The Facts: The Broncos lost an appeal Monday of a grievance won by Lelie. United States District Court Judge David Doty of Minneapolis made the ruling. "We are pleased for Ashley and other players that this ruling could help in the future," NFLPA general counsel Richard Berthelsen said. A special master ruled Nov. 16 that the Broncos would have to repay Lelie -- who was traded to Atlanta in August -- $220,000 in option bonus money.

Diehards Line:According to Post staffer Bill Williamson, the appeal was more about the precedent the ruling set than the money the Broncos owed Lelie. The Lelie ruling changes the forfeiture provisions on option bonuses and gives teams much less protection in those contracts. Most contracts of first-round picks are based heavily on option bonuses, so the ruling was not popular in the league. Williamson added that teams may have to adjust rookie deals beginning this year.