BATON ROUGE, LA –The Uncaged Cohort recently hosted its Contracts and Negotiations Clinic, an immersive professional development experience designed to prepare student-athletes for real-world decision-making beyond the field of play. The clinic focused on building practical skills in contract evaluation, professional self-advocacy, and negotiation strategy, empowering participants to approach future opportunities with confidence and clarity.
Throughout the session, student-athletes engaged in guided discussions, mock contract reviews, and live negotiation simulations. These interactive components allowed cohort members to analyze contract language, identify potential red flags, and practice negotiating revised terms in a supportive learning environment. Emphasis was placed on understanding key concepts such as term length, exclusivity, compensation structure, termination clauses, and intellectual property, which are critical areas that often shape long-term outcomes.
The Uncaged Cohort was honored to welcome a distinguished panel of professionals who shared insight from their experiences in law, human resources, athletics, and corporate leadership. We extend our sincere thanks to Reggie Abraham, Operations Supervisor with ExxonMobil Chemical Company and member of the Southern University System Board of Supervisors; Christ Beaner, Associate General Counsel; Corinne M. Blache, from the Office of the President at the Southern University System; Dawn Harris, Director of the Southern University Office of Human Resources; and Todd Lyght, Defensive Coordinator for the Southern University Jaguars.
Lyght is a former NFL player and NFL coach and played 12 seasons in the NFL. He played collegiately at Notre Dame. Panelists offered real-world perspectives on navigating professional conversations, evaluating risk, and knowing when to seek legal or professional counsel. Their guidance reinforced the importance of preparation, clear communication, and aligning opportunities with long-term goals and personal values.
The Contracts and Negotiations Clinic reflects the Uncaged Cohort's commitment to holistic student-athlete development, ensuring participants are equipped not only for competition, but for leadership and professional success. We are grateful to our panelists for their time, insight, and dedication to mentoring the next generation of leaders. The Uncaged Cohort looks forward to continuing to provide impactful programming that helps student-athletes protect their value, sharpen their voices, and step confidently into future opportunities.
