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.
More Legal and Business Bylines From Tyrone P. Thomas
- Bracketology 101 – A Look Ahead at Legal Issues that May Change the Face of the Final Four - (Posted On Wednesday, March 19, 2014)
- It’s The Most Wonderful Time (For 990 Tax Filings) Of The Year - (Posted On Tuesday, February 25, 2014)
- State Of The Union – What Are The Ramifications Of Northwestern University Football Players Seeking Union Recognition? - (Posted On Tuesday, February 04, 2014)
- 25 Years After the Shark: Supreme Court Ruling on the NCAA Casts a Shadow on Current Investigations - (Posted On Friday, December 20, 2013)
- Passive Leads Not Protected – New York Federal Court Rejects Enforcement of Non-Compete - (Posted On Wednesday, November 27, 2013)
- National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Gives Deference To The U – How Sanctions Against Miami May Affect Future Investigations - (Posted On Wednesday, October 23, 2013)
- A New Players Union? - Implications of All Players United - (Posted On Tuesday, October 08, 2013)
- Independent Investigations Have Proved Valuable For College Athletics - (Posted On Tuesday, June 11, 2013)
- Five Years in the Making - IRS Releases Findings from Colleges and Universities Compliance Project - (Posted On Thursday, May 16, 2013)
- Termination of Rutgers Basketball Coach Highlights Importance of Employment Advice to Athletic Departments - (Posted On Friday, April 05, 2013)