8th grader commits to UNC bball program

USC-Tard.

This "verbal pledge" stuff drives me crazy (not much of a drive, actually--more of a chip shot). Any pledge that's in words is a "verbal pledge"--what else, sign language? I think they mean "oral" pledge, in contrast to having something in writing.

it's a VERBAL commitment.

It's an ORAL committment, get it?

da hooooopsta wrote:

it's a VERBAL commitment.

Who cares? They can offer someone a scholarship in 8th grade? I thought they couldn't talk to a prospective student athlete until July 1 of their senior year? Or does him being in 8th grade not making him a "prospective student athlete"? It's all really silly.

i believe this situation falls under the statue of frauds.

Actually...you aren't a prospective student athlete until the 9th grade. It's legit. Once in the 9th grade a coach can only correspond via snail mail and email until the summer before their senior year.

Am I Crazy? wrote:

i believe this situation falls under the statue of frauds.

Nope, because the courts have often ruled that an athletic scholarship is not a contract.

either way it's not a binding contract because the commitment would take longer than 1 year to complete therefore according to the statue of frauds it would have to be in writing.

Hell, anyone who wants to can give a verbal commitment. It doesn't mean anything. You can verbally commit to a school that doesn't even want you or know who you are. It isn't a contract at all.

are you referring to verbal commitments in general or those with respect to schools, recruiting, etc?

Just recruiting. I know that a verbal contract can be binding, but any random kid saying "I'm playing basketball at UNC" isn't a binding contract. Mostly just because UNC hasn't actually made the offer.

I think Damon Bailey "committed" to Indiana when he was in 8th grade.

you should read the book "Pistol -The Life of Pete Maravich" if this story interests you.

speaking of Damon Bailey; this is why Bowerman didnt want to tickle Prefontaines ego.

http://www.hoosiergazette.com/Sports/sports002.htm

Scholarship offers and oral commitments are about as binding as friendship bracelets. These "commitments" can be rescinded at any time, for any reason, by either party. Everything prior to the offering and signing of the LOI is just for show.

It is USC not UNC

Harry Kooter wrote:

Hell, anyone who wants to can give a verbal commitment. It doesn't mean anything. You can verbally commit to a school that doesn't even want you or know who you are. It isn't a contract at all.

Sure, I get that. But then why did it make the news?

It was a two-way verbal commitment. USC made a verbal commitment to an 8th grader? Even if it's legal (or not illegal), it sure does make them look sleazy at best, or desperate at worst.

not even old enough to consent for the agreement