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First Legally-Binding Contract Between College Athlete and School to be Unveiled at Virginia

Could this replace National Letters of Intent (and therefore, fax machines)?

By Brian J. Leung
NCAA Basketball: North Carolina State at Virginia Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

The University of Virginia could be the site of a game changing announcement that could impact the future of college athletes and the NCAA. According to CBS Sports, the National College Players Association has developed what they’re calling the “first-ever legally binding contract between a college prospect and his school,” which will be unveiled on Wednesday at the NBPA Top 100 Camp held at Virginia.

CBS Sports says they’ve obtained a copy of the “College Athlete Protection (CAP) Guarantee,” an agreement directly between the athlete and the college or university. The document outlines that this is unlike a National Letter of Intent, which does not bind the university to offering a scholarship, much less any other benefits, and that this could be used instead of, or in conjunction with, the NLI.

Based on the draft of this agreement, the CAP Guarantee could be used to secure financial aid, all or a portion of medical expenses, disability insurance, graduate program scholarship, additional expense reimbursements, and family benefits. It could also be used to commit the school to agree to any transfer release requests, or to agree not to restrict the athlete’s ability to transfer to other schools.

"We think this will change things," said Ramogi Huma, executive director of the National College Players Association, said in the CBS Sports report. "This will be a good place to start. It opens Pandora's Box."

According to the report, the NCPA has “thoroughly vetted the document” with both legal and NCAA experts, and this document would secure legally binding protections and benefits “worth over $100,000 dollars [sic] beyond a minimum scholarship without breaking NCAA rules.”

"This is all transparency," Huma is quoted in the report. "What can a player ask for without breaking NCAA rules? … It's something you can customize yourself. It's something you can send out to schools who are recruiting you."

We’ll be following the announcement closely, and will continue to provide updates and breakdowns here on Streaking the Lawn.

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