A handful of NFL players participated in last weekend’s “40 Yards of Gold” contest, but it sounds like all the participants are still awaiting their promised payout. Agent Will Sarubbi, who represents Vikings wideout Jeff Badet, told Ben Fischer of the Sports Business Daily that his client hasn’t received his promised $25K.
“The contract was explicitly clear,” Sarubbi said. “Jeff was an independent contractor who was promised $25,000 upon arrival, before the event on June 29. That has not been paid as of 5 p.m. today. It does not look likely it will be, based on the correspondence we have had.”
According to the report, players were given checks following the event, but they were told to wait to cash those checks until yesterday. Then, the players were told to ignore the checks and submit bank account information, at which time their payout would be sent via wire transfer. However, that money has yet to appear.
“As to whether the money’s there or not, I don’t know,” said agent Sean Lindsey. “I hope it is. The one thing I despise the most in this industry is individuals trying to take advantage of professional athletes. I don’t know if that’s what’s going on here. I hope not. But these guys need to get paid.”
49ers wideout Marquise Goodwin won the event and was set to take home the $1MM prize.
Let’s check out some more notes from around the NFL…
- Former undrafted free agent Vyncint Smith had some standout moments as a rookie, and the Texans receiver is looking to take a step forward during his sophomore campaign. In fact, the 23-year-old said he’s already worked out with quarterback Deshaun Watson this offseason. “Oh yeah, we got together last summer,” Smith told Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle. “We get together this summer to throw, build chemistry in a new environment or different environment with Deshaun and just have fun.” Smith appeared in seven games (one start) as a rookie, hauling in five receptions for 91 yards and one touchdown.
- Raiders receiver Hunter Renfrow may have been selected in the fifth round of this past year’s draft, but that doesn’t mean the rookie can’t play a big role this season. Scott Bair of NBC Sports Bay Area writes that Renfrow’s savviness and football IQ should help him carve out a role as a slot receiver. However, if the rookie proves that he’s not able to contribute right away, he could easily get passed by veteran Ryan Grant on the depth chart.
- It sounds like rookie running back Josh Jacobs may sit out training camp, as his camp’s negotiations with the organization have not been going well.
