Defensive end Jadeveon Clowney wisely has decided not to risk injury during private workouts, due to the experiences of tackle Brandon Thomas, who tore an ACL while showing the Saints what he can do.
But what about Thomas? Who pays for his surgery and rehab? Who compensates him for the income lost as a result of the injury?
As one source with knowledge of the situation recently explained it to PFT, it’s an unprecedented situation. Which means there’s no guidance or established practice or anything else to lead the parties through this.
Unfortunately for Thomas, his case will create that precedent. And it will serve as a tangible worst-case scenario for players and agents faced with the question of whether to attend private workouts.
Those who want to see Clowney tumble down the board and into their clutches undoubtedly will seize on his decision to whisper to reporters under the cover of anonymity that Clowney’s decision provides further evidence of his alleged laziness. But before any scouts try to push that agenda, they should ask themselves whether they’d advise their own son to risk injury by working out for teams without compensation or protection, especially after spending the last three years practicing and playing and doing all the other stuff necessary to position himself to get eventually paid without compensation or protection against an injury that could wipe it all out.
Good for Clowney and good for anyone else who takes a stand and refuses to risk injury without real protection. Here’s hoping someone provides Brandon Thomas with some sort of protection for injuring himself during what amounts to a job interview.