Marcus Mariota remains the lone unsigned first-round NFL draft pick, and now we have a new reason give for the hold up.
Endzonescore.com’s Adam Grice reports that one issue for Mariota is a contract clause that would prevent the former Heisman Trophy winner from surfing. Most contracts for professional athletes prevent them from doing dangerous activities that could potentially lead to injuries, so this is nothing unusual. But it may be a sticking point for Mariota.
Mariota is from Hawaii, where surfing is a pastime. Though he has said he’s more of a bodyboarder than surfer, he still enjoys surfing and reportedly would not want to be prevented from doing it. Surfing can help a player unwind both mentally and physically, especially when dealing with such a taxing sport and spotlight, so it’s understandable why he would not want to be stopped from doing it.
In addition to the surfing matter, there have been reports that the hold up is due to a conflict over offset money in case Mariota leaves the team after three years.
Though a deal has not yet been reached, Mariota is not concerned. He told FOX’s Alex Marvez on the radio that he is “not worried about it at all.”
Neither are we. We’re expecting him to sign before long and to go on to have a fine rookie season with Tennessee.
Helmet smack to The Oregonian, BSO
