Just when you think the moves Justin Fields, footballers and actions of other managers are well-intentioned, but are unlikely to have a real impact on the Big Ten’s decision to postpone the 2020 football season, we get some news about well-known lawyer Tom Mars entering the fury.
For those who need a reminder, Mars has represented many high-profile college footballers (with success I might add) in their efforts to get an exception for derogation for direct qualification for undergrads. He was the attorney representing Justin Fields in obtaining direct qualification at Ohio State.
The Columbus Dispatch (subscription may be required) reached out to Mars and gained some insight into where the enormous pushback from Big Ten players, parents and coaches might be. Be prepared to be surprised because he believes it can all result in a reversal of action by the Big Ten.
Mars believes that Fields as the face of this huge push means more than one gives the credit for.
“I think it’s going to do a lot,” Mars told The Dispatch. ‘I think it’s important already. I do not think this dilemma will be resolved in a court of law. I think it will be resolved in the court of public opinion. I can not think of a single individual in college football – player, coach or otherwise – who has more credibility and respect than Justin Fields. ”
Also of important remark – and a bit of a revelation – at the request of several parents of the Big Ten players, Mars has written a two-page proposal entitled “Action Plan to Reduce Concerns and Legal Risks of Playing Football” of autumn 2020 “.
Yes, you read that right.
And here’s the deal. Mars is of the opinion that the Big Ten should act or have some problems in the court of public opinion. With the reason for support to get on board when attending games in the fall, there are some real issues that may arise for the league.
There are concerns about counterproductive moves to ban liability exemptions, such as what can only be seen as a premature decision by the Big Ten to postpone the season and the lack of detail and transparency in making such a move. effective decision.
“The failure of transparency has called into question the legitimacy of their decision,” Mars said, “which reminds me of the expression I heard and was taught a long time ago: Transparency is the basis of legitimacy. Without it, you can expect that people set your motives and ask if you have made a good decision. ”
Mars said there has also been some talk of taking legal action, but it is not the path he would rather go.
“I do not think this is a situation that is being helped by people who draw swords, especially lawyers,” Mars said.
However, Mars acknowledges that the parents and players did not stop pressing hard on the Big Ten. And this did not come from him, but everyone who lives in today’s society knows what can happen if the other side does not listen, does not react, and there is a lack of transparency and action.
If there’s an ash-free card for Warren and the Big Ten, it could be the development of a new saliva-based test that can deliver COVID-19 test results in just a few hours. He is of the opinion that it provides the Big Ten with a road map to turn course a bit.
“Kevin Warren has a second chance here to do the right thing,” said Mars of first-year Big Ten commissioner.
If not, Mars believes his tenure could be short-lived.
There are many who would come on board based on how this whole thing went. It is difficult to criticize someone for doing what they believe is right under the guise of safety. But the communication, transparency, and willingness to own the decision has, according to many, been far from above.
Well, just because Mars says and believes that something does not necessarily mean it will come to fruition, but maybe this thing has more legs than we thought.
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