Hey Look! The Detroit Lions Won Something

Charles Rogers was the second overall pick of the 2003 draft by the Detroit Lions. He was out of the NFL by 2006.


Partly because of injuries, mainly because of a substance abuse issue.


The Lions gave him a $9.1 million signing bonus in 2003, and have been trying to recoup two-thirds of it since 2006. In 2008, an NFL arbitrator rules in the Lions favor, so it was dragged out in a court of law. A judge today upheld that ruling, thus claiming just the 13Th victory for the Lions since they released Rogers.


Though he gave Detroit a whopping 36 receptions for 440 yards and four touchdowns in 15 games played over three seasons, the Lions somehow felt cheated. They decided Rogers did not uphold his end of the deal in a professional manner. The NFL and the United States of America agreed.


The only question left is wondering how much of the $6.1 million he has left. Rogers has fathered seven children in his 28 years of life already, and once was charged with assault and battery of a woman in 2008.


He also was sentenced to 93 days of jail in January of 2010 for his second driving under the influence in less than four months. His addictions to alcohol and marijuana has slowed his 40 yard dash time from 4.28 in 2003 to 4.65 in a workout with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2007.


Though there are rumors he signed a contract with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League in late 2009, he is not officially listed on the teams roster. Even if he has, it is doubtful he has commanded much of a salary from a team who will not start their season for two more months.


Let's just hope he has the cash. Detroit could recycle it by putting it towards their 2010 first round pick, which is coincidentally the second overall pick. The Saint Louis Rams own the first pick, and now appear to be locked onto Oklahoma University quarterback Sam Bradford after cutting 2009 starter Marc Bulger.


If the Rams take Bradford, the Lions then can take the best talent in the draft by the name of defensive lineman Ndamukong Suh from Nebraska University. That way, Detroit will improve that record with another victory.