Two Bills Drive

Thurman Thomas, the Bills’ all-time rushing leader, has agreed on a three-year, $3.59-million contract with Miami. The contract includes a $750,000 signing bonus and a $440,000 salary for 2000. It will count just $690,000 toward the Fish’s salary cap this year.

It’s commonplace to slap pro athletes with the charge of greed. People such as Ruben Brown and his pursuit of a $4- to $6-million-a-year contract. People such as Bruce Smith and his declination of a Bills pay cut to pursuit a rich five-year, $25-million contract with the Redskins. Still, pro athletes – particularly football players – are underpaid compared to what other entertainers are making in the industry.