After dominating the headlines for nearly two weeks, the issue of “rogue” agents/runners and their relationships with college football players has quietly slipped from the public’s consciousness for the past few days.
Of course, the issue has not gone away completely; rather, it’s merely been pushed to the backburner. Until the damned liberal media brings it up again, that is.
Speaking on the Dan Patrick‘s DIRECTV’s show ahead of his appearance at the Pac-10 Rose Bowl media day, UCLA head coach Rick Neuheisel was asked how he polices issues between agents and student-athletes.
“Only one way,” the coach told Patrick. “If there’s proof that they were involved in that, then they are banned. And that has to happen from the NFL level. They cannot be involved in anything but representation.”
And Neuheisel’s right. Partly.
Absolutely the NFL needs to be involved. The free farm system they benefit from on an annual basis mandates that they have some level of involvement, if for nothing more than protecting their own interests.
But, they are far from the only ones — or even the most important ones — that need to take responsibility and own the situation. From the NFLPA to the NCAA to the institutions of higher learning to coaching staffs to — most importantly — the agents and the players, there are myriad people/groups who have a hand in, or should have a hand in, reigning in the rogue element that’s always been around but has just recently been beaten out of the bushes (again) and into a bright spotlight (again).
It’s an issue that will never, ever go away completely regardless of how well-intentioned future moves will be, but is one that could be severely curtailed if all affected parties actually, you know, worked together on a problem that most see as needing to be addressed.
How could it be curtailed? Ban agents for x number of years who have been proven to give illicit benefits to student-athletes that still have collegiate eligibility; strip the remaining eligibility of a player proven to have received extra benefits or, if they’ve already left for the NFL, suspend them for x number of games without pay — that’s where the NFL and NFLPA would really come in; there are laws in 38 states relating to player-agents and repercussions for their nefarious actions in dealing with student-athletes. Maybe the NCAA and its member schools should, you know, use them?
Of course, those off-the-top-of-my-head suggestions could merely serve as a starting point for discussion if everyone involved really wants to solve the problem.
Either that, or the NCAA could take the “easy” way out and just start paying players.
I’d strongly urge you to step back once that box marked “Pandora” is opened, though. The shrapnel could be hazardous to your sport’s health.
I agree that sanctions should be attached to the agent and I would suggest that sanctions also be attached to the coach that let it happen. How is it fair to punish the current student athletes at USC for the behavior of the players and staff of 5-6 years ago? Why should they have to serve out the punishment, while Sneaky Pete skips off “scot-free” to Seattle? If some responsibility were forced onto the coaching staff, as well as the agents, I think we’d see much better compliance with NCAA rules.
Disclaimer: I despise USC, but am willing to overlook that when it comes to possibly punishing Pete Carroll.
Getting the NFL involved is brilliant
If the agents know that the NFL will come down on them hard, they will think twice about breaking the law
Good for the NFL if they get involved
This agent crap needs to end
Luke, pardon the cliche, but a player collecting $100,000 a year for three years is a whole ‘nother ballgame. The USC mess wasn’t comparable to the average player/agent transaction. That was about trying to field a semi-pro team, and instead of sanctions, some people should be in jail.
But you can’t blame coaches for typical player/agent interactions. Most coaches work 80-100/hour weeks and can’t be on 24/7 guard duty, too. If an agent gets to one of their kids, THEY wind up w/ineligible players, sanctions, and forfeits. The player gets a mega-salary in the pros, the NFL gets fresh talent, the NFLPA gets its union dues, and the agent gets his commission. Right now ONLY the coach is punished–along with innocent players, students, and fans.
But why are we still discussing this, John? Surely Roger Goodell has resolved the problem by now. After all, when he’s not playing Caesar and sharing his plans for world domination, isn’t preacher Goodell dedicated to preserving the righteous good name of professional football? Listening to his sermons, I’d think it would crack that wonderful man’s halo to allow the ever-stainless shining shield of the NFL to continue doing business with nefarious agents who prey on the innocent youth of our college ranks.
Such a paragon of virtue … a … a … near saint must have spoken out vehemently on this issue and vowed to ban every one of those rapscallions from doing business with the league whose honorable name he has sworn to uphold come hell, high water–and most especially–bad press. So Roger’s put all these agents on notice … right?
@ Deb
Looks like Goodell is going to have to slide over & SHARE that pulpit with U from now on……….
Roll Tide/Steelers/
ROFL, blitz …
Was half asleep when I wrote that and forgot about it, so you’re probably gone by now. Maybe could take either the preacher or Caesar but not both. Hiring a soccer guru to assist his world domination plan has sent me over the edge.
Don’t mind him demanding players walk a straighter line. But he’s so inconsistent. Failing to address the agent issue is a good example.
Thanks for that Roll Tide/Steelers!