Marist Wins Legal Battle Over Ex-Coach Matt Brady; What Will It Mean Going Forward?

One of the many reasons college athletes are often considered powerless is the logistical hoops they have to jump through in order to change schools. That process stands in stark contrast with the ability of any coach to just pick up and leave when something better comes along. But will that continue to be the case going forward? New York State Supreme Court Justice Charles D. Wood made a ruling on Monday that could impact many coaching changes going forward, but before we get into the specifics, here is some background on the parties involved: -- Marist College, the plaintiff in this civil lawsuit, which lost basketball coach Matt Brady to James Madison University in 2008. -- James Madison University, which hired Matt Brady away from Marist in the first year of a newly negotiated four-year deal. -- Matt Brady, who coached at Marist for four seasons, leaving prior to the 2008-09 season for James Madison University. Brady was 73-50 in four seasons and made the second round of ...