From Bobby Bonilla to Albert Haynesworth: The 3 Most Expensive Contract Mistakes in Sports History
Sports history has seen some notably poor contract decisions, with three standing out as particularly costly mistakes. Here's a look at the most infamous contracts in sports:
Bobby Bonilla and the Mets
- Gets paid $1.19 million annually every July 1st
- Originally owed $5.9 million in 2000
- Mets agreed to defer payment over 25 years (2011-2035)
- Total payout will exceed $28 million
- Known as "Bobby Bonilla Day" annually
Ilya Kovalchuk and the New Jersey Devils
- Signed unprecedented 17-year, $102 million contract
- Deal resulted in team fines and lost draft picks
- Contract faced legal challenges
- Kovalchuk returned to Russia within two years
- One of the NHL's most controversial contracts
Albert Haynesworth and Washington
- Signed 8-year, $100 million contract in 2009
- Received massive signing bonus
- Previously made two Pro Bowls with Titans
- Performance and effort declined dramatically
- Released within two years
- Former teammates cited poor work ethic
These contracts serve as cautionary tales for sports franchises, demonstrating how large, long-term financial commitments can backfire when not properly structured or given to the wrong players.
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