NBA teams
Associated Press 19y

Swift to be compensated after breaking ankle in '99

NFL, Carolina Panthers

RALEIGH, N.C. -- A former Carolina Panthers cornerback
injured on a play that ended his NFL career should receive workers'
compensation payments totaling about $167,440, the state Court of
Appeals ruled Tuesday.
Michael Swift broke his ankle during a game in 1999. Swift
signed a free-agent contract worth $325,000 a year with the
Panthers but was released by the team after the injury, the opinion
said.
"Although several other teams asked plaintiff to participate in
tryouts, plaintiff was unable to make a team because of the injury
he sustained while working for the Panthers," the opinion said.
"Despite plaintiff's lengthy period of rehabilitation, the injury
was career-ending."
In addition to the final Panthers' paycheck, Swift also received
$30,000 in severance pay from the team.
The Panthers had no comment on the ruling.
Swift tried to play for the Jacksonville Jaguars, where he was
paid $22,647 for one game. He was released because his injury
affected speed and mobility, the opinion said.

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