Mo Hurst needs our help (another dispicable NCAA rule?)

Submitted by ThatGuyCeci on

In an article from 24/7 writer Josh Henschke, the topic of Mo Hurst's insurance policy came up while discussing his decision to play in the bowl game. Heres what Mo had to say:

 

Like Butt, Hurst says that he has taken an insurance policy out just in case...

However, Hurst is completely in the dark in terms of what his policy specifically states. Something, he says, is tough for some who may not necessarily have the resources to seek help.

"I do [have an insurance policy] but I have no idea what I signed," Hurst said. "That's one of the issues with this insurance thing. I wasn't as fortunate as Jake where his dad can be involved with that. I can't hire a lawyer to review my insurance policy and make sure it's the best one for me. I think that's an issue that people have to focus on because I'm not really sure what I signed."

It is stated further down in the thread that kids cannot receive free legal counsel because it would be an "impermissible benefit." What a load of crap! The hypocrisy of the NCAA is astounding. How is it that kids (especially those who cannot afford the help they need) are not allowed this service? As much money as the schools and NCAA make every year, this expense is a drop in the bucket. I truly cannot believe this is not allowed.  This needs to be brought to the national medias attention ASAP. This has to be changed to protect the student athletes, their families, and their futures.

 

 

MGoBoard

Jack Be Nimble

December 7th, 2017 at 4:02 PM ^

He can't ask a student because it's a violation of legal ethics for a law student to give legal advice. The ABA has urged very strict rules on the states about the Unauthorized Practice of Law.

And if he asks a professor, that just brings us back to our original problem. Professors are not giving legal advice to just any student who walks in so giving it to Mo Hurst is an impermissible benefit.

Joined: 10/03/2014

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Jack Be Nimble

December 8th, 2017 at 12:25 PM ^

An interpretation of a legal document, in this case an insurance contract, is legal advice. A non-lawyer could never get into any trouble giving that sort of advice but a lawyer or law student could.

Joined: 10/03/2014

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samsoccer7

December 7th, 2017 at 3:41 PM ^

What if he posted his policy on social media and somebody responded to it on social media, is that free legal advice? What if a lawyer tells me what to write, is that free legal advice? So stupid. Hope he gets help with this bc I can imagine it’s complicated with all sorts of out clauses for the insurance company.

Joined: 07/08/2008

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MileHighWolverine

December 7th, 2017 at 3:54 PM ^

Why not just ask JB for the phone number to his insurance agent? Then ask said agent for same contract as JB last year. Would get the benefit of legal advice (from when JB's dad paid a lawyer to negotiate it) without having to pay for it.....win/win.

Joined: 09/02/2008

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ska4punkkid

December 7th, 2017 at 3:54 PM ^

why doesn't he just contact the insurance company and have them send him a copy of the policy? He has a Michigan education right? He should be able to read the policy...

Joined: 07/09/2015

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BrewCityBlue

December 8th, 2017 at 1:59 AM ^

you're a young man more focused on being one of the top players in the country and maybe he hasn't done a lot of stuff like this before. If M isnt talking to all players about all their options and assisting where allowed information-wise i would be shocked but maybe need to improve there. I wonder if top players are preyed on with these types of things too. Snakeoil salesmen type thing maybe. #137,985 item for NCAA to fix.

Joined: 09/07/2009

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Mongo

December 7th, 2017 at 4:07 PM ^

his insurance policy can't come anywhere near the money that he would get as a first rounder.  Myles Garrett got $30mm of which $20mm was upfront ... #10 in the first round got $16mm of which $10mm was upfront.  Insurance policies don't pay that kind of money.

Joined: 06/25/2016

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jblaze

December 7th, 2017 at 4:22 PM ^

I work for a large insurance company and can get a top underwriter (not me) to review any policy from any carrier and explain it to Mo.

Mo, if you would like, reply to this message.

EDIT: This is not legal counsil, just one underwriter to another.

Joined: 08/29/2008

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Longballs Dong…

December 7th, 2017 at 4:31 PM ^

don't you become an illegal booster for offering something to a star player and no one else? how is that different than a dealership offering a cheap car to a player? You can't give free things, instead the NCAA should provide attorneys for this purpose. further, I thought it was legal for a school to buy this policy, should Harbaugh be all to tell him what it covers?

Joined: 04/28/2011

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jblaze

December 7th, 2017 at 4:38 PM ^

Nope. I'm an alumns offering anyone who has a complicated insurance question a meeting with an underwriter (who understands complex risk). 

I don't get anything from this. In addition, if anyone alumni or not makes 7 figures or will soon, talk to my company (it's not my company, I'm a peon but it's a figure of speech). I will simply arrange a phone conversation with an underwriter who knows more about this than I do.

Joined: 08/29/2008

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Longballs Dong…

December 7th, 2017 at 5:16 PM ^

but you aren't really offering that it about to make it happen. what if 1000 different alumni call? will you help then all? a dealership could say the same thing, if anyone knew the special access code id give them a challenger on 22s for $20 a month also, it just so happens that only mo Hurst knew the right code. unless this is a normal advertised process you couldn't create it now for Hurst

Joined: 04/28/2011

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Birdman

December 7th, 2017 at 4:22 PM ^

Are any of YOU willing to take that? I mean I would, but it would have to be done as a non secured loan with appropriate charges. But that should be allowed, similar to the insurance premium, it would have to pass the smell test. As stated 1hr at maybe $300/hr.

Joined: 07/01/2008

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OC Alum91

December 7th, 2017 at 4:46 PM ^

suspect discounted rate may count as impermissible benefit. Not sure Mo's financial situation, but even if he has to put it on a credit card he should invest the money for a review. if he does the policy right (with lawyer's help reviewing), 300/hr would be a good investment because he will be guaranteed money either way. he just needs about $600 credit for 2 months--a credit card or loan at pawn shop rates would do.

Joined: 02/05/2015

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EGD

December 7th, 2017 at 4:38 PM ^

One possible resource he could utilize is a new program through the ABA called "free legal answers."  You basically submit a question on-line and the program assigns an attorney to answer it.  I think every state runs its program differently but in at least the Virginia program I am most familiar with vets the attorneys pretty well.  Here is a link to the Michigan program:

https://mi.freelegalanswers.org/ 

Joined: 09/16/2009

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PopeLando

December 7th, 2017 at 5:12 PM ^

Believe me when I say that Hurst should in no way rely on this insurance policy as a way to recover lost draft position salary if he's hurt. Without having received legal consult, there is a 0% chance he signed anything that will be a benefit for him. Insurance company attorneys make a lot of money drafting policies that will never pay out, even if the stated event happens. Example: "we'll pay Hurst $3m, but only if it can be conclusively proven by a medical professional designated by us (the insurer) that the injury was a new injury and not an exacerbated former injury" Long story short: Hurst should not play in the bowl game

Joined: 08/01/2015

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M-Dog

December 7th, 2017 at 5:45 PM ^

After a game once in 2008, I met Brandon Graham's mom and she talked about insurance policies for injuries.

They had a $2 million policy on Brandon, but they had to pay for it themselves.  They got no assistance from the NCAA, nor were they allowed to get any.  It was a hardship, but it was something they clearly had to do.

I was hoping by now the NCAA would lower this hurdle so that kids would feel more confident about staying in school.

Edit:  From reading above, it looks like they did change it so that you don't have to pay the premium until you are getting paid in the NFL. 

 

Joined: 07/06/2008

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StephenRKass

December 7th, 2017 at 6:05 PM ^

Frustrating to hear, and a fascinating question. I have asked my cousin who is an estate lawyer and who also is a registered sports agent representing a number of NFL players (including Michigan football alumni.) This is right in his wheel house. I will see what he says.

Joined: 07/15/2008

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JTGoBlue

December 7th, 2017 at 6:22 PM ^

Schools should be able to facilitate insurance for the players who have valid NFL prospects. Should also be the type of plan coach Harbaugh has, where you can draw from it. Could also improve the game as well as players would not be reluctant to play in bowl games or come back for senior year to improve draft stock. Further it's proven it would not give certain programs a bigger advantage, as draft stock would really be the 'currency' to justify a policy, and players and establish that at any school.

Joined: 08/31/2009

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Youngharbaugh4

December 7th, 2017 at 7:44 PM ^

In EVERY state, if you are arrested you are able to obtain free legal counsel for a crime commited. Now, this might not make sense but, what happens if a student is arrested? By the NCAA's logic that means that they are recieving benefits. So in Mo's case, if an athlete is signing a document they have no clue about without legal representation, how are they supposed to know if they are getting worked by the NCAA. Schools should be able to provide athletes legal representation when they are in need of it. The same goes with health insurance,  school's are able provide financial assistance after a certain amount when they are injured. So why are legal matters any different. If a school can provide money to surgeries, why couldn't they provide legal representation. Makes absolutley no sense at all. 

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