Is College Football Doing the Right Thing to Require Covid19 Liability Waivers for Players Before Practice Participation?
Absolutely not. It seems like an act of bullying to ask a 19 or 20 year old kid to sign away rights to a potential lawsuit (arising from catching Covid19 during practice workouts) at risk of being ostracized as someone who is not a team player.
While it sounds morally repugnant, it may also not pass the legal smell test since the parties are in such an unequal bargaining position. The school controls scholarships and financial aid and the student-athletes are at the mercy of the school financially. If they are “forced” to sign the waivers to participate, courts may not uphold the waivers and certainly not if the school acts grossly negligent at the practices (Possibly things like knowingly allowing trainers with Covid19 symptoms to interact with players.).
For a more detailed discussion on this topic, please listen to my radio interview listed below (also available on my Media Page):
This Morning with Gordon Deal – July 10, 2020
(starts at approx. 13 minute mark)
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