How binding are offers?

[Horn69]

Once a school offers a scholarship to a kid and they document that in a letter, can they rescind that up until the kid signs a LOI? i.e., is that a legal binding document?

Hook'em!!!

 

[accuratehorn]

I believe nothing is really binding as a verbal offer, until the letter of intent is signed. But a school would get a pretty poor reputation with future recruits if they pulled the offer, unless there was a very good reason (arrest or something like that).

 

[71grad]

It is not a legal binding agreement. It is the same as a handshake deal. An offer can be rescinded with good cause. Coaches that make a habit of it would earn a lot of negative attention. I can think of less than a handful of times Mack has rescinded an offer.

 

[Horn69]

What brings up the question is the deal at LSU with the WR (Benton) that had previously signed with LSU but then Miles took back his offer so he could persuade Randle to sign.

This may be totally different case since it involves LOI from 2 yrs ago and JUCO and grades, etc.

But, it brought up the question as stated above...can the school just change it's mind, without cause, and pull back its offer.

Hook'em!!!

 

[GHoward]

I think LOI from two years ago would be meaningless. They;d have to sign another LOI, assuming the team still wanted that player two years later.

 

[cehorn]

I think you also have to make the distinction between offer and offer/commitment. Mack as pulled back a ton of offers over the years. However, he has only pulled back a few offers that had been accepted (Collins that went to OSU is an example). Mack usually offers a kid and gives them a timetable to commit. If they don't commit in that time frame then he will possibly offer another kid at that position. If the second kid commits, Mack may or may not pull the offer to the first kid depending on need and how good the first kid is. He is well within his right to pull the first kids offer if he already has a kid in that spot and no more room is available. I think the key here is to be honest and up front with the kids.

 

[Sangre Naranjada]

In reply to:

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[Horn69]

Thanks Sangre. That's what I thought. I realize from a public relations standpoint it's NOT advisable, but I had a guy telling me those offers were "legal." I couldn't imagine having a "legal" deal until the student signs. Logic would say you have to offer more than will be accepted, thus offers have to be pulled.

Hook'em!!!