This past winter, I wrote an article discussing the major college football coaching decisions during the 2021 season. See Is This The Product That Major College Football Truly Desires to Produce?[1] There, I discussed the domino effect that firing college coaches has, ultimately leading to coaches jumping ship for these now vacated and seemingly better... Continue Reading →
The status of college athletes at institutions is a current hot-button topic in college sports. Specifically, the debate boils down to whether college athletes should be treated as employees of their respective institutions or not. Interestingly, recent comments from NCAA President Mark Emmert indicate that there may be another classification-type for college athletes. However, the... Continue Reading →
This past Friday, September 2nd, the College Football Playoff Board of Managers unanimously voted to expand the current 4-team playoff structure to a 12-team format by 2026.[1] The new format will include the six highest-ranked conference champions, along with six at-large teams. Id. Moreover, the four highest tanked conferences champions will be seeded one through... Continue Reading →
As part of the Educational Amendments Act of 1972 to the 1964 Civil Rights Act, Congress enacted Title IX 20 U.S.C. § 1681 (“Title IX”).[1] More specifically, Title IX was enacted to redress past discrimination in athletics and to protect people from discrimination based on sex in education programs or activities that received financial assistance. ... Continue Reading →
On behalf of the Buffalo Sports and Entertainment Law Society, we are excited to present a three-day celebration of Title IX. Thursday, June 23, 2022, marks the 50th anniversary of the passage of Title IX. This federal civil rights law has been credited with profoundly changing education in the United States by barring sex discrimination... Continue Reading →
Our traditional understanding of college athletics has taken a significant hit over the past several months since the NCAA lifted its restriction against players receiving compensation for their Name, Image, and Likeness. The NCAA has since provided little guidance in defining this new space. For example, a summary of the NCAA’s interim policy states: “Individuals... Continue Reading →
Mississippi's Law to "Facilitate" NIL Deals On April 20, 2022, Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves signed into law two changes to the state’s Name, Image, and Likeness law.[1] First, junior colleges and institutions in Mississippi can play a more active role in guiding their college athletes through the NIL landscape. Id. Specifically, Senate Bill 2690[2] now... Continue Reading →
In November of 2021, the University of Mississippi (“Ole Miss”) became the first institution to distribute a check to one of its current athletes.[1] Specifically, Senior long jumper Allen Gordon received a $2,990 check for academic achievements. Id. This check appears to be the first such payment following the Supreme Court’s ruling in Alston v.... Continue Reading →
This past Tuesday, April 5, 2022, key members of the Saint Peter’s Cinderella basketball team in the NCAA March Madness tournament officially entered the transfer portal.[1] Specifically, Junior guards Doug Edert, Daryl Banks III, and Matthew Lee each decided to search for a new team for the 2022-2023 season. Id. Their decision to enter the... Continue Reading →
Since the NCAA lifted its ban on college athlete likeness compensation, many have waited for regulations set by the NCAA to assure uniform enforcement. However, recent comments from Mark Emmert, President of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (“NCAA”), demonstrate the NCAA's scramble to remain relevant. The NCAA has demonstrated reluctance to transition to a player... Continue Reading →