NCAA seeks reform with rule changes
Among policies: Agents can work with NBA hopefuls.
College basketball players who go undrafted by the NBA will be allowed to return to school and play as part of sweeping NCAA reforms in the wake of a corruption scandal.
The NCAA announced Wednesday that its Board of Governors and Division I Board of Directors adopted a “series of significant policy and legislative changes, setting in motion actions to change the structure of the NCAA fundamentally.” The changes reflect recommendations made in April by the Rice Commission and will target summer recruiting camps, agent access for players and stiffer penalties for rule breakers.
The Rice Commission, led by former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, was formed in response to an FBI investigation into payments from shoe companies to coaches for steering players to certain schools.
Enforcement: The new policies include the appointment of independent groups to handle and resolve complex cases of rules violations. The changes also allow the NCAA to accept during investigations outside information that has been “established by another administrative body or a commission authorized by a school.” The NCAA says that will save time since investigators would no longer have to independently confirm information outlined by other agencies or outside investigations. In addition, school presidents and athletics staff will be required to commit “contractually” to cooperate fully with investigations.
Agents: Agents will have at least a limited place within the NCAA structure. The NCAA’s rule changes include allowing players to work with an agent while declaring for the NBA draft. College players would have to request an evaluation from the NBA Undergraduate Advisory Committee on their draft prospects. The rules would also allow elite high school players to work with an agent if the NBA removes its oneand-done rule. The agent would have to be certified by the NCAA no later than August 2020. Until then, agents certified by the NBA players’ union would qualify. Agents would be allowed to cover minimal expenses such as meals and transportation tied to meetings or workouts with pro teams. The agent’s work would stop if the player enrolls in or returns to college.
Kentucky lands fivestar recruit: Kahlil Whitney announced his commitment to Kentucky. The 6-foot-6 wing from Chicago, who attends high school in New Jersey, said he would join UK’s class of 2019 just three days after wrapping up an official visit to Lexington. “With much thought, emotion and my whole heart, I am ready to make the best decision for my future,” he said in a video on Twitter. Whitney is the No. 14 overall player in the 2019 class, according to 247Sports.