Redskins’ Clinton Portis settles jersey dispute

By Alex Guzman  |   Tuesday, June 07, 2005  |  Comments( 0 )

Washington Redskins
Got something to say?

Sign Up and be the first to comment on this article!
Washington Redskins running back Clinton Portis agreed to pay $18,000 to Arizona Cardinals safety Ifeanyi Ohalete in order to settle a dispute over a jersey number. The case was headed for a trial in a Maryland District Court.

When Portis signed with the Redskins in 2004 after being traded from the Denver Broncos, he wanted to wear his old jersey number. The number 26 belonged to Ohalete, who was with Washington at the time. The negotiations eventually led to a contract that was signed by Portis, Ohalete and witness Brad Berlin, the Redskins equipment manager.

The deal called for Portis to pay Ohalete $40,000 in 3 installments: $20,000 immediately, $10,000 by Week 8 of the NFL season, and $10,000 by Christmas Day. Portis paid the $20,000 up front and got his desired number. Ohalete then got uniform number 30.

Ohalete was subsequently cut by the Redskins during training camp in August before being claimed by the Arizona Cardinals. Portis believed Ohalete's dismissal voided the rest of the contract, so he refused to pay the final 2 installments.
Got something to say?

Sign Up and be the first to comment on this article! (0)

About Alex Guzman

MiamiFootball365 & RealFootball365 founder
read more
Article Tools Share!   |  RSS  |  Bleacher Report About Bleacher Report