The Detroit News Running back Ron Rivers carries a box into his apartment at camp in Saginaw. The Lions are looking for a replacement for running back Barry Sanders, but they won't ask the NFL for relief from the loss on their salary cap caused by his retirement. It has been suggested that the Lions might ask NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue for an exemption because of Sanders' magnitude, and his unexpected announcement Wednesday to retire.
Retirement is one.
Injury is another. We covered the circumstances as best we could when we signed the contract. Whatever the consequences are, we'll deal with them. If the circumstances happened to another team this way, I would not be there beating the drum for some team getting relief. They should consider that when they sign these huge contracts.