Seeking Pro Bono Legal Support for NCAA Appeal - Travis Chestnut

29,726 Views | 170 Replies | Last: 25 days ago by Positivelyag512
HillCountry15
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amychestnut said:

powerbelly said:

No one is questioning your son, his desire to keep playing, or your fight for him.


So passion and persistence are fine, as long as they come with a platinum Amex? Got it.
I'm sure the regular gold Amex would be perfectly acceptable
BaseballAggie13
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I mean this with all due respect, but staff needs to lock this thread. And make it disappear.
dabo man
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AG
It will be locked (sooner rather than later), but I don't see it getting deleted.
amychestnut
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kevmiller said:

This thread further confirms a theory I've had for years….. all baseball parents are completly nuts

Carry on …
Ah yes, the internet troll drive-by... bold move from someone who probably peaked in rec league. Don't strain yourself scrolling for more sarcasm. The name's ChestNUT ... Hopefully you'll see it on the back of a jersey next season and think of me.
amychestnut
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HillCountry15 said:

amychestnut said:

powerbelly said:

No one is questioning your son, his desire to keep playing, or your fight for him.


So passion and persistence are fine, as long as they come with a platinum Amex? Got it.
I'm sure the regular gold Amex would be perfectly acceptable
TRUE! And still fancy enough to flex at the concession stand while yelling at umpires from the bleachers. lol I'll work on it!
amychestnut
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BaseballAggie13 said:

I mean this with all due respect, but staff needs to lock this thread. And make it disappear.
You want it to disappear but you're commenting?
amychestnut
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dabo man said:

Quote:

If I'm understanding correctly, he's already graduated from A&M and has played six seasons of college baseball (3 at JUCO, 2 at A&M and this past season at D2.)

If all of the above is correct, it does seem time to move on and be grateful for the additional opportunities he's already been able to take advantage of. It's confusing to me why any athlete feels like they should have endless years of eligibility.

I hope you both find whatever closure you need for this chapter of life.
This was very well stated.
That's not accurate. Travis played 2 years at JUCO, followed by 2 years at Texas A&M. He submitted a waiver request to receive a 5th year at A&M, but the NCAA denied it, stating he could only use that year at the Division II level or below. So, to continue playing, he transferred to St. Edward's and completed his 5th year there. He took 12 hours at SEU to be eligible and 12 hours online to finish his degree at A&M.

Shortly after, the Pavia case emerged, and the NCAA responded by creating a new waiver allowing JUCO athletes in similar situations to complete their 5th, and even 6th, year at the Division I level.

Travis was essentially forced to use his 5th year at the DII level due to the initial denial, while others after him received the DI opportunity he was denied.

Now, we are requesting that the NCAA reopen and review his case in light of the new waiver policy and legal precedent. For that, we need an attorney to help us formally file the appeal and ensure his case is presented properly.
DTP02
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AG
kevmiller said:

This thread further confirms a theory I've had for years….. all baseball parents are completly nuts

Carry on …


You could have just kept your mouth shut about something that is merely academic to you and very personal and important to them. Don't think she's coming across nuts at all in this discussion but you're coming across as a bit of an ass.
Ghost of Bisbee
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AG
Lots of ****ing crazy up in here, and it isn't the mother. Let Travis' mom shoot her shot. Good lord.
AllHandsAg
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AG
Whoever said this thread is more embarrassing than the games nailed it!

Many of you are applying your values and opinions on what should be allowed and what shouldn't be allowed for eligibility. But that's not the issue. The NCAA sets the rules and they have been wildly inconsistent and there are many examples. How many times has this fanbase complained about perceived unfair treatment of our university, be it from the refs, the SEC, or NCAA? So two of our players have a legit gripe that they were treated unfairly and the response of some of you is to jump on the mom? (Immunity) Embarrassing. We should be cheering them on.

Chestnut was a leader on the team. He is an Aggie. And he knew how to run the bases unlike some players this year. We could have used him. He's not asking for special treatment. He's asking for the same treatment others have been given and it's a reasonable ask.

I have no problem with what Amy has said or asked for. If I recall, Travis dealt with some pretty crappy treatment from POS. Then gets an unfair NCAA ruling. I imagine that makes a person a little more sensitive to a perceived slight and a feeling like the world is against you. Then she comes here under the delusion that here she would find support and gets waylaid by a few of you. I felt she was rather restrained in her response as I'm sure she wanted to say far more than she did. It's a cobweb of legal shenanigans so any help they can get I'm sure would be appreciated, whether it's advice or offer of pro bono legal work. The Aggie Network is supposed to be just that…Aggies helping Aggies. It's up to those that have the knowledge and skill set to decide what is reasonable to offer.

I'm cheering for you Travis!
TAMUallen
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AG
I'm sure some help will come yalls way.

Don't sweat the negative responses. We're on the edge of a barn burning riot, so the tension is palpable
Tex100
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AG
I suggest reaching out to the Vandy QB and see who they used. Alternatively, the Aggie Bar Association might have someone who can help you. https://aggielaw.org/

I was a big fan of Chestnut when he played for the Ags. All hustle and leaving everything on the field. I still remember the last game in Omaha. On the other hand, I thought the court case decision for the Vandy QB was wrong. With NIL and revenue sharing I hope we don't see perpetual students playing college sports.
amychestnut
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Tex100 said:

I suggest reaching out to the Vandy QB and see who they used. Alternatively, the Aggie Bar Association might have someone who can help you. https://aggielaw.org/

I was a big fan of Chestnut when he played for the Ags. All hustle and leaving everything on the field. I still remember the last game in Omaha. On the other hand, I thought the court case decision for the Vandy QB was wrong. With NIL and revenue sharing I hope we don't see perpetual students playing college sports.
Yes, I have reached out to the attorney that represented him and his assistant. I will look into the aggielaw website. I have sent emails to other university law teams as well. I appreciate your support and kind words!
amychestnut
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AllHandsAg said:

Whoever said this thread is more embarrassing than the games nailed it!

Many of you are applying your values and opinions on what should be allowed and what shouldn't be allowed for eligibility. But that's not the issue. The NCAA sets the rules and they have been wildly inconsistent and there are many examples. How many times has this fanbase complained about perceived unfair treatment of our university, be it from the refs, the SEC, or NCAA? So two of our players have a legit gripe that they were treated unfairly and the response of some of you is to jump on the mom? (Immunity) Embarrassing. We should be cheering them on.

Chestnut was a leader on the team. He is an Aggie. And he knew how to run the bases unlike some players this year. We could have used him. He's not asking for special treatment. He's asking for the same treatment others have been given and it's a reasonable ask.

I have no problem with what Amy has said or asked for. If I recall, Travis dealt with some pretty crappy treatment from POS. Then gets an unfair NCAA ruling. I imagine that makes a person a little more sensitive to a perceived slight and a feeling like the world is against you. Then she comes here under the delusion that here she would find support and gets waylaid by a few of you. I felt she was rather restrained in her response as I'm sure she wanted to say far more than she did. It's a cobweb of legal shenanigans so any help they can get I'm sure would be appreciated, whether it's advice or offer of pro bono legal work. The Aggie Network is supposed to be just that…Aggies helping Aggies. It's up to those that have the knowledge and skill set to decide what is reasonable to offer.

I'm cheering for you Travis!

Thank you so much! We really appreciate your support! We're exploring every possible avenue to get this resolved, and reaching out to the Aggie Network was just one more effort in trying to move things forward. The NCAA process is definitely a confusing one!
Jbob04
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AG
Good on this mom for fighting for her son! We need more parents like her in this world. Disappointed in the judgmental ags on here.
Ag13
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AG
Question - Does the A&M athletic department provide legal help for something like this being that they would ultimately reap the reward of having an experienced player on the roster? I seem to remember Manziel needing to be represented by a law firm during the autograph issue back in 2013. Nowadays the definition of extra benefits are certainly a lot looser.
amychestnut
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Ag13 said:

Question - Does the A&M athletic department provide legal help for something like this being that they would ultimately reap the reward of having an experienced player on the roster? I seem to remember Manziel needing to be represented by a law firm during the autograph issue back in 2013. Nowadays the definition of extra benefits are certainly a lot looser.
That's a great question, and one we've been asking ourselves too. From what we've gathered, A&M's athletic department doesn't provide legal support for cases like this, even though they'd benefit from having an experienced player like Travis on the roster.

It's been a bit of a back-and-forth with compliance. They've tried to help where they can, but honestly, fighting the NCAA seems to be above their pay grade. The process is complicated, and unfortunately, it falls on the athlete and their family to find legal representation and push the case forward.

Travis isn't a high-profile case. He's not making big NIL money, and he may not get drafted, but this extra year would mean everything to him. After what happened following the CWS, he's got a chip on his shoulder and something to prove. He wants that opportunity back in maroon and white, playing for a coach he completely respects.

He's had other schools reach out since entering the portal, but he's made it clear, he's an Aggie, and his heart is in Aggieland. He's not interested in going anywhere else.

We're doing everything we can to fight for him and explore every possible path. Your support and insight truly mean the world.
Tex100
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AG
I would think the ath dept could recommend a few attorneys. The pro bono part may be a problem.
Tex100
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AG
https://www.athletedefender.com/

Here is a Google
search. Again, the pro bono part may a problem. As an old attorney told me when he left the state to go into private practice he said he asked an old attorney where he would find clients. The old attorney told him "There's lots of people who need your help. The trick is finding those who can pay you."
Tex100
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AG
https://www.neviuslegal.com/
Ag13
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AG
amychestnut said:

Ag13 said:

Question - Does the A&M athletic department provide legal help for something like this being that they would ultimately reap the reward of having an experienced player on the roster? I seem to remember Manziel needing to be represented by a law firm during the autograph issue back in 2013. Nowadays the definition of extra benefits are certainly a lot looser.
That's a great question, and one we've been asking ourselves too. From what we've gathered, A&M's athletic department doesn't provide legal support for cases like this, even though they'd benefit from having an experienced player like Travis on the roster.

It's been a bit of a back-and-forth with compliance. They've tried to help where they can, but honestly, fighting the NCAA seems to be above their pay grade. The process is complicated, and unfortunately, it falls on the athlete and their family to find legal representation and push the case forward.

Travis isn't a high-profile case. He's not making big NIL money, and he may not get drafted, but this extra year would mean everything to him. After what happened following the CWS, he's got a chip on his shoulder and something to prove. He wants that opportunity back in maroon and white, playing for a coach he completely respects.

He's had other schools reach out since entering the portal, but he's made it clear, he's an Aggie, and his heart is in Aggieland. He's not interested in going anywhere else.

We're doing everything we can to fight for him and explore every possible path. Your support and insight truly mean the world.
Not to derail what you are trying to do in this thread, but this unfortunately seems like another example of our athletic department not aggressively doing what it takes to win. At the very least they should have a roster of attorneys that they could recommend to help.
Tex100
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AG
Amy, I sent you a PM with the name a coworker who is involved with the Aggie Bar Association suggested.

Howard Roark
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Amy, have you had any success with this? I think we're all rooting for Travis to return so please keep us updated.
KUBIAK
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AG
Used Enrique Gimenez with Lightfoot (Birmingham) on a commercial litigation matter a few years. Got to know him a bit while working together on our matter. He's had a lot of success fighting the NCAA. Might give him / the firm a call. As I understand it, Lightfoot is one of the preeminent firms in dealing with the NCAA. Good luck, rooting for you!
GoodBullShark
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AG
AngryAG said:



Why does he "deserve" a sixth year of college baseball? Why not leave a spot for an 18 year old kid who also has a single mom and needs help paying for college?

I want a Range Rover. My mom taught me to work hard for it, not post on the internet for donations.
Seriously? If you don't want to support these good people, shut up and move on. And the fact you want a Range Rover, tells me what kind of DB you are!
austinag1997
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AG
Some of you need to observe the Momma advice.... if you don't have something positive to say...

In my neck of the woods... ya got the cayenne pepper or Tabasco treatment.
TXAggie2011
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AG
All the best to Travis and you and your family. I'm a (part time) lawyer who only does pro bono work. Am I mistaken in thinking that Travis played a full 2021 baseball season at Temple?

The Covid waiver had criteria for obtaining it, it was not blanket, and was geared towards those who lost competition time.

(I also thought it explicitly did not apply to spring athletes who began their eligibility in the 2020-2021 academic year. I can't tell if that's what you're alluding to in your first post.)

If you found legal representation, great and good luck. But I would imagine most attorneys will want to know whether you're saying the NCAA misapplied their own policy or you're claiming their policy is otherwise violative of the law.
Tex100
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AG
I think her belief is they have the same facts as the Vandy QB who sued and won an extra year
stoneca
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Any update on how the case / finding a lawyer is going? Really hoping we can see TNut back in Aggieland for one more year!
histag10
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AG
Somehow I missed this thread in May. Oof. This was borderline hard to read.
Gyles Marrett
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Just now reading this thread. Good lord some of you must have had someone piss in your cheerios. As great as our fanbase is every fanbase still has its jerks. Nothing wrong with her just casting a line here to see what happens. If you know the rule and situation Travis was certainly screwed by a rule not applied the same to all simply bc timing.

If you have no interest or cant help, oh well. But attacking her simply for asking is just weirdly pathetic. Has his whole life to work and that aggie network will still be there in another. Nothing wrong in attempting to get the final year he should get and taking a stab to see if any ags will assist.
missinAggieland
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AG
AllHandsAg said:

Whoever said this thread is more embarrassing than the games nailed it!

Many of you are applying your values and opinions on what should be allowed and what shouldn't be allowed for eligibility. But that's not the issue. The NCAA sets the rules and they have been wildly inconsistent and there are many examples. How many times has this fanbase complained about perceived unfair treatment of our university, be it from the refs, the SEC, or NCAA? So two of our players have a legit gripe that they were treated unfairly and the response of some of you is to jump on the mom? (Immunity) Embarrassing. We should be cheering them on.

Chestnut was a leader on the team. He is an Aggie. And he knew how to run the bases unlike some players this year. We could have used him. He's not asking for special treatment. He's asking for the same treatment others have been given and it's a reasonable ask.

I have no problem with what Amy has said or asked for. If I recall, Travis dealt with some pretty crappy treatment from POS. Then gets an unfair NCAA ruling. I imagine that makes a person a little more sensitive to a perceived slight and a feeling like the world is against you. Then she comes here under the delusion that here she would find support and gets waylaid by a few of you. I felt she was rather restrained in her response as I'm sure she wanted to say far more than she did. It's a cobweb of legal shenanigans so any help they can get I'm sure would be appreciated, whether it's advice or offer of pro bono legal work. The Aggie Network is supposed to be just that…Aggies helping Aggies. It's up to those that have the knowledge and skill set to decide what is reasonable to offer.

I'm cheering for you Travis!



THIS! I hope both Travis and Amy find the answers they need and are successful. I am all for finding a pathway for players who want to be here and can contribute.
AgFan1974
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missinAggieland said:

AllHandsAg said:

Whoever said this thread is more embarrassing than the games nailed it!

Many of you are applying your values and opinions on what should be allowed and what shouldn't be allowed for eligibility. But that's not the issue. The NCAA sets the rules and they have been wildly inconsistent and there are many examples. How many times has this fanbase complained about perceived unfair treatment of our university, be it from the refs, the SEC, or NCAA? So two of our players have a legit gripe that they were treated unfairly and the response of some of you is to jump on the mom? (Immunity) Embarrassing. We should be cheering them on.

Chestnut was a leader on the team. He is an Aggie. And he knew how to run the bases unlike some players this year. We could have used him. He's not asking for special treatment. He's asking for the same treatment others have been given and it's a reasonable ask.

I have no problem with what Amy has said or asked for. If I recall, Travis dealt with some pretty crappy treatment from POS. Then gets an unfair NCAA ruling. I imagine that makes a person a little more sensitive to a perceived slight and a feeling like the world is against you. Then she comes here under the delusion that here she would find support and gets waylaid by a few of you. I felt she was rather restrained in her response as I'm sure she wanted to say far more than she did. It's a cobweb of legal shenanigans so any help they can get I'm sure would be appreciated, whether it's advice or offer of pro bono legal work. The Aggie Network is supposed to be just that…Aggies helping Aggies. It's up to those that have the knowledge and skill set to decide what is reasonable to offer.

I'm cheering for you Travis!



THIS! I hope both Travis and Amy find the answers they need and are successful. I am all for finding a pathway for players who want to be here and can contribute.
And every high nose idiot posting negative comments on this thread would absolutely JUMP at the opportunity for one more year on that field!! You are a miserable troll poo-ing on someone elses success/vision/desire or you are ignorant. Congrats...

Travis and mom, get er done!! Wish I could help.
goosespn
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AG
@AngryAg ----- What the F--- business is it of yours? She wants what is, in her opinion, owed to her son. Do you not want people to get what they deserve? Do you not want people to be treated fairly? Do you want to deny the earned right to compete at a high level? Stop living up to your moniker, "AngryAg". If you don't have something constructive to say, move along.
Goosespn
Gig Em!!!
trouble
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AG
YOU DID IT!!!!!! WELCOME BACK HOME!
 
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