NFL, NCAA, agents, NFLPA discussing punishments for extra benefits

Players who lose their eligibility under NCAA rules may be fined and/or suspended by the NFL once they enter the draft. The NCAA, NFL and player agents are already discussing it, and the NFLPA is also involved:

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=5725836

To me, if you're the union, why would you agree to this? It would be costing your future members whatever they were receiving.

 

Why not fine the agents who are the ones buying these players off?

 

What in holy hell is the incentive for,

a) the NFL,

b) the agents, and

c) the PLAYERS

... to help enforce arbitrary, capricious and outdated NCAA rules?

Uhmmm... tick... tick ... tick...

 

Hey, if a kid wants to get paid he can go play in Canada out of high school.

 

There is some thought that in the coming Attila the Hun settlement the NFL will impose on the players in the next CBA, there will be drastic limitations -- perhaps a prohibition -- on players leaving college early (possibly an entry age of 22).

This of course would be greeted with wild hosannahs by the NCAA, but rest assured, the happiness of the NCAA is the last thing the NFL would be doing it for. They just want to lower the chances of paying big money for an underclassman who busts.

 

This is still America isn't it?

 

There already is talk of a rookie salary slotting scale for draftees that the owners want, and that the union may be willing to accept. The union would prefer the big bucks go to established players, and to help retired players, instead of unproven rookies.

I'd doubt, though, that the union would agree to an age limit different than the current one. Players know that careers are short enough, without having the option of going pro (legally) early.

For the NFL, no doubt they'll want to use this as a bargaining chip for the next contract.

For the agents, they're probably tired of having to give out money to the athletes. They think a rule will help them.

For the players, there should be no incentive.