A Question of Ethics – Football Tickets

September 4th, 2012 - Filed under: News

Periodically, Dialog will feature questions and answers about the new state ethics law and how it affects University employees. This month’s question addresses the sale of football tickets purchased through the faculty/staff order form.

I have purchased football tickets on the faculty/staff order form. My neighbor would like to purchase my LSU tickets for $100 each. Can I sell them to him at that price?

A.  Yes. The opportunity to purchase football tickets is an employee right and I can do with those tickets as I please.

B.  Yes, but if I hold out a few more weeks I can probably get more money for the tickets.

C.  No.  The sale of faculty/staff football tickets for an amount in excess of the face value of the ticket is a violation of the Alabama Ethics Act.

D.  Yes, but only if I donate to charity the difference between the amount I paid for the ticket and the amount I received as the selling price.

ANSWER:  C. The Alabama Ethics Act prohibits the use of your University position for personal gain. As a faculty or staff member, you have access to tickets not available to the general public at a discounted price. Selling those tickets for an amount in excess of the face value of the ticket is personal gain and a violation of the Ethics Act.

Faculty and staff with questions about the Alabama ethics law and other legal matters related to their role as University employees are encouraged to contact the Office of Counsel at 348-5490.

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