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Looks like the Sullivans repeated their reneging act in 1978 and screwed over Stingley.
Also, Fairbanks did not walk out on the team in 1978. Sullivan suspended him for signing a contract to become Colorado's head coach for 1979.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chuck_FairbanksWikipedia said:In 1977, contract squabbles between the Sullivan family and offensive linemen John Hannah and Leon Gray led to discord within the team. The incident soured Fairbanks on Chuck Sullivan, who as the eldest son of team owner Billy Sullivan controlled the team's finances and had forced Fairbanks to renege on his proposed contracts with Hannah and Gray. Hannah, denied Fairbanks' promised contract by the ownership team, later contended that the Sullivans "took Chuck's authority away and turned him into a liar." [6] The Patriots narrowly missed making the playoffs on the last weekend of the regular season.
The following year in 1978 tragedy struck during the preseason as Stingley suffered paralysis following a violent hit by Jack Tatum at Oakland; Fairbanks had worked out a contract extension with Stingley before the game but the following Monday Chuck Sullivan reneged on the deal. Fairbanks was livid and resolved to leave the team after the season.
Also, Fairbanks did not walk out on the team in 1978. Sullivan suspended him for signing a contract to become Colorado's head coach for 1979.