NFL

Accident may cost Winslow millions

By wire services
Published May 4, 2005

CLEVELAND - Kellen Winslow's use of a motorcycle might have violated standard NFL contract language that prohibits players from engaging in dangerous activities.

As a result, the Browns could require Winslow to pay back part of his signing bonus.

ESPN.com reported Winslow's contract includes language that expressly forbids riding a motorcycle. If so, the Browns could try to recoup a prorated share of the $6-million signing bonus Winslow received last year and the entire $4.4-million option bonus he received March1.

The tight end, 21, sustained internal injuries and damage to his right shoulder and right knee in an accident that sent him flying over the handlebars of his newly purchased motorcycle.

Winslow, who broke his right leg in Week 2 and missed the rest of last season, bought a sport bike last month. He was learning how to ride it in a parking lot Sunday night when he hit a curb.

Tuesday, the team declined to provide an update on his condition or information about Winslow's contract.

League spokesman Greg Aiello said standard contracts forbid players from taking part in any activity "which may involve a significant risk of personal injury."

The Bucs have re-signed receiver Edell Shepherd to a one-year deal for the league minimum of $305,000.

Shepherd, 6 feet 1 out of San Jose State, spent most of two seasons on the Bears' and Bucs' practice squad before he caught four passes for 38 yards for Tampa Bay in the 2003 season finale. He spent last season on injured reserve after breaking his right foot during training camp.

According to his agent, Bardia Ghahremani, Shepherd can trigger $50,000 bonuses with 50 catches, 800 yards and eight touchdowns.

BENGALS: The contract of linebacker Kevin Hardy was terminated. The second overall pick in 1996 by Jacksonville led Cincinnati in tackles in 2003 with 124 and started 14 games last season with 69 tackles. But the Bengals used their first two picks this year on Georgia defensive end David Pollack and linebacker Odell Thurman.

BRONCOS: Safety Sam Brandon re-signed. He spent most of last season on special teams.

TEXANS: Linebacker Zeke Moreno signed. He spent the past four seasons with San Diego, playing nine games last season before going on injured reserve with a shoulder injury.

Times staff writer Greg Auman contributed to this report.

[Last modified May 4, 2005, 00:58:13]