Rick is co-chair of the firm's collegiate sports practice. He understands the unique world of collegiate sports, having spent his career helping clients navigate through the many compliance and regulatory issues they face.
Rick represents colleges and universities nationwide in NCAA compliance, infractions and legal matters and has represented and consulted with members of the Southeastern, Atlantic Coast, Big Ten, Big 12, Pac-12, Big East, American Athletic, Big West and Big South conferences and Conference USA. He also works with collegiate coaches and administrators and conference commissioners.
During his 20+ years of service to NCAA member institutions some of Rick’s clients include:
- Baylor University
- City College of New York (CUNY) - three schools
- Marquette University
- Rice University
- Rutgers University
- State University of New York (SUNY) several schools
- The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
- Tulane University
- University of Connecticut
- University of Kansas
- University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
In addition to handling matters of NCAA rules infractions, compliance and interpretation, Rick has designed and executed audits and other innovative proactive and preventive efforts involving both men’s and women’s athletics programs. He is experienced in commenting to the media on behalf of his clients.
Unique Benefits to Clients
Continuity. In the high-turnover of personnel environment of college athletics, Rick strives to sustain long-term relationships with his clients. He has worked with several clients for more than a decade as outside counsel for NCAA related matters. Clients cite his knowledge, steadiness, integrity and excellence of service when calling on him again as further matters arise.
Exclusive Focus on NCAA Matters. Where other attorneys and law firms may dabble in the field, Rick devotes himself exclusively to NCAA matters — as do the other members of Bond’s Collegiate Sports Practice. Rick’s clients benefit from his extensive body of experience, perspective and collegial relationships with NCAA decision-makers.
Integrity. In high-profile athletics, even a hint of wrongdoing can threaten entire programs and careers. When an investigation is warranted, clients count on Rick to function as an independent investigator, measuring the credibility of individuals and developing well-grounded conclusions that stand up to intense scrutiny.
Thought Leadership. The landscape of NCAA infractions and compliance matters is highly complex and technical. Rick educates university athletic staffs and other attorneys through a series of presentations and panel discussions, speaking to groups like the National Association of College Directors of Athletics (NACDA) and the National Association of College and University Attorneys (NACUA).
Background. Before joining Bond in 1992, Rick was an NCAA staffer, serving first as an enforcement representative and then as director of legislative services. He also functioned as NCAA staff liaison to many committees and groups including the NCAA Recruiting Committee, Student-Athlete Committee, Interpretations Committee, Professional Sports Liaison Committee and the Faculty Athletics Representative Association.
Rick is also a member of the firm's management committee.