Last week, when Dolphins guard Richie Incognito agreed to delay his grievance hearing pending the outcome of Ted Wells’ investigation, it was obvious that Incognito received something in return.
Now we know what he got. According to Mike Garafolo of FOX Sports, two of the four weeks of Incognito’s otherwise unpaid suspension occurred with pay.
The suspension now continues with pay, as Jeff Darlington of NFL Network originally reported. Per Garafolo, the paid suspension last two weeks beyond Week 13.
It means that the Dolphins will have to decide after Week 15 whether to reinstate Incognito for the final two games of the season, or to release him.
The Dolphins’ final decision could hinge on whether they still have a shot at making it to the postseason — and on whether they choose to keep Incognito from joining a team destined to play in January. Peter King has reported that at least one playoff contender is interested in Incognito.
Regardless, the agreement means that Incognito has lost only (only?) $470,000 for his suspension, that he’ll get $470,000 that he otherwise would have lost, and that he’ll get another $470,000 to do nothing for two extra weeks.