Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
The Firm
201-896-4100 info@sh-law.comFirm Insights
Physical Activity Clauses Can Void Athlete Contracts
Author: Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
Date: June 18, 2015
Key Contacts
Back
Could a Ski Vacation Really Void an Athlete’s Contract?
In all four major sports leagues in the U.S., player contracts often include physical activity clauses that explain which activities athletes are restricted from engaging in to prevent off-field injuries.
These physical activity clauses were brought into focus during the most recent NFL season, when New England Patriots player Chandler Jones and his brother, UFC fighter, Jon Jones, discussed fighting in a charitable mixed martial arts event.
The football player wanted to face his older brother in a fight to prove that he could beat the UFC star all the while raising money for a good cause. The problem with the plan was that if they had followed through with the fight, it could have voided Chandler Jones’ NFL contract.
Preventing Injury
Physical activities that put athletes’ bodies at risk, by extension, also leave their teams’ fortunes in danger. If the Jones brothers had fought and Chandler had, say, broken an arm, that would be a substantial blow for the Patriots, both financially and competitively. For this reason, many athletes’ contracts include stipulations that either generally explain that the individual should avoid risky activities such as skiing, parachuting out of an airplane or boxing. Others specifically name which activities the athletes should avoid.
An example of an NFL player’s contract, posted by Marquette University, contains one of these clauses preventing athletes from engaging in risky activities. The stipulation notes that the individual may not engage in any football activities other than games and practices involving the team he plays for. Additionally, it explains that he may not engage in any off-field activity “which may involve a significant risk of personal injury.”
Any athlete who is concerned that his or her contracts include similar stipulations should consult an attorney with knowledge of professional sports agreements.
- Industries: Entertainment & Media
- Locations: Red Bank, NJ, New York City, Little Falls, NJ
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Related Posts
See all
When to Settle and When to Fight: A Litigator's Framework
Every lawsuit comes with a cost, and knowing when to settle a lawsuit is one of the most consequential decisions a business owner will face. Experienced litigators understand how to minimize cost and obtain certainty for their clients. For many business owners, the decision is viewed almost entirely through a financial lens: What will it cost […]
Author: Sean M. Pena
A Whistleblower Just Filed a Complaint Against Your Company: Here's What to Do Now
Few situations create more uncertainty than learning that an employee has filed a whistleblower complaint. Questions arise immediately: Is the allegation legitimate? Should the employee be placed on leave? Do we need to notify our insurance carrier? Are we now prevented from disciplining the employee if there are unrelated ongoing work related issues? There is […]
Author: Sean M. Pena
Assignment for the Benefit of Creditors: An Alternative to Bankruptcy for Distressed Businesses
When a business reaches the point where it can no longer service its debts or otherwise resolve its liabilities, management is often faced with a difficult question: is a bankruptcy filing necessary or is there another way to perform an orderly liquidation or sale of the business assets? While Chapters 7 and 11 of the […]
Author: John D. Giampolo
Breaking Down New Jersey’s “Mansion” Tax: What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know
For many years, the New Jersey Mansion Tax has been a significant consideration in high-value real estate transactions. Recent legislative changes, however, have substantially altered how the tax operates, including who is responsible for paying it and the amount owed in certain transactions. Whether you are purchasing, selling, or investing in New Jersey real estate, […]
Author: George McGowan
Estate Planning for Digital Assets Under New Jersey Law
As our personal and financial lives increasingly move online, estate planning must evolve to address a new category of property: digital assets. From email accounts and social media profiles to cryptocurrency and cloud-stored business records, these assets often carry both financial and sentimental value. Yet, without proper planning, they can become inaccessible—or even lost—upon incapacity […]
Author: Marc J. Comer
The Role of Representation and Warranty Insurance in M&A Transactions
In today’s mergers and acquisitions market, representation and warranty (R&W) insurance has become a common feature of deal negotiations. Once used primarily in larger transactions, R&W insurance is now frequently incorporated into middle-market deals as buyers and sellers look for efficient ways to allocate risk and close deals. When structured properly, R&W insurance can help […]
Author: George McGowan
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Sign up to get the latest from our attorneys!
Explore What Matters Most to You.
Consider subscribing to our Firm Insights mailing list by clicking the button below so you can keep up to date with the firm`s latest articles covering various legal topics.
Stay informed and inspired with the latest updates, insights, and events from Scarinci Hollenbeck. Our resource library provides valuable content across a range of categories to keep you connected and ahead of the curve.