Tim Tebow's eye black versus Mississippi State was "Eph. 4:32," referring to "Be kind and compassionate . . ., forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." Jeremiah Masoli's black eye in State of Oregon v. Masoli was "ORS 164.215," which refers to Second Degree Burglary. The NCAA's black eye is how it stacks the deck against student athletes.
Most student athletes do not make the pages of Sports Illustrated. Instead, they are like a former client of mine, who simply love a sport and want to earn a college degree. The scholarships are one-year contracts. If a student is injured in a game or practice, then coaches often do not grant the scholarship the next season. The student is treated like damaged goods, like a flat tire that can't be repaired.
Every time I see a young man or young woman carried off of a field of play, I have two feelings. First, I feel guilty that I encourage with my cheers the type of hard (brutal) play that often leads to injury. Second, I worry about the kid. Will he be disabled for life? Will she be able to afford to continue her schooling when the coach yanks the scholarship?
I read where the NCAA has not yet ruled, officially, that Mr. Masoli may play for Ole Miss. Why not? The young man graduated from the University of Oregon. The U. of O. cut him. Why should he not be free to play wherever a coach wants him to play if he is otherwise eligible? Is it fair that NCAA schools, as a group, can make multi-year claims and demands upon students, yet only promise one-year scholarships that may be revoked?
A bigger black eye than that arising from Mr. Masoli's youthful errors is that huge ugly thing all over the face of the NCAA Schools, which conspire to tie up wide-eyed teenagers in one-sided contracts. If you ruin a knee for a school? It's, "Sorry, son, it was a one-year deal; pay for your own tuition next year." You inspire the entire State of Oregon with your play, graduate early and want to play some more? It's, "Not so fast, buster."
Jeff Merrick, Oregon Trial Attorney
503-665-4234
