The most recent roster of contestants for ABC’s Dancing with the Stars was released this week.  While names like Pamela Anderson and Erin Andrews will likely draw the eye of the target demographic, the token NFL participant this year will be none other than Cincinnati’s Chad Ochocinco.  And while most fans of the league inquired into No. 85’s ability to dance the night away without conflicting with his contract, it appears that the only cost will be the forfeiture of $250,000.

In his contract with the Bengals, Ochocinco would be due a bonus of $250,000 to participate in voluntary team activities.  This is typical within veteran deals to encourage attendance.  However, as these are not activities of the mandatory variety, Ochocinco is free to do what he pleases.  And what he pleases" is dancing with women that are not only in great shape, but those that also wear very little in terms of uniform.

MJD at Yahoo! Sports’ Shutdown Corner feels that this move may actually wind up being more financially beneficial for Ochocinco.  He is already a very charismatic figure that draws plenty of attention from fans of the NFL.  If he does well in the competition, laying his charm on the millions of fans watching at home, the wide receiver could potentially parlay this appearance into something that draws an even larger paycheck.

The NFL brethren that predated Ochocinco’s participation in the hit series include Michael Irvin, Lawrence Taylor, Warren Sapp, Jason Taylor, Emmitt Smith and Jerry Rice.  Of these players, only Smith went on to win the competition.  Rice, Taylor and Sapp were each runner-up in their respective season.  

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Kelsey Mcneal / ABC