Arizona Cardinals remove 'independent study' clause from star QB Kyler Murray contract as he calls questions about work ethic 'disrespectful'

By Ben Morse, CNN

Updated 1030 GMT (1830 HKT) July 29, 2022

Kyler Murray looks on before the game against the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Wild Card playoff game at SoFi Stadium on January 17.

(CNN)The Arizona Cardinals announced on Thursday that they have removed the «independent study» clause from star quarterback Kyler Murray's contract after he called questions about his work ethic «disrespectful.»

Earlier this week, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported that in Murray's new five-year, $230.5 million contract, the Cardinals had included a clause requiring Murray to «complete at least four (4) hours of independent study» during game weeks. The clause stated that Murray will not receive credit for the independent study if he «is not personally studying or watching the material while it is being displayed or played» or if the player is involved in activities that could distract his attention, such as television, video games or browsing the internet.After practice on Thursday, Murray held an unannounced press conference, beginning with a monologue defending how he's become one of the better quarterbacks in the league. «I feel it's necessary, you know, with what's going on regarding me and the things that are being said about me,» the 24-year-old told reporters. «To think that I can accomplish everything that I have accomplished in my career and not be a student of the game and not have that passion and not take this serious is disrespectful, and it's almost a joke. Read More»To me, I'm flattered. I want to say flattered that you all think that at my size, I can go out there and not prepare for the game, and not take it serious. It's disrespectful, I feel like, to my peers, to all the great athletes and great players that are