In professional sports, especially the NBA and NFL, the phrase “tampering” was previously mostly used during free agency or trade periods.
Now, it’s not far behind the ubiquitous college sports terms of “NCAA Transfer Portal” and “House Settlement” and “revenue sharing” these days.
The most recent? This is Russ Huesman, the head coach of Richmond, accusing Maryland and Terps head coach Mike Locksley of “tampering” on the record.
The subject at the center of this latest salvo? Richmond place-kicker Sean O’Haire, who generated truly rare and remarkably efficient productivity during the 2024 season despite officially redshirting the campaign.
“Maryland tampered with our kicker and gave him $50,000,” Huesman said per a report from the Richmond Times-Dispatch. “They came in (and) they tampered. The kid had zero interest in transferring; they offered him money.
“It happens all over and there’s nothing the NCAA is going to do about it.”
A Kildare, Ireland, native who did not grow up playing American football, O’Haire nonetheless was a limited-exposure standout for the Spiders as they advanced to the FCS Playoffs in 2024. Appearing in five games — four regular season and an FCS Playoff contest, O’Haire drilled all 12 of his field goal tries and also converted a perfect 9-for-9 on extra-point attempts.
A year ago, the NCAA passed a law that permitted players to play in the tournament and up to four regular-season games without forfeiting their redshirt rights. Therefore, O’Haire still has four years of collegiate eligibility even though he scored 45 points for Huesman’s Richmond squad a year ago.
An admittedly frustrated Huesman said he was both shocked and “unshocked” by the situation.
“When I found out how it transpired … then I was unshocked, because that’s what happens,” Huesman stated. This occurred on Maryland. The representatives of O’Haire were on.
Huesman did suggest he would have a message for Locksley and any other Maryland football coach, according to the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
Huesman remarked, “I’ll tell (Locksley) I don’t appreciate it,” “And I’ll let them know that I don’t enjoy it if I see any more Maryland coaches.
“But there’s nothing you can do about it.”
Huesman’s comments were published just a day after NCAA President Charlie Baker made clear his organization will not govern college athletics, as it pertains to paying players and distributing revenue under the impending House Settlement, moving forward.