Andre Smith's Heavy Contract Stipulation
When Andre Smith (finally) signed his rookie contract, many viewed it as a win for the Bengals franchise. Katie and Mike didn't allow the slotting system to dictate the terms they agreed upon, and the result was a performance-laden contract that doesn't break the Bengals' bank and puts the onus of earning the deal's maximum potential on Smith.
Because one of the biggest concerns about Smith is his playing weight, that too was addressed in the contract. According to ProFootballTalk, if Smith weighs in at 350 pounds or more, he'll have half of his pay taken for each game he is over the established limit. Here are some details:
Per the source, the contract contains a provision that slashes in half Smith's pay for each game in which he weighs in at 350 pounds or higher.
It's technically a de-escalator of his base salary, a device that is permissible as long as Smith's salary exceeds the league minimum for his specific level of experience. But it's a dramatic and (as far as we can tell) unprecedented move to compel a player to maintain a certain weight.
For those of you thinking Smith, now that he has his money, is going to turn into an out-of-shape bust, take comfort in the fact that he will be punished for doing so.
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A total win
for the Brown family and the Bengals. More owners should take note, earth to Al Davis????
Bengals- 1 Andre- 0
Not only should it keep him working, 50% is a serious loss of pay. No wonder this took 30 days to get signed..
Now the only thing that should bust is his ass getting ready for the season. Niice.
by 80%OFTHETIMEIMRIGHTEVERYTIME on Sep 1, 2009 3:59 PM EDT reply actions
Bengals- 1 Andre- 0
Not only should it keep him working, 50% is a serious loss of pay. No wonder this took 30 days to get signed..
Now the only thing that should bust is his ass getting ready for the season. Niice.
by 80%OFTHETIMEIMRIGHTEVERYTIME on Sep 1, 2009 3:59 PM EDT reply actions
Agreed.
Well, I think it’s fair to say that the Bengals found one hellva motivation to keep Smith’s weight down.
Blogger at CincyJungle.com -- SB Nation Cincinnati Bengals blog.
just got word that Andre Smith has a fractured foot, coach Lewis says he is out for a few weeks
"Ghiaciuc's play was a distraction"
actually, i think the stipulation is over 350 and inactive on game day. semantics, i know, but not as blatantly in favor of the bengals. still, everything i’m reading about this contract makes it a very good one for the team, especially if andre lives up to his end.
making a rookie earn his money; who woulda thunk it?

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