Part 5/11:
The Distinction Between Payment and Fund Control
A common misconception is equating "not being paid" with "not receiving salary." The process can be more nuanced. If a player or coach's salary is placed into a segregated or escrow account, legally, it might still be considered a form of payment, just not accessible at the moment. They are essentially on a financial hold.
In practice, the money does not belong to the player or coach until the league authorizes its release. They cannot use it for personal expenses, pay bills, or access it freely—it's effectively on pause until the investigation wraps up and a decision is made.