It probably says something about the NCAA waiver process that attorney Thomas Mars has become a bit of a cult hero in die hard college football circles for his work getting players eligible right away after transferring.
He rose to prominence in recent years for his work with Shea Patterson (Ole Miss to Michigan), Justin Fields (Georgia to Ohio State) and even for handling Houston Nutt’s infamous lawsuit against Ole Miss. He developed simply into the go-to guy in order to get eligible, as even other lower profile players signed up to have him fight for them against the folks in Indianapolis.
Well, those days have unfortunately come to an end per ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg:
Attorney Tom Mars, who assisted Shea Patterson, Justin Fields and others with their immediate-eligibility waivers, tells me that he no longer will be handling waiver requests. Mars has no regrets about helping players but notes he could not take on all the cases, given the demand
— Adam Rittenberg (@ESPNRittenberg) July 12, 2019
The “given the demand” part is really telling there and speaks to just how much things have changed in college football between the waiver process and the transfer portal making it easier than ever to move programs.
It also underscores how big potential upcoming changes to the NCAA waiver process are for players, coaches and administrators without somebody like Mars around.
Tom Mars on stepping out of the transfer waiver game: "Becoming a full-tim advocate for student-athletes was never one of my career goals. Helping players become eligible has been gratifying and has created close friendships that will last a lifetime ... 1/2
— Dennis Dodd (@dennisdoddcbs) July 13, 2019
1/2...But it's also limited my ability to take on other work that's a better fit for ... my skill sets and experience. LIfe's not a dress rehearsal & I don't want to miss out on any more opportunities to utilize my full range of experience." -- Tom Mars
— Dennis Dodd (@dennisdoddcbs) July 13, 2019