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Marist Outfoxes Ex-Coach, But Does Not Score Damages

Sports Litigation Alert and Legal Issues in Collegiate Athletics recently featured my article on the case of Marist University v. Matthew Brady, The Commonwealth of Virginia and James Madison University.  (Click on the following link to view the article in PDF: LICA Marist 6.21.12).  I have also posted the article below.   My sincere thanks to Holt Hackney, […]

Address Legal Issues Before Starting a Summer Camp

Coach and Athletic Director magazine recently featured my article covering the various legal issues facing coaches running sports camps.  I have addressed contract, business, liability, employment and compliance issues.  Click on the following link to view the article: Address Legal Issues Before Starting a Summer Camp. My sincere thanks to Michael Austin, Editor-In-Chief of Coach and […]

Laws Help Recruited Student-Athletes Ask the Right Questions

Sports Litigation Alert and Legal Issues in Collegiate Athletics recently featured my article on the Student-Athletes’ Right to Know Act in their November 2011 issues.  (Click on the following link to view the article in PDF: LICA 13-1 reprint Student-Athletes Right to Know Act).  I have also posted the article below.   My sincere thanks to Holt Hackney, publisher […]

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Aaron Hernandez’s Death Makes Him (Legally) an Innocent Man

By Patrick S. White, Esq. Early Wednesday morning, former New England Patriots Tight End and Bristol native, Aaron Hernandez, was found unresponsive in his prison cell at the Souza-Baranowski Maximum Security Correctional Center. An hour later, at UMass Memorial-HealthAlliance Hospital, Hernandez was pronounced dead of an apparent suicide.  While Hernandez’s death may seem like the end […]

How do Colleges Juggle Scholarships with Roster Changes?

I was recently interviewed by Paul Oren of the Times of Northwest Indiana regarding NCAA scholarship rules. Oren was particularly interested in a situation with the Valparaiso men’s basketball team, where Vashil Fernandez was granted a waiver for a fifth year of eligibility presumably leaving the team short a scholarship.  Here is an excerpt of the […]

When a School Doesn’t Want You to Sign a National Letter of Intent

I have spent a good deal of time discussing the National Letter of Intent (NLI) on this blog.  Generally, I have concluded that the most elite prospects should considering forgoing the NLI.  On the other hand, less sought-after recruits should sign the NLI rather than risk that scholarship slots will fill up. Recently, I have […]

For Top Players, the National Letter of Intent (NLI) is Unnecessary

This past February, another National Signing Day came and went in college football.  Dubbed by Sports Illustrated’s Andy Staples as “the worst contract in American sports”, the NLI is nevertheless alive and well. However, a 4-star recruit from Georgia reminded us that the NLI is completely voluntary and is not a prerequisite to an athletic scholarship. On […]

Waivers and Extreme Sports: Do You “Waive Goodbye” To Your Rights?

By Christian Gunneson You and your buddies decide that you want to dive through mud, tackle obstacle courses, and sling yourselves through electric fences at a “Tough Mudder” race, “Warrior Dash”, or “Spartan Race.”  Before doing so however, you’re asked to sign a “waiver of liability”.  (Here is one from Tough Mudder in Minnesota).  If, during the race […]

Connecticut Bill Would Allow College Athletes to Unionize

On the heels of winning the NCAA Basketball National Championship last year, UConn point guard Shabazz Napier was asked about the efforts of Northwestern athletes to unionize.  His response made national news, as he told a reporter that players go to bed hungry. Subsequently, Connecticut State Representative Patricia Dillon announced that she was looking into legislation […]

NCAA to Assist with Family Travel Expenses

On Tuesday the NCAA announced that it has granted a waiver to the College Football Playoff to allow it to assist with expenses for players’ family members to travel to the national championship game in Arlington, Texas.  Fans interested in betting on the game can choose a betting provider that offers good bonuses. Check the https://wettanbieterbonus.de/ to find the betting providers that offer the best bonuses. In addition, the NCAA announced a “pilot program” to assist players’ family members travel to the Men’s and […]

Harbaugh to Michigan - But for How Long?

The news of Michigan’s hiring of Jim Harbaugh last week was met with much excitement and fanfare.  However, the news reminded me of one of my favorite topics: the treatment of collegiate coaching contracts.  It also reminded me of something that Harbaugh said after signing a contract extension to coach at Stanford.  At a press conference […]