🏈 Andre Suspended

[alagator]

I really do wish there was some sort of violation ($$$) to agents if they are caught going after a college athlete. I mean if the kids can't talk to them, then why should they be allowed to without being fined or reprimanded?

We could, and probably should, delve deeper into this issue in a separate thread, but there are a number of reasons why what you suggest will not really fly.

First and foremost is that it is not illegal for two adults to enter into negotiations for a future business relationship UNLESS one of the parties is already in a contractual relationship with another party. Then, the third person could be held in civil violation of a tort for intentional interference with a contract.

However, for your desire to apply, then the NCAA and its member schools would have to argue that the scholarship arrangement with a player is in fact a legal 'contract.' And that will NEVER happen in the current form of the scholarship terms because the NCAA and the schools would IMMEDIATELY subject themselves to the Sherman Act (antitrust). The NCAA and the schools would immediately be guilty of trying to restrict someone's ability to advance in their career by holding them to the terms of a 'contract' that is the result of collusion and arbitrarily restricts the 'income earning potential' of the players.

The NCAA suits will instead just publically posture themselves as the 'victims' of unethical agents. For to actually try to seek some real legislation to stop this 'evil practice' they would have to explain why they want protection of their 'contractual relationship' that denies the players the ability to be compensated according to their abilities. Don't hold your breath.

 

[TerryP]

From people in Tuscaloosa this is more than mere 'talking' with any agent. And the 'I only signed a cocktail napkin after a night of drinking' excuse will not fly this time either.

I have no real problem with Smith if he decided he wanted to go ahead and sign with an agent BEFORE he played his last game with Alabama; as long, that is, if he actually told the people in charge and publically gave up his remaining eligibility. He would be moving on with his life and UA would have no liability.

Sketchy facts thus far however tend to imply Smith signed with an agent and tried to keep it all "down home cuz." In the process he demonstrated he was in the end willing to look out for himself and himself only - and put UA in some very serious jeopardy. If this is case then don't let the door hit you in the ass on your way out of town Andre. And leave NOW.

So much for you 'having your teammates back.'

By the way, a well connected UF guy is telling some of us that he is pretty confident Arenas will be going pro at season's end too. Coffee is more iffy than people think.

A couple of weeks ago I got a note about this and just sort of filed it away as "if it's true we'll see shortly." The guy that shared the story isn't one of those guys I talk to about football issues as much as I talk to him about basketball issues so it wasn't a case of not believing him but just wondering where he heard it from.

Make sense?

Anyway...

A comparison to what happened with Langham isn't a good comparison to Andre's situation.

It's important to note that "improper agent contact" isn't just limited to a player. It could be a multitude of people around a player from family members, to ex-coaches...a long list.

It's my understanding that UA met with Andre yesterday and that's when the decision was made. Our compliance department is being careful here...a good chance they are being too careful.

But, it's happened, it's an external factor the guys playing the game don't have any control over...so I'm moving on.

 

[srollins]

:shock: :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock: ;steamingmad

WTH!!! This really hurts. Andre has always been a rock for our team. I just hope it isn't something bad enough to hurt his future, even though Alabama's Sugar Bowl future has taken a hit due to his "actions," whatever they were...

 

[Guest]

Maybe Im the only one but....im not suprised in the least.



As for Arenas turning pro......he is aware the arena league just folded isnt he :shock:

 

[srollins]

Maybe Im the only one but....im not suprised in the least.

why aren't you suprised? Have you suspected Andre would break team rules and get suspended?

 

[Crimson&WhiteGecko]

From people in Tuscaloosa this is more than mere 'talking' with any agent. And the 'I only signed a cocktail napkin after a night of drinking' excuse will not fly this time either.

I have no real problem with Smith if he decided he wanted to go ahead and sign with an agent BEFORE he played his last game with Alabama; as long, that is, if he actually told the people in charge and publically gave up his remaining eligibility. He would be moving on with his life and UA would have no liability.

Sketchy facts thus far however tend to imply Smith signed with an agent and tried to keep it all "down home cuz." In the process he demonstrated he was in the end willing to look out for himself and himself only - and put UA in some very serious jeopardy. If this is case then don't let the door hit you in the ass on your way out of town Andre. And leave NOW.

So much for you 'having your teammates back.'

By the way, a well connected UF guy is telling some of us that he is pretty confident Arenas will be going pro at season's end too. Coffee is more iffy than people think.

A couple of weeks ago I got a note about this and just sort of filed it away as "if it's true we'll see shortly." The guy that shared the story isn't one of those guys I talk to about football issues as much as I talk to him about basketball issues so it wasn't a case of not believing him but just wondering where he heard it from.

Make sense?

Anyway...

A comparison to what happened with Langham isn't a good comparison to Andre's situation.

It's important to note that "improper agent contact" isn't just limited to a player. It could be a multitude of people around a player from family members, to ex-coaches...a long list.

It's my understanding that UA met with Andre yesterday and that's when the decision was made. Our compliance department is being careful here...a good chance they are being too careful.

But, it's happened, it's an external factor the guys playing the game don't have any control over...so I'm moving on.

If Andre is ready to move pro, I'm all for it & proud of him.

If he doing this now so that he can give someone else a chance to take care of business, I'm fine w/ that too.

However, the only issue I'm having with any of this is IF he has placed the University in jeopardy. MY GUT says no b/c of Smith's outstanding reputation BUT I cannot get past the ghosts of the past.

Is there ANY feedback about whether or not 'Bama may have some NCAA issues as a result.

 

[Guest]

No, but I said privately a couple of weeks ago that he might pull the "Chris Samuels" rule.

He appears to have done that

 

[EuroTide]

holy cow , im stunned.

 

[IllinoisTideFan]

As for Arenas turning pro......he is aware the arena league just folded isnt he :shock:

I would not be sad to see Arenas leave but I can't see the rationale in his departure. He's one of those guys that brings too much bad along with the good (talking "on the field" only). I'm expecting next year to be one where we reload at different positions to get ready for a big run in 2010, so getting a new guy in the defensive backfield in 09 is fine with me.

 

[cominatcha]

Like coach Ditka would say....AWWWWW MAN!!!! :x

 

[BigAl]

You cant blame Saban a bit for kicking him off the team. All i got to say is Andre shouldnt done whatever he did.

 

[Jseakin]

Ok my question is is there any sanctions headed our way because of this? Obviously it effects us in the bowl game but will it effect our future as well?

 

[joeman546]

Disappointing, but our backups are capable. I know they have game experience, and probably would start next year also.

They may not win the outland trophy, but it isn't like we will be playing without a left tackle, we also wouldve been in this situation anyway.

But in a way, im sure itll make our offence harder to prepare for,. As the Utes would say, we might see alot of "Coffee right" more.

As fans, I feel that we get to attached to our players, probably more than neccesary. I can be guilty of this too, but I am not panicking.

Im kinda excited to see the guy stepping up actually, anjd I feel we should get to know him, which I wonder if that could be researched and posted.

Its kinda like when TC got injured but chapman replaced him and people were like "Who the heck is Chapman" and Chapman was all like, "The guy tackling you for a loss."

EDIT: Spell check!

 

[TerryP]

No, but I said privately a couple of weeks ago that he might pull the "Chris Samuels" rule.

He appears to have done that

Didn't you hear? It's a new NCAA rule.

If Bama is in a BCS game they can't play their LT.

I don't see it as pulling a Chris Samuels. Chris didn't want to get hurt. He could have played, chose not to play. That didn't set too well with me.

But, in the end, even though we lost I don't know if I can lay that loss at Chris' feet as much as on Phlugner's foot. Damn, ticks me off just thinking about him kicking that year.

 

[bamafan4ever]

No, but I said privately a couple of weeks ago that he might pull the "Chris Samuels" rule.

He appears to have done that

Didn't you hear? It's a new NCAA rule.

If Bama is in a BCS game they can't play their LT.

I don't see it as pulling a Chris Samuels. Chris didn't want to get hurt. He could have played, chose not to play. That didn't set too well with me.

But, in the end, even though we lost I don't know if I can lay that loss at Chris' feet as much as on Phlugner's foot. Damn, ticks me off just thinking about him kicking that year.

The ghost of Florida Field came back to haunt us after we won in the same fashion versus UF earlier that season. Guess they didn't like us breaking their little home winning streak. :lol:

 

[Go4Bama]

Ok my question is is there any sanctions headed our way because of this? Obviously it effects us in the bowl game but will it effect our future as well?

Exactly, the football program cannot afford this. How severe of a violation did Dre' commit? Guarantee you the NZAA will be licking their chops.

 

[BamaGradinTN]

I really do wish there was some sort of violation ($$$) to agents if they are caught going after a college athlete. I mean if the kids can't talk to them, then why should they be allowed to without being fined or reprimanded?

We could, and probably should, delve deeper into this issue in a separate thread, but there are a number of reasons why what you suggest will not really fly.

First and foremost is that it is not illegal for two adults to enter into negotiations for a future business relationship UNLESS one of the parties is already in a contractual relationship with another party. Then, the third person could be held in civil violation of a tort for intentional interference with a contract.

However, for your desire to apply, then the NCAA and its member schools would have to argue that the scholarship arrangement with a player is in fact a legal 'contract.' And that will NEVER happen in the current form of the scholarship terms because the NCAA and the schools would IMMEDIATELY subject themselves to the Sherman Act (antitrust). The NCAA and the schools would immediately be guilty of trying to restrict someone's ability to advance in their career by holding them to the terms of a 'contract' that is the result of collusion and arbitrarily restricts the 'income earning potential' of the players.

The NCAA suits will instead just publically posture themselves as the 'victims' of unethical agents. For to actually try to seek some real legislation to stop this 'evil practice' they would have to explain why they want protection of their 'contractual relationship' that denies the players the ability to be compensated according to their abilities. Don't hold your breath.

Actually, the Alabama legislature did pass a law, after the Derrick McKey incident I think, regarding improper contact between underclassmen and agents, and agents have been prosecuted in the State of Alabama before. Hopefully this contact did happen within the state's jurisdiction and the agent will be prosecuted.

 

[Guest]

Meh, it's Ian but here is what he says is the latest http://blog.al.com/rapsheet/2008/12/smiths_suspension_possibly_lin.html

I spoke with two people in college football who talked with people who know what happened, and my sources were told the suspension stems from some kind of improper contact with a sports agent.

 

[MDBtrumpet04]

Ok my question is is there any sanctions headed our way because of this? Obviously it effects us in the bowl game but will it effect our future as well?

Exactly, the football program cannot afford this. How severe of a violation did Dre' commit? Guarantee you the NZAA will be licking their chops.

If Andre had contact with an agent while playing games, then sanctions will come down. If contact was made while being in New Orleans, nothing will happen since Saban cut the ties off with Smith. I'm thinking the latter happened.

 

[TerryP]

Ok my question is is there any sanctions headed our way because of this? Obviously it effects us in the bowl game but will it effect our future as well?

I guess the comment about this being nothing like the Langham situation wasn't clear enough.

The way this has been handled by the staff at UA is exactly as it should have happened. It was basically perfect by any definition you can find for perfect.

I realize it is tempting to fear the NCAA may get involved in this. But, I can assure you, it will not result in any repercussions.

I can't tell you who told me this, but I can say that this person is...well, let's call it "very high up on the food chain" when it comes to things around the Ath. Dept. and school administration.