Lions forced Frank Ragnow to pay back part of his signing bonus when he retired
NBC Sports • • sports
Key Points:
- Lions center Frank Ragnow was required to repay a portion of his signing bonus upon retirement, a practice the team enforces for players leaving before their contracts end.
- Lions President Rod Wood stated this policy dates back to Barry Sanders and Calvin Johnson, both of whom had to return bonus money, causing some friction but deemed fair by the franchise.
- Wood emphasized that signing bonuses are paid in advance for services not yet rendered, so players who retire early must return unearned money.
- Ragnow’s repayment amount was not disclosed, but based on his contract, he likely owed the Lions around $3 million for two remaining years on his deal.
- Wood defended the policy as good business, asserting the money belongs to the Lions until the player fulfills their contractual obligations.
