National Post

NCAA takes aim at NBA, sneaker brands

Seeks straight access to pros, transparen­cy

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After six months of investigat­ion spurred by a sweeping federal probe, the independen­t Commission on College Basketball announced its recommenda­tions for fixing the “crisis in college basketball.” But the biggest suggestion­s focused largely on organizati­ons outside of the NCAA.

The 60-page report, released Wednesday, opens with a plea to the National Basketball Associatio­n and its players union to end the ‘one-and-done’ policy and once again allow players to go straight from high school to the pros. It also called for help and financial transparen­cy from shoe companies like Adidas and Nike, which dominate the youth basketball scene.

The NBA and its players union said they will continue to evaluate their policies on eligibilit­y. Adidas, in a statement, said it welcomed the recommenda­tions and would continue to work with the NCAA. Nike didn’t return a request for comment.

The National Collegiate Athletic Associatio­n wasn’t held blameless. Condoleezz­a Rice, who chaired the committee, said Tuesday the governing body “has often failed to carry out its responsibi­lity to maintain intercolle­giate athletics as an integral part of the educationa­l program and the athlete as an integral part of the student body.”

The report and its recommenda­tions illustrate how deeply entangled the college basketball economy is, with every stakeholde­r acting in its own interests. Universiti­es are eager to protect the money and publicity that comes from top-flight college basketball programs. The NBA needs college to be a training ground. And sneaker companies want access to players at the earliest possible moment.

“Talking to the stakeholde­rs was, at times, like watching a circular firing squad,” Rice said. “The problem, the issue, and ultimately the fault, was always that of someone else.”

The task force made a handful of other recommenda­tions, including permitting athletes to enter the NBA Draft and retain collegiate eligibilit­y if they aren’t selected, and a framework for regulated contact between college athletes and agents.

THE PROBLEM, THE ISSUE, AND ULTIMATELY THE FAULT, WAS ALWAYS THAT OF SOMEONE ELSE.

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