Christian S. Dennie, a successful baseball in college, has represented more than 300 athletes in his successful career as a sports lawyer. He has also represented countless colleges and universities, advising them and guiding them through investigations and compliance matters, drug test appeals and policies and Title IX investigations, contracts, marketing, facilities agreements, sponsorship agreements and name, image, and likeness agreements.
To learn more, we sought out Dennie, who earned his J.D. from the University of Oklahoma College of Law and B.B.A. from Sam Houston State University, where he played baseball.
Question: What led to you gravitating to sports law?
Answer: I always wanted to stay in the game. After my pursuit of a professional baseball career ended with injury, I searched for ways to stay involved in sport. I was advised that leaders in sports had law degrees and going to law school and becoming a lawyer was the best path.
Q: Were there mentors along the way and who were they?
A: I have learned a lot from people I have worked with over the years. I had a lot of people who advised me along the way including Richard Hayes, Mike Alden, Dan Beebe, Curtis Jones, John McAdams, and Mike Stone.
Q: How would you describe your practice?
A: My sports practice is very broad. I handle litigation, investigations, transactional matters, and serve as an arbitrator. I have tried 62 cases, served as an arbitrator in 600 cases, and closed multi-million dollar transactions. I have represented clients in 33 different sports.
Q: What’s the best part about being a sports lawyer?
A: Being involved in an industry I Iove is great, but it is always going to be the people. Developing deep and lasting relationships is the most important part of being a professional.
Q: What trends are you watching closely in 2024 and why?
A: I am watching NCAA litigation closely and the modifications and changes to NIL laws and policies.
