Toledo offensive lineman cannot afford a lawyer and might represent himself in NCA…
Toledo · Ole Miss · Arkansas StateNick Thomas knew in middle school that he ultimately wanted to go to law school. Unless he finds help soon, Thomas may get a crash course In the civil court system before his first law school class.
The facts of his case are similar to the case of Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, who is playing thanks to a preliminary injunction issued by a state court after the NCAA denied him a waiver for an extra year of eligibility. “That’s the part I’m most frustrated about,” Thomas said.
“It’s very similar to Trinidad, and I have more information behind mine and I still haven’t been cleared.” Thomas has dreamt of earning a law degree so he can work in sports, either as an attorney or as an agent.
He never thought he’d need legal skills while still in college. Thomas’ father, Earl, worked as a paralegal for part of a long career at Verizon, and Earl Thomas has spent the past few weeks trying to help his son gather information to help write a complaint.
KEY POINTS
- If he can’t find an attorney in Ohio willing to help for what he can afford, Toledo offensive tackle Nick Thomas plans to represent himself against the NCAA in court.
- Thomas, an offensive tackle at Toledo, wants to sue the NCAA to get an injunction allowing him to play this season.
- Toledo offensive linemen don’t make what Ole Miss star QBs make, and attorneys in Ohio have told Thomas his case could cost him between $50,000 and $100,000 in legal fees.
- Nick thought he’d provided enough documentation to receive a waiver from the NCAA that would let him play this season.