Professional athletes can nix NLI under particular scenarios

Jun 27, 2023, 02:38 PM ET

The governing body for the National Letter of Intent Program on Tuesday revealed new policies enabling professional athletes to back out of NLI arrangements without penalty under specific circumstances.The finalizing of letters of

intent has been part of the recruiting procedure in NCAA departments I and II considering that 1964. It is meant to be a binding arrangement between a professional athlete and school. The professional athlete assures to participate in the school for one academic year in exchange for a complete or partial athletic scholarship for one scholastic year.An athlete who does not meet his/her NLI contract traditionally need to remain one season of competitors at the next school they attend.Following a committee evaluation of NLI policy, the Collegiate Commissioners Association will not penalize a professional athlete who demands a release due to a head-coaching change. Neither will a professional athlete be punished for leaving their initial school after one quarter or one term as long as a release is requested.The policy modification takes effect with the 2023-24 signing durations for 2024-25 enrollees.The CCA also will expand the program to supply a professional athlete moving from one four-year school to another an opportunity to sign an NLI as long as he or she has actually gone into the NCAA transfer portal.Big Sky Conference commissioner Tom Wistrcill, chair of the NLI policy and review committee, stated the modifications are indicated to improve the NLI program so it more properly shows the recruiting landscape.