Sports participation must start from childhood. It is from the schools that children get a passion for sports. Therefore, schools must develop an interest in sports in their students. These students can grow up to be great sportspersons and contribute to the sports sector of the community. Here are some ways to improve sports participation in a community. Begin from the grassroots To develop sports, it is better to start from school. It tries to teach and have fun through sports. Sports will become an important part of the learning process. Grassroots sports offer an opportunity for free ex ..read more

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 ..read more

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 ..read more

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 ..read more

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 ..read more

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 ..read more

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 ..read more

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.  In addition, the NCAA announced a “pilot program” to assist players’ family members travel to the Men’s and ..read more

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 ..read more

The Connecticut Bar Association is hosting a sports law event this Thursday.  Connecticut Sports Law guest columnist Rob Romano will participate on the panel.  See below for details. When: Thursday, November 6, 2014 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Where: Quinnipiac University School of Law 370 Bassett Rd North Haven, Connecticut United States Contact: Member Service Center ..read more