Jerome Simpson Lost Almost $60,000 By Being Benched

Aug 17, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jerome Simpson (81) against the Buffalo Bills at the Metrodome. The Vikings defeated the Bills 36-14. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-US PRESSWIRE

Jerome Simpson was not shy about expressing his irritation over his injury-related benching against Washington. Now we know why Simpson was so upset. The benching cost him almost sixty grand. Simpson’s contract contains a $950,000 roster bonus that’s paid out on a weekly basis. So every time Simpson plays, he gets another $59,375. By not being up for Washington, he was essentially docked almost $60,000.

Credit Simpson for being up front about the reason for his anger. He’s not mincing words about it or pretending it’s about something other than the money. “You lose $60,000, you’d be mad, too,” Simpson told the media.

But there’s no schism between Simpson and head coach Leslie Frazier, even though Frazier’s decision to bench the receiver made him sixty grand lighter in the wallet. “We’re on the same page. I’m just a competitor, man. I just want to be out on that field. Anytime something gets taken from you, you’re obviously going to be kind of upset about it,” Simpson said.

No doubt, that would tick me off too. It would also motivate me to get back faster from the injury. Good news, Simpson is back practicing and he’s expected to play Sunday. His lady will be happy to hear that.

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