sport news Pelicans star Zion Williamson 'is ''annoyed''' after weight clause revelation trends now
New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson is reportedly 'annoyed' that the weight clause in his new $193 million contract has led to criticism about his work ethic.
'But it's not so much about people making fat jokes,' reported The Athletic's William Guillory, a Pelicans beat reporter. 'Williamson has dealt with those kinds of jeers from opposing crowds most of his playing career.
'From what I've heard, it truly bothers him because people use his apparent weight gains in the past as proof that Williamson doesn't like to work or doesn't care about doing what's necessary to be great.'
The former Duke star signed a five-year, $193 million rookie max extension on his 22nd birthday last month – a deal that could be worth as much as $231 million with incentives.
However, as NoLa.com reported last week, the contract does have a potentially costly weight clause. Williamson is required to keep the sum of his weight and body fat percentage below 295, according to the report. The team currently lists the 6-foot-6 bruiser at 284 pounds, which would mean he needs to have a body fat percentage below 11 to remain in good standing with the Pelicans.
New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson (left, in 2022, and right, in 2019) is reportedly 'annoyed' that the weight clause in his new $193 million contract has led to criticism about his work ethic. He is required to keep the sum of his weight and body fat percentage below 295. The team currently lists the 6-foot-6 bruiser at 284 pounds, which would mean he needs to have a body fat percentage below 11 to remain in good standing with the Pelicans
Zion Williamson #1 works with Assistant Coach Teresa Weatherspoon of the New Orleans Pelicans before the game against the New Orleans Pelicans during Round 1 Game 6 of the 2022 NBA Playoffs on April 28
According to Guillory, Williamson has hired a personal trainer and a private chef to help get back into shape, and The Athletic reporter says he's seen him in person this summer: 'I can attest that Williamson is feeling bouncy and explosive once again.'
ESPN's Tim MacMahon
