Every year on July 1st, Bobby Bonilla receives $1,193,248 from the New York Mets (2015-2035). This inspired a look at the worst contracts in Ohio sports history:

Nick Swisher - Cleveland Indians

• Contract: 4 years, $56 million
• Performance: Failed to replicate previous success with Oakland and Yankees
• Result: Traded to Atlanta after disappointing tenure
• Notable: Known for "Brohio" marketing campaign that didn't resonate with teammates

Larry Hughes - Cleveland Cavaliers

• Contract: 5 years, $70 million (2005)
• Signed to support young LeBron James
• Only played 36 games in first season due to finger surgery
• Traded to Bulls in 2008 after underwhelming performance

Antonio Bryant - Cincinnati Bengals

• Contract: 4 years, $28 million ($8M guaranteed) in 2010
• Never played a regular season game for Bengals
• Cut after missing all preseason games due to knee issues
• Collected nearly $8M for participating in just one practice

Kenny Britt - Cleveland Browns

• Contract: 4 years, $32.5 million
• Started only 4 games, recording 18 catches for 233 yards
• Released after one season due to poor performance and off-field issues
• Career ended shortly after with brief Patriots stint

Wayne Garland - Cleveland Indians

• Contract: 10 years, $2.3 million (1976)
• Went 28-48 with 4.50 ERA over 5 seasons
• Released halfway through contract after rotator cuff surgery
• Never pitched in MLB again after Indians release

These contracts serve as cautionary tales of free agent signings gone wrong, with each representing significant financial investments that failed to deliver expected returns for Ohio's professional sports teams.

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