Joe Nazzaro, a third-year law student, recently presented an in-depth analysis of Title IX and its impact on interscholastic sports as part of Catholic Law's Student Scholars Series. Drawing from his experience in sports law, including his time with the Major League Soccer Players Association and his current role at Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani, Nazzaro examined the legal challenges faced by student-athletes when sports programs are cut. His paper, "Stop the Play Clock: Irreparable Harm in the Context of Interscholastic Sports," focused on the concept of irreparable harm and its application in Title IX cases. He discussed the time-sensitive nature of athletic careers, the broader benefits of sports participation, and the constitutional arguments tied to Title IX. Nazzaro proposed two potential paths for the Supreme Court to address inconsistencies in how courts handle these cases, advocating for stronger protections for student-athletes.
Responding to the presentation, Meghan McDonogh, Senior Associate Athletic Director at The Catholic University of America, commended Nazzaro’s insights and added her perspective on the current state of college athletics. The discussion addressed issues such as the transfer portal, the rise of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) compensation, and the challenges of Title IX compliance. Both Nazzaro and McDonogh emphasized the importance of safeguarding athletic opportunities for students, highlighting the lasting personal and educational benefits of sports. The session concluded with a Q&A, where participants explored potential regulatory solutions, the role of football in Title IX compliance, and the need for consistent enforcement of student-athlete rights.
Catholic law's Student Scholars Series was instituted in 2009 to recognize notable legal scholarship produced by members of the student body during the academic year and to foster the skills associated with presenting and defending that scholarship in a professional conference-style setting.
Below is a recording of the March 27 program.