Mike Locksley and the Maryland football program are under fire after Richmond head coach Russ Huesman accused them of tampering. Huesman claims Maryland offered $50,000 to poach kicker Sean O’Haire—an offer allegedly made before O’Haire entered the transfer portal.
Tampering is widespread in college football, but it’s still against NCAA rules. If the accusation holds up, it could cost Locksley more than just reputation—it could cost him his job.
Maryland Allegedly Offered Richmond Kicker $50K to Transfer
Richmond’s Russ Huesman didn’t hold back when talking about the tampering allegation: “They came in, they tampered. The kid had zero interest in transferring, they offered him money.”
He’s referring to Sean O’Haire, a redshirt freshman kicker who went 12-for-12 on field goals in 2024, including three from beyond 45 yards.
O’Haire participated in Richmond’s spring game on April 5, then committed to Maryland on May 3. According to Huesman, Maryland approached O’Haire with a $50,000 NIL offer before he was in the portal—a direct NCAA violation if true.
Is Tampering Illegal Even With NIL?
Yes. NIL hasn’t legalized tampering. Schools still can’t players until they’re officially in the portal. Offering money as an inducement to transfer is a violation.
Tampering might be widespread, but it’s not allowed. Huesman is putting the NCAA in a tight spot by attaching a specific dollar figure and naming Maryland directly. If the governing body ignores it, they send a clear message that enforcement is meaningless.
Mike Locksley Contract
Locksley signed a new deal in 2023 that runs through 2027. He’s earning $6.1 million this year with increasing annual pay as follows:
- 2025: $6.1 million
- 2026: $6.4 million
- 2027: $6.7 million
The deal includes automatic extensions for winning seven games in a season and bonus incentives tied to team performance.
Mike Locksley Buyout
If fired without cause today, Maryland owes Locksley 65% of the remaining salary on his deal.
- Remaining value through 2027: $20.1 million
- Buyout owed: ~ $13 million
- Half due within 60 days of termination
Maryland would take a financial hit, but the number isn’t impossible for a Big Ten program to swallow—especially if pressure builds.
Can Maryland Fire Mike Locksley for Tampering?
Yes. If the NCAA investigates and finds that Maryland violated tampering rules, the school could terminate Locksley for cause and even avoid paying the buyout.
The allegation isn’t vague. It includes dates, a named player, and a specific financial figure. If substantiated, this isn’t a gray-area NIL issue—it’s a breach of NCAA rules. Maryland doesn’t have to wait for penalties. They can act on principle.
If they don’t, they’re saying the rules don’t matter. And if the NCAA stays quiet, it confirms what most already suspect—tampering is now just another cost of doing business.
