Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
The Firm
201-896-4100 info@sh-law.comFirm Insights
Physical Activity Clauses Can Void Athlete Contracts
Author: Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
Date: June 18, 2015
Key Contacts
Back
Could a Ski Vacation Really Void an Athlete’s Contract?
In all four major sports leagues in the U.S., player contracts often include physical activity clauses that explain which activities athletes are restricted from engaging in to prevent off-field injuries.
These physical activity clauses were brought into focus during the most recent NFL season, when New England Patriots player Chandler Jones and his brother, UFC fighter, Jon Jones, discussed fighting in a charitable mixed martial arts event.
The football player wanted to face his older brother in a fight to prove that he could beat the UFC star all the while raising money for a good cause. The problem with the plan was that if they had followed through with the fight, it could have voided Chandler Jones’ NFL contract.
Preventing Injury
Physical activities that put athletes’ bodies at risk, by extension, also leave their teams’ fortunes in danger. If the Jones brothers had fought and Chandler had, say, broken an arm, that would be a substantial blow for the Patriots, both financially and competitively. For this reason, many athletes’ contracts include stipulations that either generally explain that the individual should avoid risky activities such as skiing, parachuting out of an airplane or boxing. Others specifically name which activities the athletes should avoid.
An example of an NFL player’s contract, posted by Marquette University, contains one of these clauses preventing athletes from engaging in risky activities. The stipulation notes that the individual may not engage in any football activities other than games and practices involving the team he plays for. Additionally, it explains that he may not engage in any off-field activity “which may involve a significant risk of personal injury.”
Any athlete who is concerned that his or her contracts include similar stipulations should consult an attorney with knowledge of professional sports agreements.
- Industries: Entertainment & Media
- Locations: Red Bank, NJ, New York City, Little Falls, NJ
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Related Posts
See all
Fort Monmouth Redevelopment and the Transformation of Monmouth County Real Estate
The Fort Monmouth redevelopment has entered its execution phase, and it is repositioning the broader Monmouth County real estate market. When Netflix and the Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Authority closed on the 292-acre Mega Parcel in December 2025, the transaction did more than hand over a deed. It marked the moment Fort Monmouth stopped being […]
Author: Donald M. Pepe
Local Zoning and Land Use Rules Every New Jersey Rental Property Owner Should Understand
Owning a residential rental property in New Jersey involves more than finding tenants and collecting rent. Property owners must comply with a combination of state laws, municipal ordinances, building and housing codes, and zoning and land use regulations. These requirements can affect everything from the number of dwelling units permitted at a property to whether […]
Author: Donald M. Pepe
Real Estate Litigation Explained: Top 5 Disputes and How to Avoid Them
The five most common real estate disputes are breach of contract claims, landlord-tenant conflicts, zoning and land use disagreements, construction claims, and boundary disputes. Understanding why each arises, and taking preventive steps early, can help property owners, tenants, developers, and investors avoid costly litigation. Key Takeaways: Real estate transactions are complex endeavors involving numerous parties […]
Author: Paul Grossman
When a Child Turns 18: The Gap in Your Family’s Estate Plan
Once a child turns 18, parents lose the automatic legal authority to make medical and financial decisions on their behalf, even if the child still lives at home or remains on the family’s insurance. Three documents close that gap: a durable power of attorney, a health care proxy or directive, and a HIPAA authorization. For […]
Author: George McGowan
Business Mediation: An Overview and Practical Tips
Business mediation is a confidential, voluntary process in which a neutral third party helps companies negotiate a resolution to a commercial dispute without going to trial. Because working with a mediator is very different from litigating in the courtroom, it is important to understand how commercial mediation works, when it makes sense for your dispute, […]
Author: Paul Grossman
Top 5 Causes Leading to Construction Defect Litigation
The five most common causes of construction defect litigation are design defects, substandard materials, workmanship defects, code violations, and subsurface defects. Because these flaws can compromise a building’s integrity, functionality, or safety, they frequently lead to disputes involving multiple parties and high financial stakes. Key takeaways: What is Construction Defect Litigation? Construction litigation is complex, […]
Author: Paul Grossman
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Sign up to get the latest from our attorneys!
Explore What Matters Most to You.
Consider subscribing to our Firm Insights mailing list by clicking the button below so you can keep up to date with the firm`s latest articles covering various legal topics.
Stay informed and inspired with the latest updates, insights, and events from Scarinci Hollenbeck. Our resource library provides valuable content across a range of categories to keep you connected and ahead of the curve.