Unless he prevails in his appeal of a four-game sanction, levied Thursday by the league, Carolina Panthers defensive end Julius Peppers could lose more than the $235,294 in base salary he will be docked during his suspension.

According to NFL Players Association documents, and sources close to the rookie end, Peppers' contract calls for a $1 million bonus if he is selected for the Pro Bowl game and an additional $100,000 bonus if the former North Carolina star is chosen as the defensive rookie of the year.

With a league-high 10 sacks in his first nine NFL games, Peppers was well on his way to earning both honors, and the accompanying $1.1 million. It remains to be seen if a suspension would hinder Peppers' chances at being named to the NFC Pro Bowl squad or capturing rookie of the year honors.

As the second overall player chosen in the 2002 draft, Peppers signed a seven-year contract that could be worth as much as $62 million, and the deal included a $9.1 million signing bonus.

Outside of statements released by Peppers and agent Marvin Demoff, the leagues' confidentiality guidelines preclude NFL or team officials from amplifying on the matter, which is under appeal.

The timetable for the appeal remains uncertain, and Peppers will play in Sunday's game at Tampa Bay, and could potentially remain in the lineup beyond that as well. But if the appeals process drags out, club officials might suggest Peppers forego his recourse, rather than risk having the suspension affect him at the outset of the 2003 season.

Len Pasquarelli is a senior writer for ESPN.com.