Mark Ingram shreds FSU's reported rev-share contract terms: 'Players aren't going to go there'

As college athletics enters the revenue sharing era, some schools are testing athletes and agents with contracts that include eye-catching conditions. Last week, CBS Sports’ Chris Hummer reported that Florida State is making noise in college football circles for including unusual clauses in its contracts with athletes.

“One clause, which CBS Sports has seen a copy of, allows the team to extend a player at the end of their contract unilaterally without having to negotiate with the player,” Hummer wrote. “Another section on team rules — common in most NIL or rev share deals — includes a maximum $2,500 fine on the first offense if a player loses team equipment such as a pair of cleats. The max fine for using a controlled substance for the first time is $1,000.

“There’s another clause about things that would constitute a breach of contract. Among them is ‘illness or injury which is serious enough to affect the value of rights granted to the school.’ The way it’s written allows Florida State to renegotiate or even cancel a player’s contract at its discretion after any sort of injury — among other potential liquidated damages provisions included as part of the contract — including those that happen on the football field.”

Florida State is including these clauses to protect itself from any unforeseen threats in the revenue sharing era. After all, plenty of loopholes and unexpected issues related to NIL emerged during the past few years.

Alas, some people believe that Florida State’s attempt to get ahead of any future issues might hurt the program’s chances to land highly-touted prospects. On a recent episode of The Triple Option podcast, former NFL running back Mark Ingram questioned Florida State’s reported contracts.

“Players aren’t going to go there,” Ingram said. “For one, this contract gives Florida State way too much control over your future and your money. It exposes you to risk, injury, discipline, loss of leverage, all that. So if you’re a top player and you got Florida State on your visit, and they give you this, I’m sure there’s another university that’s going to give you better conditions and treat you like a partner and not an asset.

“If it’s me, I’m asking, ‘I need some time. Give me a copy of that. I need to review this.’ Then, when I see what’s actually happening in this contract, I’m coming back with some more player-friendly clauses in the deal… If you’re not willing to negotiate, institute the player-friendly clauses that I’m requesting, then I’m probably gonna leave and go to another school.”

After posting a 2-10 record last season, Florida State can’t afford any more setbacks. The Seminoles will kick off their 2025 campaign with a showdown against Alabama at 3:30 p.m. ET on Aug. 30.