In 2000, the Bengals instituted a "loyalty clause," which allows the Bengals to deny various bonuses to players depending on the remarks they make about the Bengals. The ability to enact such a clause appears justified under the collective bargaining agreement which states an NFL team can fine a player one week's salary and suspend him without pay for up to four weeks for any action the club considers detrimental to the team.
In 2000, the Bengals implemented a "commitment clause," allowing them to withhold bonuses from players who make unfavorable remarks about the team. The collective bargaining agreement permits this practice, permitting clubs to deduct one week's salary or suspend players without pay for up to four weeks for any behavior considered detrimental to the team.