With Broncos linebacker Von Miller suspended six games, the CBA requires the Broncos to seek reimbursement of 6/17th of his 2013 signing bonus allocation.
As we explained last month, it’s automatic. Under Miller’s contract, it means he’ll lost $1.2 million in money he’s already received.
Adam Schefter of ESPN reports that the issue hasn’t been resolved. Since Miller’s suspension was the result of a negotiated settlement between the league and the NFLPA, the union apparently plans to argue that the settlement gives Miller the ability to keep his signing bonus money.
It won’t be an easy argument to make. Absent clear language in the settlement paperwork altering the existing terms of the labor deal, Miller will lose the money, whether the Broncos want to take it or not.
That last point merits some emphasis. Schefter delivered the info in a way creating the impression that the Broncos are choosing to exercise their right to chase the money. The reality is that the Broncos’ intentions or wishes don’t matter. Under the labor deal, the team MUST seek recovery following a suspension for violation of the substance-abuse policy.
