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TTP77
05-07-2009, 02:12 PM
BOSTON (AP) - New England Patriots third-round draft pick Tyrone McKenzie will miss the 2009 season with a torn ligament in his right knee.

The outside linebacker from South Florida tore his anterior cruciate ligament during rookie minicamp on Saturday and will be sidelined for the year, a person familiar with the injury said Wednesday night on condition of anonymity because the team did not make an announcement.

McKenzie was hurt when he and a running back made contact during a pass coverage drill. He fell and grabbed his right knee, but walked off the field on his own. He did not return for the second session of the day.

The Patriots drafted McKenzie with their second pick of the third round, 97th overall.

With the trade of longtime starter Mike Vrabel to Kansas City in February, the Patriots needed depth at outside linebacker. Adalius Thomas started last year before being injured. Pierre Woods took over for him, then was sidelined himself.

McKenzie started his college career in 2004 as a backup at Michigan State, then transferred to Iowa State, where he started in 2006 after sitting out a year as required by the NCAA. He transferred to South Florida, where he started 24 of his 26 games and led the team in tackles in each of his two seasons.

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/9546112/Patriots-draft-pick-McKenzie-out-for-season

Jones31
05-07-2009, 02:39 PM
Now they don't have to pay him this year.

TTP77
05-07-2009, 03:14 PM
That does raise an interesting question, doesn't it? I do think they have to pay him if they want to retain his rights. That sucks for him though.

Jones31
05-07-2009, 03:28 PM
They can sign him, but his salary for this year is not going to be paid, he better hope for a bonus.

TTP77
05-07-2009, 03:34 PM
Yea, I meant he would get signed to retain his rights. He'll get some form of compensation I think but you may be right it could be a bonus.

TitansGiantsBears
05-07-2009, 04:55 PM
At some point agents will start holding guys out of the rookie minicamps for this very reason.

ZachLV27
05-07-2009, 05:30 PM
They can sign him, but his salary for this year is not going to be paid, he better hope for a bonus.

You're wrong.

For rookies to agree to do these minicamps before having a contract the teams sign a letter that basically promises them that they will give him fair money if he gets injured. That means he will get paid something between what the guy drafted above him gets paid and what the guy drafted below him gets paid.

Technically the team could back out of this letter, but then no agents would let their rookies show up to any Patriots practices before getting a contract done.

ZachLV27
05-07-2009, 05:32 PM
Here is a story on what I said above.

http://www.profootballtalk.com/2009/05/06/despite-injury-tyrone-mckenzie-will-still-get-a-contract/

Jones31
05-07-2009, 05:35 PM
You're wrong.

For rookies to agree to do these minicamps before having a contract the teams sign a letter that basically promises them that they will give him fair money if he gets injured. That means he will get paid something between what the guy drafted above him gets paid and what the guy drafted below him gets paid.

Technically the team could back out of this letter, but then no agents would let their rookies show up to any Patriots practices before getting a contract done.

Ah I see.

TTP77
05-07-2009, 05:52 PM
Thanks for that info Zach. My gut reaction was that teams would have to be somewhat fair in this situation and I'm relieved to know they do.

Fairweather Fan
05-07-2009, 07:07 PM
It is good to hear he will still make more money next year than I will in the next ten.:D