Even if the taker's partner captures a bird Tarock, the bonus is lost and counts as negative.

That bonus would usually count against next year's cap if it is earned at any point in the 2006 season.

In addition, the league said that bonuses in Tim Hardaway and P. J. Brown's contracts should have counted toward the cap.

The bonus does not count towards the score, and is the contestant's to keep, regardless of the outcome of the match.

Falk is arguing that one-time bonuses, such as the one that will raise Boston's Larry Bird above the $7 million mark next season, should count in determining a player's salary.

David Falk, Ewing's lawyer and agent, is arguing that onetime bonuses, such as the one that is pushing Larry Bird's earnings above the $7 million mark next season, should count in determining a player's salary.

Any bonus you receive, even a turkey, counts as part of your pay.

Scoring: Wild-card bonuses count only if your side goes out.