Bill to regulate agents,
protect student athletes
By Jason Tomcsi
Staff
Writer
A bill that would regulate unqualified agents and
protect Purdue student athletes from those agents, along with athletes
in other universities across the state, is on the way to becoming a
law.
The bill, which is being sponsored by Rep. Shelia
Klinker D-27th, was passed unanimously by the House public policy, ethics
and veterans affairs committee. The bill is now eligible for a hearing
in front of the entire House. According to Klinker, it is a essential
bill because it protects high schools, universities, student athletes
as well as sports agents.
"Unrealistic promises and other misleading
tactics are often used, which cause problems for athletes and the universities
they represent," said Klinker in a press release.
Purdue basketball coach Gene Keady recommended
the legislation to Klinker three years ago and said that Indiana needs
better certification of agents.
"All over the country (student athletes) are
fed stuff in their minds about how good they are and how much money
they can get and (agents) interfere with their lives," said Keady.
"I want the people to be trained."
Klinker and Keady agree that there are not any
problems with good agents.
"While most agents do perform a very valuable
service for those students who are beginning their professional careers,
others prey on the dreams of athletes purely for their monetary gain,"
said Klinker in a press release.
The legislation requires that all athletic agents
register with the state’s Attorney General’s Office, who will
then be in charge of regulating the business.
The bill contains many items that help protect
the athletes, including agency contracts between the student athlete
and the agent. Also, colleges and universities can take legal action
against an agent or a former student for any damages that come from
the violation of the bill.
Many states do have some sort of law regarding
agents and some states do not have laws at all.
Purdue athletic director Morgan Burke would like
to see a uniform law across the country.
"If there are 50 different laws then it makes
it very, very difficult," said Burke.
Although there have not been any reported cases
of problems at Purdue, according to Burke, there is still a need for
regulation.
"There are enough horror stories out there
and just because lightning hasn’t struck here, let's not wait 'til
it hits the ground," said Burke
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