In this article we continue to explore questions in the minds of athletes and their parents/guardians as we are likely entering the post- House age of recruiting and NIL. The bottom line: any athlete that is about to commit via contract(s) to a Division 1 institution/program, particularly in the Power 4 conferences (Big 10,Big 12, SEC, and ACC), should retain competent and trustworthy counsel.

Question 1: Tell me how a representative can best help me; why can’t I go it alone?

Answer 1: This too is also an extremely loaded question with many answers. Although you could rep yourself, it is not wise. We believe today more than ever college-athletes need competent representation due to NIL changes with the looming House settlement, the uncertainty and chaos that House has created, colleges becoming more directly involved with NIL, the possible changing role of collectives as a supplementary NIL supporters, new and different contract goals and terms, and athlete value assessments.

Here are a few bullet points for you to consider:

·        The contracts that will be presented to you for review and signature by the colleges and/or collectives will become more complex, lengthier, and carry mor risk to you.

·        An understanding of player value.

·        An understanding of the college budget.

·        Avoiding conflicts of interest.

·        Fair and reasonable negotiations.

·        A person in your corner truly looking out for your best interest.

·        A sounding board for you to bounce questions and ideas off.

·        Your ability to focus your time on classwork and athletics.

·        Your peace of mind.

We believe that all parties to the NIL world are going through the pains of change and are experiencing some degree of difficulty when it comes to fully understanding the landscape. If the well-funded universities and collectives have uncertainty even with top lawyers and consultant in their corner, you simply cannot be on a level playing field for NIL if alone. Hire yourself a good rep!

ABOUTTHE AUTHORS:

NILegally Speaking™ is written by PowerNIL/Ken Feinberg, attorney, in collaboration with other expert attorneys focused on employment, labor, contract, and intellectual property law.

 ken@powernil.com                                                                                                                       www.powernil.com

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