Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
The Firm
201-896-4100 info@sh-law.comFirm Insights
Rookies Thrown Out of NBA Transition Program May Struggle to Manage Legal Issues
Author: Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
Date: August 14, 2013
Key Contacts
Back
Shabazz Muhammad made headlines recently when it was announced that he was sent home from the National Basketball Association’s Rookie Transition Program for violating rules. The Minnesota Timberwolves rookie was dismissed from the program for “bringing a female guest into his hotel room,” a direct violation of the program’s rules, USA Today recently reported. However, some sports analysts are wondering how dismissal from these programs may impact players’ ability to manage legal issues in the future as their careers progress.
The NBA’s program is designed specifically to help rookies handle the pressures, legal complexities, contractual issues, and other off-court problems that may arise during their careers. Since the program’s inception, several have been removed from the training course or fined for violating the rules it imposes. Yahoo Sports recently noted that a number of players who were dismissed from the program during their early playing years have still achieved marked success both personally and professionally, calling into question the program’s role in keeping players out of trouble. For example, Mario Chalmers of the Miami Heat and Darrell Arthur of the Memphis Grizzlies were removed from the rookie training program in 2008 after drug offenses and having women in their rooms. Both continue to have lucrative playing careers, despite their early dismissal.
However, as the sports industry begins to change and more emphasis is placed on players’ actions and on off the court, others may be wondering if these rookies courses are essential in helping young athletes avoid legal issues that could derail their careers.
“You have to learn to be an adult,” NBA veteran Kevin Martin said of the program, according to Yahoo Sports. “The NBA has a great program about hanging out with the right people and all that. It all factors into one great event for the rookies. Now it’s time to be an adult.”
- Industries: Entertainment & Media
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 Are New Jersey Business Owners Personally Liable for Corporate Debt?
New Jersey personal guaranty liability is a critical issue for business owners who regularly sign contracts on behalf of their companies. A recent New Jersey Supreme Court decision provides valuable guidance on when a business owner can be held personally responsible for a company’s debt. Under the Court’s decision in Extech Building Materials, Inc. v. […]
Author: Charles H. Friedrich
Commercial Real Estate Trends to Watch in 2026
Commercial real estate trends in 2026 are being shaped by shifting economic conditions, technological innovation, and evolving tenant demands. As the market adjusts to changing interest rates, capital flows, and workplace models, investors, owners, tenants, and developers must understand how these trends are influencing opportunities and risk in the year ahead. Overall Outlook for Commercial […]
Author: Michael J. Willner
One Big Beautiful Bill: New Tip Income Tax Rules Employers & Workers Need to Know
Part 2 – Tips Excluded from Income Certain employees and independent contractors may be eligible to deduct tips from their income for tax years 2025 through 2028 under provisions included in the One Big Beautiful Bill. The deduction is capped at $25,000 per year and begins to phase out at $150,000 of modified adjusted gross […]
Author: Scott H. Novak
One Big Beautiful Bill: New Overtime Tax Rules Employers and Employees Need to Know
Part 1 – Overtime Pay and Income Tax Treatment Overview This Firm Insights post summarizes one provision of the “One Big Beautiful Bill” related to the tax treatment of overtime compensation and related employer wage reporting obligations. Overtime Pay and Employee Tax Treatment The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) generally requires that overtime be paid […]
Author: Scott H. Novak
New York’s FAIR Business Practices Act: What the New Consumer Protection Measure Means for Your Business
In 2025, New York enacted one of the most consequential updates to its consumer protection framework in decades. The Fostering Affordability and Integrity through Reasonable Business Practices Act (FAIR Act) significantly expands the scope and strength of New York’s long-standing consumer protection statute, General Business Law § 349, and alters the compliance landscape for New York […]
Author: Dan Brecher
How to Reduce Legal Risk as Your New Jersey Business Grows in 2026
For many New Jersey businesses, growth is a primary objective for the New Year. However, it is important to recognize that growth involves both opportunity and risk. For example, business expansion often results in complex contracts, an increased workforce, new regulatory requirements, and heightened exposure to disputes. Without proactive planning, even routine growth can lead […]
Author: Ken Hollenbeck
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.