Appeals court rules ex-Panther should get injury payments

RALEIGH, N.C. - A former Carolina Panthers cornerback injured on a play that ended his NFL career should receive workers' compensation payments totaling about $167,440, the state Court of Appeals ruled Tuesday.

Michael Swift broke his ankle during a game in 1999. Swift signed a free-agent contract worth $325,000 a year with the Panthers but was released by the team after the injury, the opinion said.

"Although several other teams asked plaintiff to participate in tryouts, plaintiff was unable to make a team because of the injury he sustained while working for the Panthers," the opinion said. "Despite plaintiff's lengthy period of rehabilitation, the injury was career-ending."

In addition to the final Panthers' paycheck, Swift also received $30,000 in severance pay from the team.

The Panthers had no comment on the ruling.

Swift tried to play for the Jacksonville Jaguars, where he was paid $22,647 for one game. He was released because his injury affected speed and mobility, the opinion said.