Ads
Few people would complain about signing a contract worth hundreds of millions of dollars. However, when Kyler Murray signed a five-year extension worth $230.5 million to continue playing for the Arizona Cardinals in 2022, the biggest talking point wasn’t the cost, but a specific clause in the fine print. The team essentially asked Murray to do his homework. According to the NFL, the addendum read, “The player must complete a minimum of four (4) hours of independent study each week…(excluding each bye week) during each game season…during the term of the contract.”
In response, Murray quickly arranged a press conference to address the intense media debate surrounding the contract. The quarterback believed the clause called into question his seriousness and dedication. “It’s disrespectful and almost a joke,” he said. “I’ve put an incredible amount of time, blood, sweat, tears and work into what I do.” In case anyone needed a refresher on their work ethic, Murray also reminded the audience that he was once into both baseball and also prepared for football at a high level. Meanwhile, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes pointed out that he and other black quarterbacks in the league seem to face that kind of criticism, according to ESPN.
Pro Sports Journalist Adam Scherterthe Cardinals then released a statement that said, “After seeing the distraction it caused, we removed the addendum from the contract.” The team added, “Our faith in Kyler Murray is as great as never before.”
Ads
