Lions Ask Ragnow to Repay Bonus, Sparking Controversy

0:00It's April 1st. Welcome in. This is NFL News Today, where the league meets AI. I'm Cory with the story. Detroit Lions are catching heat again for asking former all-pro Center Frank Ragnar to repay part of his signing bonus. The guy was a first-round pick back in 2018, made four probals in seven seasons but retired last June at age 29 after, battling serious injuries. Lions president Rod Wood, who's stepping down after 11 years, confirmed they're chasing the pro-rated amount from Ragnar's 2021 extension. This move echoes the lion's past with stars like Barry Sanders and Calvin Johnson, who both had to return bonus money after early retirements. Sanders got hit right after walking away three years into his deal, and Johnson coughed up $1.6 million in 2016. Ragnar even tried to come back in November when they needed center help, but a failed physical due to a full hamstring tear shut, that down. Now they've signed Cade Maze to a three-year

1:01deal to fill the spot. Former Lions players aren't holding back. Safety quandary digs at its time to change how they handled this stuff. Linebacker Alex Enzelone pointed out Ragnar played through a fracture throat and other brutal injuries. Eagles Gray Jason Kelsey called his straight up wrong, saying, signing bonuses should protect players from the toll of the game, especially a center. Cap expert Jason Fitzgerald labeled it petty, noting Ragnar honored 67% of a long-term deal, and the team new retirement was coming. Wood defends it as business, calling it their money for services not rendered, with precedent back to Sanders. Lions seem fine taking the PR hit to protect their books, but at least fans and players questioning if this pattern hurts loyalty in the locker room, moving forward.