5 NFL stars who lost a big contract due to legal troubles

#3 - Ray Rice

San Francisco 49ers v Baltimore Ravens

The events that led to Ray Rice’s departure from the NFL remain one of the most disgusting episodes in the sport’s modern history.

Rice, who was one of the NFL’s best running backs and a star with the Baltimore Ravens, was captured on film brutally knocking out his girlfriend inside an elevator and then dragging her limp body out into the corridor.

When the video emerged, there was condemnation within the NFL, and the Baltimore Ravens duly released the offensive star.

Rice signed a $35 million contract with the Ravens in 2012, with there still being three years to run on it when he was released in 2014.

Even though the criminal charges against Rice were eventually dropped, and he married the woman in question less than two months after the incident, he never played another NFL snap and lost his $35 million deal.

#2 - Henry Ruggs

Former Las Vegas Raiders Wide Receiver Henry Ruggs III Ordered to Appear In Court Following Fatal DUI Crash

The Las Vegas Raiders endured a tumultuous season in 2021 which culminated in the harrowing car accident caused by Henry Ruggs.

The wide receiver was still on his rookie deal with the Raiders, but it was a four-year agreement worth just shy of $17 million, which isn’t an unsubstantial sum of money.

Furthermore, you have to consider the fact that Ruggs’ performances on the field were likely to lead to a bigger contract in 2024.

Ruggs made the conscious decision to get behind the wheel of his car while knowingly intoxicated, after drinking excessive amounts of alcohol, and his actions directly led to the death of Tina Tintor and her dog, Max.

The Raiders immediately cut Ruggs’ contract and released him, and in all likelihood, his NFL career is over.

A hearing is imminent for Ruggs, and he will likely face a prison sentence, which could reach up to 45 years.

#1 - Plaxico Burress

Washington Redskins v New York Giants

In one of the more bizarre instances of an NFL player losing money due to legal issues, Plaxico Burress cost himself an awful lot of cash and street-cred when he accidentally shot himself during a gun-battle in November 2008.

Burress was a star receiver with the New York Giants at the time, having been part of their Super Bowl win in the 2007 season.

Life was good for Burress, who had signed a six-year contract with the Giants worth around $25 million.

Being just halfway into the deal when the incident involving the shooting occurred, Burress would cost himself an awful lot of money through his own stupidity.

Burress was allowed to play on in 2008; however, the Giants released him when it appeared as though the player would have to spend time in prison.

The receiver would spend two years in jail before returning to the NFL with the New York Jets on a deal worth $3 million, nowhere near what he would have earned with the Giants.