The Detroit Lions have insisted they’ve made efforts to repair the fractured relationship with wide receiver Calvin Johnson before Johnson’s induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame over the weekend. Details have since came out on their latest offer.
“The documents, which were reviewed by the Free Press, detailed a three-year agreement that would pay Johnson $500,000 annually for appearance fees and have the Lions make a one-time payment of $100,000 to Johnson’s charity.
In Year 1 of the deal, Johnson would have been obligated to commit 28 hours to various Lions events, including a five-hour appearance at a game this fall when the team planned to induct his No. 81 jersey in their Pride of the Lions.”
On Sunday, Lions owner Sheila Ford Hamp addressed the controversy with Johnson while speaking to FOX 2’s Jennifer Hammond.
“We love Calvin, the organization loves Calvin, my family loves Calvin and we are hoping we can work this all out with him,” Hamp said. “We think he’s terrific and we’re so excited for him.”
This report from the Free Press puts the value at $1.6 million.
Calvin Johnson played nine seasons for the Detroit Lions, breaking records and retiring as the franchise’s all-time leading receiver. He has been at odds with the team ever since his early retirement and them forcing him to pay back his signing bonus.
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Johnson refused the alleged offer, saying that he should be paid what he’s owed.
“Asked about the Lions’ offer during Hall-of-Fame festivities Friday, Johnson said, “I mean, it wasn’t what I paid back, put it like that.”
“So they’re not serious,” Johnson said. “That’s all.”
