SHOW US THE MONEY!

11.09.12

The Jahvid Best concussion saga could probably explain a lot. A look at the business decisions behind the facade of the NFL’s concern for Best’s health interests and the player’s insistence on playing again could provide a peek behind the curtain of the concussion dilemma. How does the signing bonus, the guaranteed money, the team’s injury insurance, the salary cap, the player’s disability and worker’s comp insurance figure into the discussion? How does a decision in which the team decides to cut the player versus Best choosing to retire affect the money that’s still on the table? Can any of the money be clawed back? Would they do that? They did it to Ricky Williams. How does a doctor’s diagnosis affect the economics of the situation? Reportedly, as a 2010 first round pick, the 21 year old Best signed a 5 year $9.8 million contract that guaranteed $7 million dollars and included a $1.6 signing bonus. And then he got hurt in the middle of his 2nd year and hasn’t played since, over a year ago. So, where are we? It’d be enlightening to hear a friendly discussion among William Clay Ford Sr., Jahvid’s parents Lisa and David, his agent Tony Fleming, the Lions team doctor, the guy from State Farm, and for good measure let’s add three or four lawyers to the party. After all, it is a business, right?