Report: Charles Rogers owes Lions millions

DETROIT, Oct. 10 (UPI) -- An arbitrator says former Detroit wide receiver Charles Rogers has been ordered to repay the Lions $8.5 million, the Web site MLive reported.

The team had filed a grievance arguing that Rogers, the second overall selection in the 2003 NFL Draft out of Michigan State, was in default of his contract after he was suspended in 2005 for a violation of the league's substance abuse policy.

Earlier this week, Lions Chief Operating Officer Tom Lewand confirmed the ruling to MLive.com, the site for a chain of Michigan newspapers.

"We thank the staff of the NFL's Management Council for their considerable efforts on this matter and will now work with them to enforce this judgment," a statement from the team said. "We will have no further comment on this case until it is appropriate to do so."

Rogers played three NFL seasons, with 36 career receptions for 440 yards and four touchdowns.