In Reply to: We don't know what's in these agreements posted by TJJ on April 23, 2025 at 14:35:12
I never said Aguilar had a claim. That's nutty. The athlete would never have a claim for leaving. I said that UCLA could conceivably go after Aguilar for the buyout in his contract (if there is one) or for damages for the breach, amount to be determined, if there isn't a buyout clause. Go back and re-read it.
Here, step-by-step: "If Arky is getting their money, surely Tenn will go after theirs, too."
That means that if Arkansas gets paid for Madden, Tennessee will surely want to get paid for Nico. (and they'd be entitled to it).
"Does Aguilar's arrival somewhat offset the damages for Nico?" That means that if contract law is being enforced, UCLA is entitled to damages for Aguilar's departure. See, there is no assertion that Aguilar has a claim. Can't imagine how you read it that way.
So, would UCLA's claim for damages for Aguilar's departure offset some of Tennessee's claim for damages (enforcement of a buyout clause) for Nico's departure?
Hope that helps.
Progressing through the discussion:
If Tennessee seeks compensation for Nico, and UCLA says "ok, but we need to be compensated for Aguilar" then "maybe Tennessee would argue that Aguilar's departure was forced, by UCLA bringing in the Iamaleava's - so, Aguilar did not breach the contract by leaving."
Do you get it? If UCLA seeks compensation for Aguilar breaching his contract, maybe Tennessee would argue back that the contract was no longer enforceable, because Aguilar made the agreement with the understanding that he could compete for the starting job - with Iamaleava coming in, that opportunity has been effectively taken away. So, the contract is not enforceable against him (Aguilar). That would be a weak argument to make, not likely to prevail in court, but it's an argument. And, if a Circuit Court judge could determine that playing basketball for a team is a property right of which a player can't be deprived despite a rape charge, maybe this argument would fly for Aguilar/Tennesse. Or, at least help in negotiations, because it's incredibly unlikely that any of this goes to court.
So, see? Nowhere did I say "Aguilar has a claim." I was talking about a potential defense to UCLA's claim.
If that happens, does UCLA seek compensation for Aguilar?