Winslow might have violated NFL contract
JOE MILICIA / Associated Press


CLEVELAND (AP) - Kellen Winslow Jr.'s use of a motorcycle might have
violated standard NFL contract language that prohibits players from
engaging in dangerous activities.

The Cleveland Browns could require Winslow, who lost millions last
year because of a season-ending injury, to pay back a $4.4 million
signing bonus he received in March.

The 21-year-old tight end sustained internal injuries and damage to
his right shoulder and right knee in an accident that sent him flying
over the handlebars of his newly purchased motorcycle.

Winslow was being treated at the Cleveland Clinic, where the team's
medical staff was waiting for swelling in the shoulder and knee to
subside. The team declined Tuesday to provide an update on his
condition.

NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said the standard NFL contract forbids
players from taking part in any activity "which may involve a
significant risk of personal injury."

It's another setback for the struggling Browns and Winslow, who
entered the league last season with high expectations and a
reputation as a hothead. His rookie season ended in disappointment
when he broke his right leg during an onside kick in a Week 2 loss
against Dallas.

With his leg still on the mend, Winslow purchased a sport bike last
month and was learning how to ride it in a parking lot Sunday night
when he hit a curb and was thrown off. He complained of chest pains
after the crash.

Winslow held out last year before signing a $40 million contract - a
record for a tight end - as the No. 6 pick in the draft.

Teams have the option of making contract language regarding dangerous
activities more or less restrictive during negotiations with players,
Aiello said. The Browns wouldn't release information about Winslow's
contract.

There are a number of professional athletes who have violated
contracts by getting hurt off the job.

In June 2003, Jay Williams of the Chicago Bulls crashed his recently
bought motorcycle into a light pole, fracturing his pelvis, tearing
knee ligaments and damaging nerves in his left leg. He hasn't played
since.

The Bulls honored one year of Williams' contract even though he
violated a standard clause, then waived him in February 2004 after
reaching a settlement on the remaining two years. The buyout was
reportedly worth about $3 million.

In 1994, Ron Gant was cut by the Atlanta Braves after he broke a leg
in a motorcycle accident.

Aaron Boone was released by the New York Yankees before the 2004
season because he hurt a knee in a pickup basketball game.

Boone lost out on the majority of his $5.75 million, one-year
contract because he violated language that prohibited basketball. He
returned this season with the Cleveland Indians.

Winslow lost a $5.3 million bonus last season because of the leg
injury that dealt a severe blow to Cleveland's offense, forcing the
team to remove half its playbook.

New coach Romeo Crennel said in March that he has big plans for
Winslow in the offense. The team envisions a passing game built
around Winslow and rookie wide receiver Braylon Edwards.

Winslow, the son of Hall of Famer Kellen Winslow, dubbed himself "The
Chosen One" back in college and, during his introductory news
conference with the Browns, said he expects to exceed the
accomplishments of his father.

Winslow's ego and his fiery personality have led to some bad
decisions in the past.

Following a loss in his final season at the University of Miami,
Winslow lashed out at officials in a profanity-laced tirade that
ended with him referring to football as war and himself as a soldier.
He later apologized.

He made no apologies last season for knocking a Cleveland teammate to
the ground during a non-contact drill. Winslow remarked that the
Browns should develop more attitude and play with greater intensity.