Saturday, August 07, 1999
Smith talks hit another snag
BY GEOFF HOBSON
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Akili Smith
|
GEORGETOWN, Ky. — The Bengals thought they could secure a deal with first-round pick Akili Smith Friday night until day-long negotiations broke down.
A team source said the negotiations stalled when agent Leigh Steinberg proposed a $60 million deal that is bigger than the $59 million contract signed by No.1 pick Tim Couch with Cleveland. Steinberg indicated in a phone call earlier in the day that the $10.8 million signing bonus and $49.5 million package the Bengals proposed was acceptable but that he wanted to shorten the seven-year term to possibly six.
The Bengals started to work on a proposal that would void the seventh year if Smith played in 55 percent of the plays in three of his six seasons. But the source said the club was stunned when Steinberg's new proposal was $60 million and included a buyback clause.
Despite the snafu, both sides were working into the night Friday to find a compromise.
Bengals Stories
REDS 9, BREWERS 2
Reese returns with a bang
REDS NOTEBOOK
Box, runs
Astros split doubleheader
Gwynn passes 3,000
McGwire's biggest hit: Axing andro
No. 1 Sampras faces tough road to ATP finals
ATP qualifier boasts strong field
ATP qualifier: Today's matches
Fernandez-Stockton dominating ATP Seniors
Local boxer wins Pan Am gold
LOCAL DIGEST
Surprises unlikely at Brickyard
Lumpkin to play in Finland
