Employment Contracts: Thinking Outside the Box

When NFL football player Eddie Lacy showed up at training camp before the 2017 season, he received a $55,000 employment bonus – not for his performance on the field, but for weighing a required weight at the beginning of training camp.

ESPN.com reported on this and other clauses in the employment contracts of professional athletes, including:

• why Michael Jordan’s “love for the game” clause specifically allowing him to play basketball anytime, anywhere;

• why Baseball Hall of Famer Rollie Fingers was paid a bonus to grow his famous mustache; and

• why English footballer Stefan Schwarz was prohibited from traveling into space.

What does this have to do with your business? When drafting your employment contracts, don’t be afraid to think outside the box. A creative contract may be just what is needed to attract or retain a talented employee.

A version of this post was originally published by Mallory Law Office, LLC.