http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drm...693066,00.html
The Broncos want payback. Ashley Lelie is planning to give it to them.
The team filed a lawsuit Friday in U.S. District Court in Denver seeking to recover $660,000 an arbitrator awarded it April 23 stemming from Lelie's contentious departure last year.
The Broncos informed a judge that Lelie, the team's No. 1 draft pick in 2002, has not challenged nor complied with the previous ruling, which is a partial repayment of the original signing bonus. They want the money, plus interest to cover attorney's fees.
"Whatever. It just seems a little petty," said Lelie, now with the San Francisco 49ers. "They're definitely going to get their money."
Lelie said his agent and accountant have been preparing to pay back the team and were working through final details.
He said he hadn't spoken with anyone from the Broncos lately, and the reports he has received are the transfer has been going smoothly. Tax considerations were delaying things.
"We're just trying to work it," Lelie said. "Obviously, it wasn't fast enough for them, that multibillion dollar company over there. They want their 600 grand, we'll give it to them."
There have been three rulings tied to Lelie's departure from the Broncos, who traded him to the Atlanta Falcons in a three- way deal last year.
An arbitrator ruled in April that Lelie wasn't required to pay $378,000 in fines he accumulated while holding out last year.
Lelie had to pay back a $220,000 roster bonus to finalize the trade to the Falcons. He won a separate grievance regarding that aspect, forcing the Broncos to repay the money. That money has been held in escrow, so Lelie must shell out the $440,000 shortfall to settle the case.
Denver sues Lelie for funds
Denver sues Lelie for funds
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