In August, the NCAA announced new rules for agents looking to represent prospective NBA players testing draft waters while maintaining their college eligibility.
One rule required that agents have college degrees and was dubbed the “Rich Paul rule” with the belief that it was aimed at the powerful NBA agent who represents LeBron James and numerous other high-profile players and doesn’t have a bachelor’s degree.
The NCAA quickly reversed course after widespread criticism of the rule, rescinding the requirement of a bachelor’s degree.
Agencies reportedly aligning against NCAA
But now it reportedly finds itself under fire from several agencies over a stipulation mandating that agents take in-person exams at NCAA headquarters in Indianapolis.
According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, “major firms” and “others” are planning to not participate in the testing that’s scheduled for Nov. 6.
In August, the NCAA reversed its requirement for player agents to have bachelor's degree -- six hours after an op-ed in @TheAthletic. Now, agents -- both top and small firms -- are preparing not to participate in NCAA's in-person exam on Nov. 6 in Indianapolis. https://t.co/b9J4bL1uOs
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 5, 2019
Will NCAA cave again?
James, Paul and several prominent media voices were among the critics who pressured the NCAA to reverse course on the bachelor’s degree requirement.
Now if player agents from “both top and small firms” are aligning against the NCAA, it appears the agency won’t have much choice but to back down on the testing requirement as well.
If they don’t, there might not be anybody competent available to represent these NBA prospects.
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