Could Marshawn Lynch’s Contract Be Voided If He’s Suspended?
After Marshawn Lynch‘s recent DUI arrest last weekend, speculation began to rise as to what affect this might have on his new contract. What guarantees, in terms of insurance and protection, do the Seattle Seahawks have in his contract? Is it something they will pursue and try and get out of?
The answer is probably not. This arrest probably won’t fall under the classification of “personal conduct”, but rather under the “substance abuse” category. I can’t see any way that the Seahawks could get out of the contract, nor do I think that they would pursue that. There could be certain stipulations in the contract that allow them to suspend or possibly dock a game check (or three).
Lynch will have to report to court on August 14, which is during training camp. It is also being reported that Lynch took a calibrated breath test while in jail and that tested higher than the blood test taken earlier. His lawyer is claiming there are inaccuracies and that his client was not over the .08 legal limit when he was pulled over. Due to that, they are trying to have the case thrown out or possibly have the charges reduced.
Fantasy Analysis
If you’re targeting Lynch in your draft you may have to wait until after August 14 for a determination. I don’t think any decisions will be made on his status, relating to fines or a suspension, until his court obligations are finalized. Being that this is his third infraction with the NFL, it will be interesting to see if Commissioner Goodell will have any influence on Lynch’s future this season.
If Lynch gets a suspension, regardless of the length, you might be able to find him in rounds three or four, and at that point he’d be a steal. Any later, and it’s just robbery. In that same breath, if Lynch does miss time due to a suspension, you’ll want to handcuff Robert Turbin to him, or if you’re not drafting Lynch, stash Turbin, anyways.
Find out where all the top experts rank Marshawn Lynch in one place, using the new Cheat Sheet Wizard.
*photo credit – fieldgulls.com
