Eagles Withholding Westbrook's Paycheck To Cover Double Bonus

Eagles Withholding Westbrook's Paycheck To Recoup Twice Paid Roster Bonus

Eagles RB Brian Westbrook has confirmed that the Eagles are “withholding his paycheck” to recoup part of the $3M roster bonus the team mistakenly paid him twice last year, according to Les Bowen of the PHILADELPHIA DAILY NEWS. In an interview with WIP-AM last week, Westbrook said that he has “filed a grievance with the [NFLPA] over what he views as a pre-emptive ‘settlement.’” Westbrook: “It’s a bad situation.” However, NFLPA Dir of Communications Carl Francis said that the union is “unaware of any grievance filed by Westbrook.” Francis confirmed that an arbitration hearing was canceled, but “not the [Eagles’] assertion that the agreement was completed and Westbrook refused to sign it.” Bowen writes, “The NFLPA is not in favor of the Eagles withholding money before the agreement has been completed, but the association expects that matter to be resolved in the settlement.” Team officials and Westbrook’s agent, Fletcher Smith, have “agreed that the money needs to be repaid."  The league would otherwise penalize the team for salary cap violations, but the parties have “not entirely agreed on how that should occur” (PHILADELPHIA DAILY NEWS, 10/18).

PETERSON: In Minneapolis, Judd Zulgad notes Vikings RB Adrian Peterson’s five-year contract contains $17M in guaranteed money and could pay a maximum of $40M if he reaches all incentives. One clause includes a $2.45M bonus if he rushes for 701 yards and participates in 45% of the team’s total offensive plays. Peterson currently leads the league in rushing with 607 yards, and he “should also reach the 45[%] mark.” He will also trigger a $250,000 bonus if he is named Rookie of the Year by the AP, Pro Football Weekly or Sporting News (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 10/18).

VICK: SI.com’s Peter King wrote only Falcons Owner Arthur Blank, President & GM Rick McKay and Blank's accountant care "about the Falcons winning $19.9[M] from Mike Vick."  King: "First of all, let’s see if they ever collect it. Secondly, the only time it’ll matter one bit to me is when I read next March that the Falcons have signed … some star free agent, because of the room they gained from the windfall” (SI.com, 10/15).