Tyrone P. Thomas
Member / Co-chair, Sports & Entertainment Practice
+1.202.434.7374
Tyrone has gained national recognition for his work in employment and sports law. He advises academic institutions on executive compensation arrangements. Tyrone also provides compliance assessments on governance issues and advises clients on conflicts of interest. In addition, he focuses on legal issues pertaining to intercollegiate athletics and professional sports. Tyrone is highly regarded for his insight on sports matters and has served as a legal analyst for various publications. He also chairs the firm’s Diversity Committee.
Tyrone advises boards, presidents, and other senior executives on employment, consulting and separation agreements. In providing compliance assessments on governance issues, he advises on conflict of interests and IRS regulations governing intermediate sanctions and Form 990 reporting. He has counseled on the development and implementation of affirmative action plans and related matters with OFCCP. Tyrone is a frequent speaker for various associations in higher education on presidential compensation and executive searches, including the American Council on Education, the National Association of College and University Attorneys, the American Association of State Colleges and Universities, and the Council of Independent Colleges.
Tyrone represents clients on complex legal issues in athletics. In intercollegiate athletic matters, his experience includes enforcement investigations, the infractions process, and appeals. He advises colleges on Title IX, employment contracts, and policies for athletics personnel. In professional sports matters, he has advised teams on league compliance issues and other legal matters. He is nationally recognized for his experience in sports matters and has served as a legal analyst for the New York Times, ESPN, Sports Illustrated, The Chronicle of Higher Education, Sports Business Journal, University Business, and the Sports Litigation Alert.
In general employment matters, Tyrone advises companies on reductions in force and allegations of discrimination. He successfully defended a nonprofit organization engaged in food recycling and meal distribution programs on a race discrimination charge. He advised a metro transportation authority on corrective action programs arising from a consent decree on discrimination charges. He has conducted litigation avoidance audits relating to prospective discrimination/harassment/retaliation claims for a power company, an international trucking company and a provider of cleaning and facility services.
In addition to his legal practice, Tyrone is chair of the Mintz Diversity Committee. In this role, he leads the firm’s initiatives promoting diversity in the legal profession. Tyrone is also the Co-chair of the firm's Sports & Entertainment Practice.
Education
- Tulane University (JD)
- Dartmouth College (BA)
Experience
- Advised a university on certain terms for the contract of its then-head football coach, who was at the time subject to high recruitment elsewhere due to the team’s top 5 national ranking.
- Provided employment advice and counseling to the Big Ten Conference on key employment and executive compensation issues for its senior staff.
- Advised and counseled NBA league bylaws and polices as well as involvement in intra-team disputes and matters involving trades and health disclosures.
- Advised a private university on a number of employment matters including compliance with Title IX, regulations applicable to athletics aid and participation, and NCAA bylaws and policies.
- Represented a major league professional sports team in arbitration over appropriate trade disclosures; obtained a seven-figure recovery.
- Represented Vanderbilt University and its Board of Governors regarding the compensation package and employment contract of the university's chancellor.
- Represented the University of Florida and its Board of Trustees in connection with the recruitment process for hiring a new president.
Recognition & Awards
- Lawyers of Color Power List (2020)
Involvement
- Past Deputy General Counsel, National Bar Association
- Member, Sports Lawyers Association
Recent Insights
Viewpoints
Conference Recordings: Mintz's Annual Employment Law Summit
March 12, 2021 |Webinar
Thoughts for Employers Celebrating Juneteenth for the First Time
June 19, 2020 |Blog
News & Press
Mintz Member, Co-chair of the firm’s Sports & Entertainment Practice, and Chair of the firm’s Diversity Committee Tyrone Thomas was quoted extensively in the final article in a three-part series published by Law360’s Employment Authority looking at race and gender equity in college sports. Specifically, the article examined how college basketball can diversify its coaching ranks, and Mr. Thomas reflected on how college athletics might address its pipeline problem and other shortcomings when it comes to both race and gender diversity, including by creating training and pipeline recruiting opportunities, implementing diversity goals (not quotas) and incentives, and designing appropriate and legal voluntary affirmative action plans.
Thomson Reuters’ Legal Executive Institute published a case study on Mintz’s formal sponsorship program for Associates of color, detailing how the program monitors the sponsor-protégé relationship, tracks protégé assignments, encourages business development collaboration, and more. The case study also included extensive commentary from Mintz Member and Chair of the firm’s Diversity Committee Tyrone P. Thomas on the sponsorship program’s evolution and success.
Mintz Member and Co-chair of the firm’s Sports & Entertainment Practice Tyrone Thomas was quoted in an article published by Law360 on the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to grant certiorari in National Collegiate Athletic Association v. Alston and American Athletic Conference v. Alston, wading into the contentious debate over compensation and benefits for college athletes.
Events
Mintz’s Annual Employment Law Summit brought together thought leaders to discuss the most pressing issues employers are facing in today’s unprecedented work environment. Attendees heard presentations on the continued impact of COVID-19; social justice and diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives; recent and anticipated changes to employment laws; and best practices for managing sensitive employee situations.
Join us for the second installment of our two-part introductory Mintz ESG webinar series. ESG — environmental, social, and governance — criteria are becoming increasingly central to the evaluation of investment options, corporate actions, and corporate performance.
Viewpoints
Conference Recordings: Mintz's Annual Employment Law Summit
March 12, 2021 | Webinar | By Michael Arnold, David Barmak, Jessica Catlow, Micha Mitch Danzig, Geri Haight, Andrew Matzkin, David Lagasse, O'Kelly E. McWilliams, III, Jennifer Rubin, Tyrone Thomas, Alexander Hecht, Danielle Bereznay, Jennifer Budoff, Delaney Busch, Corbin Carter, Emma Follansbee, Natalie C. Groot, Paul Huston, Brie Kluytenaar, Brendan Lowd, Audrey Nguyen, Nicole Rivers, Richard Block
Mintz’s Annual Employment Law Summit brought together thought leaders to discuss the most pressing issues employers are facing in today’s unprecedented work environment. Attendees heard presentations on the continued impact of COVID-19; social justice and diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives; recent and anticipated changes to employment laws; and best practices for managing sensitive employee situations.
Read more
Thoughts for Employers Celebrating Juneteenth for the First Time
June 19, 2020 | Blog | By Tyrone Thomas
As the national conscience has elevated after the death of George Floyd regarding social justice and racial equality, many employers have begun to self-reflect on their own standing with communities of color and the Black community specifically. For many companies, the diversity and inclusion function has taken center stage to process concerns, facilitate trainings and determine metrics for progress. The recognition that more needs to be done on racial equity inside and outside the workplace has led to a record number of companies providing recognition of Juneteenth – a historic day for many African-Americans celebrating the reading of federal orders in Galveston, Texas on June 19, 1865, which proclaimed slaves to be free.
Whether it is a company recognizing this event by initiating a new diversity action plan, facilitating a day of self-education and reflection on racial progress, or giving staff some form of PTO, here are some of my thoughts related to Juneteenth.
Read more
Whether it is a company recognizing this event by initiating a new diversity action plan, facilitating a day of self-education and reflection on racial progress, or giving staff some form of PTO, here are some of my thoughts related to Juneteenth.
Part Ten of the COVID-19 Roadmap Series: Workplace Communications and Trainings
May 20, 2020 | Blog | By Tyrone Thomas, Danielle Bereznay
In the final part of our Roadmap Series, as employers prepare to transition to on-site operations for segments of their staff, we discuss considerations for COVID-19 related communications to the workforce. We also address the importance of conducting workplace trainings for managers and staff that address new regulatory considerations for workplace safety, telecommuting arrangements, health screenings, and leave and accommodation requests to prepare for the “new normal.”
Read more
OFCCP Announces Relief From AAP Requirements For COVID-19 Related Federal Contracts
March 22, 2020 | Blog | By Tyrone Thomas
The Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) announced that for the three month period from March 17, 2020 to June 17, 2020, it will provide a temporary exemption to certain federal contracting requirements. The exemption is related to work under federal construction and service/supply contracts to provide COVID-19 relief.
Read more
New Law Gives Student-Athletes Mandatory Whistleblower Protections
May 16, 2019 | Blog | By Tyrone Thomas
In the aftermath of concerns on student-athlete safety following the death of a Maryland football player during conditioning drills last year, new legislation takes aim by providing protections on the right of college athletes to report concerns outside of the athletic department.
Read more
Compliance Issues Facing the Sports Industry
August 27, 2018 | Video | By Tyrone Thomas
Tyrone Thomas discusses the changing landscape in sports with the emergence of e-sports, athlete activism, and more and the associated compliance issues organizations are likely to face in the coming years.
Read more
Mintz 4th Annual Employment Law Summit -- Navigating Unexpected Terrain in Workplace Investigations
March 23, 2018 | Blog | By Tyrone Thomas
Join me in a discussion on the increasingly nuanced landscape of employee workplace investigations and best practices in managing their effect on corporate brand, attorney-client privilege and obligations to applicable governmental entities. The current wave of public disclosure of workplace misconduct highlights the intersection of legal compliance and employee relations.
Read more
Law360: NCAA Transfer Rule Ripe for Reform Despite Court Success
March 14, 2018 | Blog | By Tyrone Thomas
Tyrone Thomas was quoted in the Law360 article entitled, NCAA Transfer Rule Ripe For Reform Despite Court Success, in which he assessed the opportunity for college athletics to create a clearer standard for its transfer rules and avoid the possibility of court intervention.
Read more
New Tax Law Brings Penalties for Top Paid Non-Profit Executives
December 31, 2017 | Blog | By Tyrone Thomas, Alden Bianchi
The “intermediate sanctions” rules under Section 4958 of the Internal Revenue Code have long governed the payment of compensation to executives of public charities. While these rules are highly prescriptive, if followed, they offer taxpayers a significant advantage in the form or a rebuttable presumption of reasonableness.
Read more
March Inevitableness? Considering the Legal Consequences of Pay to Student-Athletes
March 16, 2017 | Blog | By Tyrone Thomas
As of this writing, it has been over 850 days since the UConn women’s basketball team has lost a game.
Read more
News & Press
How College Basketball Can Diversify Its Coaching Ranks
March 31, 2021
Mintz Member, Co-chair of the firm’s Sports & Entertainment Practice, and Chair of the firm’s Diversity Committee Tyrone Thomas was quoted extensively in the final article in a three-part series published by Law360’s Employment Authority looking at race and gender equity in college sports. Specifically, the article examined how college basketball can diversify its coaching ranks, and Mr. Thomas reflected on how college athletics might address its pipeline problem and other shortcomings when it comes to both race and gender diversity, including by creating training and pipeline recruiting opportunities, implementing diversity goals (not quotas) and incentives, and designing appropriate and legal voluntary affirmative action plans.
Thomson Reuters’ Legal Executive Institute published a case study on Mintz’s formal sponsorship program for Associates of color, detailing how the program monitors the sponsor-protégé relationship, tracks protégé assignments, encourages business development collaboration, and more. The case study also included extensive commentary from Mintz Member and Chair of the firm’s Diversity Committee Tyrone P. Thomas on the sponsorship program’s evolution and success.
NCAA Amateurism On The Line As Top Court Takes Pay Case
December 17, 2020
Mintz Member and Co-chair of the firm’s Sports & Entertainment Practice Tyrone Thomas was quoted in an article published by Law360 on the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to grant certiorari in National Collegiate Athletic Association v. Alston and American Athletic Conference v. Alston, wading into the contentious debate over compensation and benefits for college athletes.
Myths and Realities About Trump’s Executive Order on Race, Gender
November 19, 2020
Mintz Member, Co-chair of the firm’s Sports & Entertainment Practice, and Chair of the firm’s Diversity Committee Tyrone Thomas authored an article published by Bloomberg Law examining some myths and realities of President Trump’s executive order addressing race and gender references within diversity and inclusion trainings by federal contractors and entities receiving federal grants.
Diversity-Fueled ‘Reverse’ Bias Claims Put Employers in Quandary
October 8, 2020
In an article published by Bloomberg Law, Mintz Member, Co-chair of the firm’s Sports & Entertainment Practice, and Chair of the firm’s Diversity Committee Tyrone Thomas was quoted on how the U.S. Department of Labor’s scrutiny of some company diversity and inclusion programs could result in a “chilling effect” on employer diversity measures, as the development might create confusion about “reverse discrimination” claims and what actions are permissible under federal civil rights law.
Colleges need new playbook to prepare for NIL rules
July 20, 2020
Mintz Member and Co-Chair of the firm’s Sports & Entertainment Practice Tyrone Thomas authored an op-ed article published by the Sports Business Journal that addressed how colleges will need to adjust guidelines regarding third party endorsements by college athletes following the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)’s new name, image and likeness (NIL) rules.
In an article published by the Financial Times, Mintz Member and Co-chair of the firm’s Sports & Entertainment Practice Tyrone Thomas discussed legal challenges related to the potential return of U.S. college sports this fall amidst the coronavirus pandemic, including the decentralization of the industry's administration, which will result in different implementations by sport and across conferences.
Mintz Members and Co-chairs of the firm’s Sports & Entertainment Practice Tyrone Thomas and Keith Carroll, Member Randy Jones, and Associate Aaron Fenton co-authored an article published by Bloomberg Law that examined California’s new law that allows for endorsements and conflicts with National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) rules, how other states and Congress are considering similar laws, and litigation to watch in 2020.
Mintz Member Tyrone Thomas Named to 2020 Lawyers of Color Power List
February 10, 2020
NCAA Decides Against Exerting More Authority over Academic Misconduct
September 13, 2019
In a recent article published by Diverse Issues in Higher Education, Mintz Member and Co-chair of the Sports & Entertainment Practice Tyrone Thomas commented on the decision by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)’s Division I governance to not add reforms that would give the NCAA greater authority to discipline institutions that have engaged in academic misconduct.
Law360 Ranks Mintz a Top Firm for Minority Attorneys
July 09, 2019
In this article, Mintz Member Tyrone Thomas discusses the college cheating scandal which involves sneaking in a non-athlete by exploiting the lower academic standards that some schools allow for sports recruits.
NCAA Reforms Fail To Fix Basketball’s Corruption Problem
August 17, 2018
This feature story looks at reform efforts by the NCAA providing some benefits to student-athletes that pursue a professional basketball career. Member Tyrone Thomas, who regularly advises clients on complex legal issues in athletics, is quoted providing commentary.
Mintz Earns Eleventh Consecutive Perfect Score from Human Rights Campaign in LGBTQ Workplace Equality Scorecard
March 28, 2018
Mintz has received a perfect 100% ranking by the Human Rights Campaign for the eleventh consecutive year in the organization’s annual Corporate Equality Index, a national benchmarking survey and report on corporate policies and practices related to LGBTQ workplace equality.
NCAA Transfer Rule Ripe For Reform Despite Court Success
March 13, 2018
Member and Sports Law attorney Tyrone Thomas provides commentary in this feature article looking at the NCAA, and the litigation challenging its restrictions on college basketball and football players' ability to transfer schools.
N.C.A.A.: North Carolina Will Not Be Punished for Academic Scandal
October 13, 2017
Member Tyrone Thomas, an experienced sports law attorney, is quoted in a New York Times article regarding the NCAA announcement that there would be no penalties placed on the University of North Carolina for an academic issue involving the basketball team.
LEAD1 Association Interview with Tyrone Thomas of Mintz Explores how "Diversity in perspective can show itself in so many different ways"
September 13, 2017
Tyrone Thomas, a Member in the Mintz Washington, DC office, Chair of the firm’s Diversity Committee and a member of the sports law practice, was interviewed by LEAD1 on the topic of diversity and inclusion.
Member Tyrone Thomas, an experienced sports law attorney, is featured in this Sports Illustrated article discussing three “blockbuster cases” for the NCAA’s enforcement group and Committee on Infractions and their implications for others in collegiate sports moving forward.
This article explores the possible connection between the NCAA tournament’s move to South Carolina and Duke University’s loss in the second round of the tournament. Duke lost after North Carolina’s “bathroom bill” led the NCAA to move this year’s tournament out of state.
Mintz’s Tyrone Thomas provides commentary in this article focused on the NCAA’s serious allegations against Ole Miss. Tyrone, a veteran sports attorney, is among the industry sources familiar with the NCAA process quoted within the piece discussing what could potentially happen next to the Rebels.
Mintz Receives its Tenth Consecutive Perfect Score on Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 2017 Corporate Equality Index
December 12, 2016
For the tenth straight year, Mintz has received a top rating of 100% on the Corporate Equality Index, a national benchmarking survey and report on corporate policies and practices related to LGBT workplace equality, administered by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation.
Mintz Attorney Tyrone P. Thomas to Speak at 2016 Learfield Intercollegiate Athletics Forum
November 30, 2016
Tyrone P. Thomas, a Member of the Sports Law and Employment, Labor and Benefits Practice Groups at Mintz, is speaking at the 2016 Learfield Intercollegiate Athletics Forum. In his session, Mr. Thomas will discuss legal issues facing college athletics.
Louisville’s Rick Pitino Claims Dominion, Except When Scandal Hits
October 20, 2016
Member Tyrone Thomas, an experienced sports law attorney, is quoted in The New York Times discussing the University of Louisville’s basketball coach, Rick Pitino, and his involvement in a scandal.
High Court Stays Out Of College Athlete Pay Debate, For Now
October 3, 2016
Member Tyrone Thomas is quoted in this Law360 article discussing the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision denying from the NCAA and a group of former college athletes to review the existing amateurism model prohibiting college players from receiving compensation beyond scholarship packages.
Sports Programs Draw Up a New Playbook for Student Activism
September 23, 2016
Mintz Member Tyrone Thomas is quoted in this Chronicle of Higher Education on how athletic directors of student-athlete programs are taking greater care to listen to their players and provide effective responses to student activism.
Mintz Attorney Tyrone P. Thomas to Speak at Division 1A Athletic Directors Association Annual Meeting
September 15, 2016
Tyrone P. Thomas, a Member of Mintz's Sports Law and Employment, Labor, and Benefits Practice Groups, is speaking on a panel at the Division 1A Athletic Directors Association Annual Meeting. Mr. Thomas will discuss issues and developments regarding student-athlete activism.
The Case Against Ole Miss: Amid Significant Allegations, Will the NCAA Find Smoke or Fire in Rebels' Football Program?
June 29, 2016
Mintz Member Tyrone Thomas is quoted in this Sports Illustrated article covering the NCAA's investigation of the Ole Miss athletic department which faces allegations of misconduct.
Mintz Member Tyrone Thomas is quoted in this New York Times article describing the implications of the NCAA amended notice of allegations to the University of North Carolina for its alleged lack of control pertaining to the supervision of their student-athletes’ academic education.
Mintz Sports Law Member Tyrone Thomas is quoted in this Law360 article on the NCAA's removing any mention of the University of North Carolina men’s basketball and football programs from its allegations of academic fraud.
College Athlete Employee Claims a Dead End Post-Penn Suit
February 19, 2016
Mintz Member Tyrone Thomas is quoted in this Law360 article on the end to the efforts by student-athletes to be considered employees.
NCAA Relaxes Rules to Allow Players to Gauge NBA Draft
January 14, 2016
Mintz Member Tyrone Thomas is quoted in this Law360 article on the NCAA's announcement that it has approved rule changes to allow college basketball players to enter the NBA draft multiple times without losing college eligibility.
Tyrone P. Thomas Elevated to Member of Mintz
May 18, 2015
Tyrone P. Thomas to Chair Mintz’s Diversity Committee
August 01, 2014
Events
Panelist
Speaker
Speaker
Dec
9
2020
ESG 101: Social Impact Investing and Board and C-Suite Diversity & Inclusion as Value-Creation Vehicles
View the Webinar Recording
Speaker
Speaker
Mar
27
2020
Tulane 3rd Annual Entertainment and Sports Law Conference
6329 Freret Street, New Orleans, Louisiana 70118
Speaker
Speaker
Panelist
Nov
8
2019
The 24th Annual John Molson Sports Conference
John Molson Sports Marketing
Omni Hotel Mont-Royal Montreal, QC
Speaker
Jun
19
2019
American Academic Leadership Institute (AALI) 2019 Executive Leadership Seminar
Presidential Contracts
Washington, DC
Speaker
Panelist
Apr
12
2019
Tulane's 2nd Annual Entertainment and Sports Law Conference
Navigating the Sports Industry
Tulane University, 6823 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70118
Panelist
Apr
12
2019
Tulane's Second Annual Entertainment and Sports Law Conference
Navigating the Sports Industry
Tulane University, 6823 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70118
Panelist
Speaker
Mar
2
2019
The Sports & Entertainments Law Students’ Association (SELSA) at Howard University School of Law
22nd Annual Center Court Conference: The Frontier of a New Evolution
Howard University School of Law
Speaker
Nov
1
2018
Navigating the Sports Industry
A Round Table Discussion with Sports Lawyers
San Diego - Bernardo Heights Country Club, Rancho Bernardo
Speaker
Panelist
Jun
14
2018
Collaborative 2018
Warehouse at Flynn Cruiseport Boston 1 Black Falcon Avenue Boston, MA
Speaker
Panelist
Apr
16
2018
Speaker
Speaker
Speaker
Jun
21
2017
ACE National Women's Leadership Forum
Hilton Washington Dulles Airport 13869 Park Center Road Herndon, VA
Speaker
Jun
5
2017
AASCU Meeting (Millennium Leadership Initative Presentation) Executive Contracts Basics and Trends
Washington, DC
Speaker
Panelist
Panelist
Sep
19
2016
Division 1A Athletic Directors' Association
Division 1A Athletic Directors Association
Hilton Dallas Fort Worth, Lakes Executive Conference Center, Grapevine, TX
Co-chair
Speaker
May
12
2016
Sports Lawyers Association 42nd Annual Conference
JW Marriott Hotel Los Angeles at L.A. LIVE 900 West Olympic, Los Angeles, CA 90015, US
Speaker
Jan
28
2016
Second Annual Employment Law Summit
The Princeton Club 14 West 43rd Street, New York, New York
Speaker
Dec
2
2015
ACE 86th National Women's Leadership Forum
American Council on Education
The Westin Arlington Gateway 801 North Glebe Road, 22203 Arlington, Virginia
Speaker
Jun
6
2015