit Lions fan right now, no question. Your team is winless, a complete mess on defense, and there doesn't appear to be any help on the way. But at least look on the bright side. Matt Millen is gone and, as an extra bonus, you'll now actually be getting some of the money back that Millen wasted over the years. Well, in theory.
You may remember uber-draft bust/drug addict Charles Rogers, who was drafted by the Lions second overall in the 2003 NFL Draft - despite the fact that every year that he was at Michigan State he failed a drug test. Three years later, he was out of the NFL for - surprise - failing multiple drug tests. Rogers was by far Millen's stupidest draft pick.
However, on the plus side, he now owes the Lions a lot of money.
It took nearly three years to get settled, but the Detroit Lions ultimately won their grievance against former receiver Charles Rogers.
Lions chief operating officer Tom Lewand confirmed that than arbitrator ruled in the team's favor and Rogers must repay the Lions about $8.5 million.
Rogers was the second overall pick by Detroit in the 2003 draft and signed a six-year contract that included $14.2 million in bonus money.
When he was suspended by the NFL for substance abuse in 2005 -- his third strike under the league's policy -- the Lions argued that he triggered a clause that put him in default of his contract.
Lions chief operating officer Tom Lewand confirmed that than arbitrator ruled in the team's favor and Rogers must repay the Lions about $8.5 million.
Rogers was the second overall pick by Detroit in the 2003 draft and signed a six-year contract that included $14.2 million in bonus money.
When he was suspended by the NFL for substance abuse in 2005 -- his third strike under the league's policy -- the Lions argued that he triggered a clause that put him in default of his contract.
Now, you're probably wondering, does Charles Rogers even have $8.5 million sitting around somewhere? That's a good question. Well, according to Shutdown Corner, the Lions were originally looking to get $10 million back from Rogers after his 2005 suspension. At the time, Rogers had this to say "It's going to be hard to get $10 million."
The Lions do get a salary cap bonus in 2009, but the bonus will only be equal to the amount that they can physically recover from Rogers. I'm not sure how much crack pipes retail for on the street (yes, Rogers did regrettably test positive once for crack-cocaine) but that's likely all Detroit will get in compensation.
But hey, even if this move doesn't produce victories on the field, it's still a moral victory, right? Um, right?
Next on the Lions hit list, Mike Williams. At least he probably still has some of his money left.
Lions to get back some of the money that Matt Millen wasted [Shutdown Corner]
Charles Rogers must repay Lions [Mlive]
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