Brown was released by the Cleveland Browns, meaning that the team does not have to pay him for this season. If Brown played baseball, however, he would continue to be paid because baseball contracts are guaranteed, while the overwhelming majority of NFL contracts are not. In this case, no matter how much time was left on his contract, he could be released.

According to the Cleveland Plain-Dealer, Carmen Policy, Browns president and CEO tried to put a spin on the release. "It's going to give him the opportunity to pursue other options that he has available to him at this time that otherwise would be complicated by virtue of his being on the roster." But there is some serious money loss. A year ago, the Browns made Brown the highest-paid lineman in the history of the NFL. His six-year, $27-million contract guaranteed him a $7.5-million signing bonus and another $500,000 in salary and other bonuses last season.

The reason that signing bonuses are so important in NFL contracts is precisely this kind of situation. Even though the contract is for six-years, players can be cut almost at will. Also, the salary cap room opened by the waiver of Brown is significant.

Brown has hired noted attorney, Johnnie Cochran Jr. to consider a possible lawsuit against the National Football League.