This is why unionization is important. Not just because the union could collectively bargain with the NCAA, the CFP and/or their schools, but the union also provides education to the players on their rights and responsibilities. It could also screen or approve agents to prevent members from being taken advantage of. It can review contracts to make sure members arenāt being taken advantage of. It could provide tax advice and services for less financially literate members. It could provide financial literacy courses.
But many people are opposed, including the NCAA, schools, some politicians and some people who also criticize the athletes for asking to be paid and getting what they deserve.
I think this gets at the issue. Itās not that nobody involved is aware of what a contract is. Itās that if they had to reduce it to writing, the agreement would be pretty squishy on the actual figures.
I suspect that if Leonard and co were smart about this, they made sure to say all the disclaimers (eg, if my partner comes through), but I guess thatās now for a jury of the great state of Florida to figure out (unless of course FSU wisely caves and settles this if they want to ever get a decent player there again).
Oral contracts are valid in Virginia for most things except real estate. But proving an oral contact as binding is a whale of an issue. And statute of limitations for oral contracts was 2 years (vs 5 for written) the last time I checked.
On or about February 18, 2023, Hamilton promised Darin Green, Jr. $250,000.00 if he played for FSU during the 2023-24 menās basketball season and stated to Darin that the NIL money would come from his āsources,ā which Hamilton characterized as his business partners.
A coach saying heāll fund payments through his business partners should be an enormous red flag.
Somehow worse than the dreaded āvote of confidenceā that portends a firing. āWe gave Coach a number for a good lawyer. Not our lawyer though, we didnāt get sued.ā
