It included a clause in which 20 per cent of a player's earnings during his first three professional seasons would go back to the junior clubs to recuperate development costs.
[5] Schmalz confirmed in January 1975, that development payments from the National Hockey League (NHL) were coming, and that the WHA was holding a meeting in February to discuss the issue.
Schmalz stated he would seek legal advice on the matter, with the possibility of suspending Napier for the remainder of the junior season.
[10] During a game against the Marlboros, St. Catharines Black Hawks owner Hap Emms ordered his players to wear their jerseys backwards and play with their sticks upside down in protest of Napier's contract.
[11] Schmalz later ruled Napier eligible to play, and suspended Emms for the remainder of the season and fined him $1,000.