What is the impact of a performance-enhancing substance on a player’s salary?

The correct choice highlights the financial implications of a player being found in violation of performance-enhancing substance policies during their career. When a player tests positive and is suspended, they miss games as a result of this violation. Many contracts in professional sports, including the NFL, have clauses that outline salary adjustments based on a player's availability and on-field performance.

If a player misses games due to suspension, they typically lose a portion of their salary for each game they are unable to participate in. This means that the player's income is directly impacted, leading to financial consequences that penalize the player for their use of prohibited substances. The combination of league policies and contract stipulations ensures that a player's salary can be significantly affected by their decision to use performance-enhancing substances, demonstrating that their earnings are indeed performance-dependent to a significant degree.

Understanding this aspect is crucial for both players and their agents, as it underscores the need for compliance with league policies and the potential financial risks associated with violations.