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Just when you think the moves of Justin Fields, soccer parents, and the actions of other directors are well-intentioned but unlikely to have a real impact on the Big Ten’s decision to postpone the 2020 soccer season, we have news of well-known lawyer Tom Mars enters the fray.
For those in need of a refresher, Mars has represented (successfully I might add) many top college football players in their attempts to secure a waiver for immediate undergraduate eligibility. He was the lawyer who represented Justin Fields for immediate eligibility for the state of Ohio.
The Columbus Dispatch (subscription may be required) reached out to Mars and got a glimpse of the direction the huge setback for Big Ten players, parents and coaches could take. Be prepared to be surprised, because he thinks all of this could lead to a Big Ten reversal.
Mars thinks that having Fields as the face of this whole push means more than anyone gives him credit for it.
“I think it’s going to matter a lot,” Mars told The Dispatch. “I think it’s already important. I don’t think this dilemma is going to be resolved by a court. I think this will be resolved in the court of public opinion. I can’t think of any individual in college football – player, coach or otherwise – who has more credibility and respect than Justin Fields.
Equally important – and somewhat revealing – at the request of several parents of Big Ten players, Mars drafted a two-page proposal titled “Action Plan to Alleviate Football Legal Concerns and Risks Fall 2020”.
Yes, you read that right.
And here’s the deal. Mars believes the Big Ten must act or face some issues in the court of public opinion. With the surge of support to participate in the attempt to play games in the fall, real problems could arise for the league.
There are concerns about the counterproductive moves to ban liability waivers, as well 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 the making. such a powerful decision.
“The failure of transparency called into question the legitimacy of their decision,” Mars said, “which reminds me of that expression I heard and learned long ago: Transparency is the foundation of legitimacy. Without it, you can expect people to question your motives and wonder if you made a good decision. “
Mars has said there has been talk of legal action as well, but that is not the route he would prefer to take.
“I don’t think this is a situation helped by people who draw swords, especially lawyers,” Mars said.
Still, Mars admits parents and gamers are not going to stop pushing back against the Big Ten hard. And it’s not from him, but anyone who lives in today’s society knows what can happen if the other side doesn’t listen, don’t respond, and there’s a lack of transparency and action. .
If there is a free prison release card for Warren and the Big Ten, it could be the development of a new saliva-based test that can provide COVID-19 test results in just hours. He thinks this provides the Big Ten with a roadmap to turn the tide a bit.
“Kevin Warren has a second chance here to do the right thing,” Mars said of the first-year Big Ten commissioner.
Otherwise, Mars believes his tenure could be short-lived.
There are many who would be okay with that depending on how it all turned out. It’s hard to criticize someone for doing what they think is right under the guise of safety. But communication, transparency and the willingness to take ownership of the decision were far from flawless according to many.
Now, just because Mars says and believes something doesn’t necessarily mean it’s going to come to fruition, but maybe this thing has more legs than we thought.
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