Advertising

The Seattle Times Company

NWjobs | NWautos | NWhomes | NWsource | Free Classifieds | seattletimes.com

The Seattle Times

Seahawks


Our network sites seattletimes.com | Advanced

Originally published Saturday, June 28, 2008 at 12:00 AM

E-mail article     Print view

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell criticizes rookie pay

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said it's "ridiculous" to reward untested rookies with lucrative contracts, and wants the issue addressed...

CHAUTAUQUA, N.Y. — NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said it's "ridiculous" to reward untested rookies with lucrative contracts, and wants the issue addressed in contract talks.

"The money should go to people who perform," he said Friday.

Goodell referred to tackle Jake Long's five-year, $57.75 million contract — with $30 million guaranteed. Long was the first overall draft pick by Miami in April.

"He doesn't have to play a down in the NFL and he already has his money," Goodell said during a sports symposium at the Chautauqua Institution. "Now, with the economics where they are, the consequences if you don't evaluate that player, you can lose a significant amount of money.

"And that money is not going to players that are performing. It's going to a player that never makes it in the NFL. And I think that's ridiculous."

Goodell said he favors lowering salaries offered to rookies, but allowing a provision for those players to renegotiate their deals after proving themselves on the field.

Notes

• Jaguars DE Paul Spicer signed a two-year, $8 million extension.

• Bills RB Marshawn Lynch had his driver's license revoked in traffic court after saying he didn't know he hit someone while driving on a Buffalo street last month. Judge Thomas Gagola found Lynch's behavior on May 31 "constituted a reckless disregard of human life or property." He also imposed the maximum $100 fine and $50 surcharge after Lynch pleaded guilty to failure to exercise due care toward a pedestrian.

• A man charged with kidnapping, beating and robbing Raiders WR Javon Walker in Las Vegas this month was held on bail totaling $86,000. Public defender Shane Emerick said Arfat Fadel intended to plead not guilty to charges that he and an unidentified man followed Walker from club to club before enticing him into their vehicle and robbing him.

Copyright © 2008 The Seattle Times Company

More Seahawks headlines...

E-mail article Print view      Share:    Digg     Newsvine

advertising

Seahawks believe running game is picking up speed

NFL | Kansas City releases running back Larry Johnson

NFL | Steelers beat Denver, extend winning streak to 5

Seahawks overcome 17-0 deficit to win 32-20

Jerry Brewer: David Hawthorne a quick study filling in for Seahawks' injured Lofa Tatupu

Advertising

Video

Ken Auletta talks about "Googled"
Ken Auletta talks about Google with Brier Dudley at the Seattle Central Library.

Medal of Honor
Pelosi answers questions at Swedish Medical Center
Pelosi speaks at Swedish Medical Center
"Pistol" Pete Ryan
Mourners gather at KeyArena for slain officer's memorial
Procession for slain SPD officer
Election Night: Approve R-71
Election Night: Reject R-71
Election Night: Joe Mallahan

Marketplace

nwautos

2009's most fuel-efficient sedansnew
Choosing a new sedan? Weigh the impact of your choice on your wallet and on the planet.
Post a comment

Open Houses

Find this weekend's open house listings.
Or search by location:

 
Most read
Most commented
Most e-mailed
 
 
Advertising