So Corey Lidle died today...what happens to the rest of his contract?

Question

I assume he's under contract with the Yankees, so what happens to what he would have been paid? Are the Yankees just off the hook?

Just so everyone knows, this is in no way intended to be insensitive to the man's death. I was just curious as to what would happen in the situation--would the Yankees not have to pay the remainder of the contract, or would it go to his family...I was hoping someone may know of an instance where a sports figure has died under similar circumstances (I can't think of any off the top of my head...), and what happened there, if there was any kind of precedence.

For Chris below, where in my question did it say ANYTHING about anyone being better off with anyone dead, or anyone saving any money? That’s right…nowhere.

Warren, I think you meant “Ciao,” genius, unless you're referring to a dog breed, or starting out a Chinese food order…

And, Nancy A, it actually DOES matter now…his wife and son no longer have the main breadwinner in the family now, do they? Hopefully he has a good life insurance policy. But if not, personally, I would hope that the Yanks WEREN’T let off so easy and would pay the remainder of his contract (if any) to his widow and son.

I was just wondering if that would actually happen. A similar situation happened back in ’79 when the Yankees lost Thurman Munson (under very similar circumstances), but I couldn’t find any info as to whether his family was provided for, either.

Seems to me that piloting a plane would be a really risky thing for anyone under contract to be allowed to do...

Answer 1

Lidle contract only ran through '06 - he would have been a free agent this offseason. In other words - no contract outstanding.

If he had been under contract for '07: I can't actually find anything in the MLB bargaining agreement about what happens if a player dies.

Edit: one article about the accident noted that Lidle's contract had a clause stating that the team would not have to pay if he were injured or killed while flying. I've heard of similar clauses against hazardous activities in other contracts.

Answer 2

He had a 2yr contract 04 to 06. Since the regular season was complete his contract had been paid already. BUT his contract did have a clause that stated if he died while flying in an aircraft (private) then the contract would not have to be paid.

"The guarantee language of Lidle's $6.3 million, two-year contract, signed with the Phillies in November 2004, contained a provision saying the team could get out of paying the remainder if he were injured or killed while piloting a plane. Because the regular season is over, Lidle already had received the full amount in the deal. "

Answer 3

That is a good question, I would assume that the remainder of his contract would go to his immediate family.

Answer 4

his contract ended at the end of this season so he already recieved his full pay which is about $6 million.

Im now sad, it is not a good time being a yankee fan right now :[

Answer 5

Does it matter? The Yankees have the highest payroll in the majors anyway, this ain't gonna change nothin.

Answer 6

I think he was going to be a free agent. Otherwise the Phillies wouldn't have traded him to the Yankees back in July.

Answer 7

Well first of all, he has not been pronounced dead. He is only suspected dead. And if you died, would you want people asking if people are better off without you? and what money theyre saving and ****?

Answer 8

Who cares what happens to the contract!

Answer 9

we arent sure he died yet
the yankees have to pay family member his contract

Answer 10

the yankees are not off the hook. they'll do something.