Bill Belichick Pulled Petty Move With Ben Watson's Contract to Stick it to NFL

Benjamin Watson was recently suspended for the first four games of the season for using bioidentical testosterone cypionate. The anabolic steroid was something Watson took once he retired to heal his body. However, he eventually came out of retirement to sign with the Patriots, and alerted his new team that he'd be facing such a ban.

Not a problem. Coach Belichick is ready for anything.

According to Pro Football Talk, Bill Belichick ended up doing Watson a favor by giving him a massive incentive package to earn back the money he loses from his upcoming suspension, perfectly structuring his incentives to be easily met, despite the four-game hole.

Take that, Rog!

Belichick has always found little ways to cheat the system, but there should be no complaints about this one.

Watson's contract reportedly earns him $250,000 if he participates in 35% of the team’s offensive snaps, and $400,000 if he gets to 45%. As long as Watson is a productive weapon, he should have little problem reaching at least the first threshold.

Watson will end up losing almost $500,000 due to his suspension, but he'll have the chance to earn that all back and then some if he is a valuable weapon. With Gronk out in New England, Watson should be the main tight end for the team.

I guess Belichick isn't the worst guy after all, huh? Watson took an illegal substance when he thought he was outside the NFL's walls, then came back in. He shouldn't even be penalized, but if we can't have that solution, this comes close to replicating fairness.