As the National Football League continues to be criticized for the safety of its players, the treatment of top athletes has become a topic of concern. This past offseason, some of the most talented and well-known players sat out because of their contracts.
Aaron Donald of the Los Angeles Rams did not report to training camp until he signed a six-year, $135 million contract, including a $40 million signing bonus and nearly $87 million guaranteed. Former Oakland Raiders linebacker Khalil Mack forced a trade to the Chicago Bears, where he signed a $141 million deal. The most notable of the holdouts, Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell, has still not reported to his team four weeks into the season due to his contract, and will not come back until Week 7, as reported by Jeremy Fowler.