Alex Smith’s Amazing Comeback(?)

[MTK]

I don't think it's about money for him at all. He's just got that crazy competitive drive and he wants to push himself as far as he can. That said I find it awfully hard to believe that leg will ever be able to hold up to the rigors of playing in the NFL again. But you can't help but root for him.

[Warthog]

Originally Posted by MTK

I don't think it's about money for him at all. He's just got that crazy competitive drive and he wants to push himself as far as he can. That said I find it awfully hard to believe that leg will ever be able to hold up to the rigors of playing in the NFL again. But you can't help but root for him.

I agree. He’s got the huge guaranteed money no matter what. He could be just taking it easy and trying to learn to walk without a limp. But he’s pushing it very, very hard to get back on the field.

My question is this: let’s say he get’s himself “football ready” BUT his doctor says, “one big hit from a 300+ lb DE on your injury site could leave you a cripple”. What would he do then? What would you do?

I’m rooting for him but wonder if a comeback comes with a serious, hidden danger. Like any player who wonders, “can I take one more concussion?”


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[SunnySide]

Originally Posted by Warthog

I agree. He’s got the huge guaranteed money no matter what.

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Not if he retires. He would most likely have to actually pay the Skins back some money.

According to the CBA, “any player who willfully fails to report, practice or play” due to poor conduct, incarceration, or voluntary retirement “may be required to forfeit signing bonus, roster bonus, option bonus and/or reporting bonus.”

Barry Sanders, Calvin Johnson, Borland ... they not only forfeited future guaranteed money but had to pay back prior already paid signing bonus money.

[Buffalo Bob]

Originally Posted by SunnySide

Not if he retires. He would most likely have to actually pay the Skins back some money.

According to the CBA, “any player who willfully fails to report, practice or play” due to poor conduct, incarceration, or voluntary retirement “may be required to forfeit signing bonus, roster bonus, option bonus and/or reporting bonus.”

Barry Sanders, Calvin Johnson, Borland ... they not only forfeited future guaranteed money but had to pay back prior already paid signing bonus money.

If Alex retires I don't see how you could call it "voluntary" after he almost lost his leg and worse yet his life.

[SunnySide]

Originally Posted by Buffalo Bob

If Alex retires I don't see how you could call it "voluntary" after he almost lost his leg and worse yet his life.

Andrew Luck, Luke Keuchly ... they retired due to injury concerns and gave up any future salary and bonus money as well as the teams "could if they want to" seek repayment of any prior signign bonus on a pro-rata basis of years left on his contract.

Ive beat this drum enough and wont keep repeating myself ...

Alex Smith wont retire bc he would be giving up all future money and the Skins could go after any prior paid signing bonus money on a pro-rata basis based on the years remaining on his contract.

Alex Smith is doing what he has to do. Hes making sure he gets his money and hes making sure he takes rehab very seriously so he can walk when he is 60.

Skins are doing the only thing they can do. They cant cut him bc of all the dead money so there only option is to support him.

Alex Smith has no other option then doing what he is doing.

Skins have no other option except doing what they are doing.

Perfect world - they negotiate an injury buy out. This wont happen but it is the only other alternative I see. But that might void the insurance policy they took out on Smith. Thats were it gets complicated.

[calia]

Originally Posted by SunnySide

Not if he retires. He would most likely have to actually pay the Skins back some money.

According to the CBA, “any player who willfully fails to report, practice or play” due to poor conduct, incarceration, or voluntary retirement “may be required to forfeit signing bonus, roster bonus, option bonus and/or reporting bonus.”

Barry Sanders, Calvin Johnson, Borland ... they not only forfeited future guaranteed money but had to pay back prior already paid signing bonus money.

Those guys all retired not due to injury but concern for future injuries, so Alex Smith's situation is different. He has already made $202 million -- this is not at all about the money. (Parenthetically, he lives in my town and is building a house here; I'm sure it is already paid for.)