The University of Oregon announced Friday that it is reimbursing the families of four football players, including Heisman Trophy candidate Marcus Mariota, for out-of-pocket expenses incurred while purchasing insurance policies for the players.
More from College Football
- Colorado gives Pac-12 a possible death knell with move to Big 12
- Jim Harbaugh facing 4-game suspension over NCAA violations
- College football neutral site games in 2023: Full list
- College GameDay announces surprise Week 1 destination
- College football analyst warns Oklahoma that Texas is doing better prep for SEC
In a press release, the school announced it had changed its initial decision after learning it would not be a violation of NCAA rules.
Along with Mariota, the families of center Hroniss Grasu, cornerback Ifo Ekpre-Olomu and defensive end Arik Armstead had purchased so-called “loss of future earnings” policies to cover those players should they suffer injuries while playing for the Ducks that would limit or end their ability to play in the NFL.
Texas A&M had earlier reimbursed the family of offensive tackle Cedric Ogbuehi and Florida State did the same for reigning Heisman Trophy winner Jameis Winston.
Armstead’s older brother, Armond Armstead, had to sit out the 2011 season after being hospitalized and has sued USC, alleging team doctors gave him painkillers that induced a heart attack. He did play professionally, but only briefly, with the Toronto Argonauts in the Canadian Football League in 2012.
He signed with the New England Patriots in 2013 but spent the entire season on injured reserve after developing an infection before training camp. He retired last month.
After that experience, Armstead’s family wanted to make sure their younger son was protected.
The university did raise an interesting question for the future.
"“While the new interpretation raises complicated questions such as how many athletes per year can have premiums ocvered by the school and what an appropriate value for such policies should be, UO officials wanted to provide relief for the four families who bought policies this year,” the press release read."
Perhaps that question can be added to the myriad other issues surrounding college football and college athletics in general in and out of the courtroom.