The Patriots have the ability to seek $2.5 million in bonus money given to former defensive lineman Jonathan Fanene, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported Thursday.
Fanene, who signed with the Patriots last March after seven seasons with the Bengals, was released in August.
According to Rapoport, during a physical examination, Fanene did not disclose his use of “painkilling medication.”
The bonus dispute pits the NFL and Patriots against the NFLPA and Fanene, Rapoport said.
UPDATE: 2:40 p.m. EST: Rapoport reports that the Patriots have the legal right to seek the money, not that it is a done deal. Greg Bedard of the Boston Globe had a similar report.