Agent Rich Paul, whose resume consists of NBA greats such as Lebron James, Anthony Davis, John Wall, and Ben Simmons, wrote an op-ed article in The Athletic and called out the NCAA for a new rule implemented requiring players to hire agents with a four-year degree.
According to Bleacher Report, the new rule allows for agents to test NBA waters and maintain their eligibility. Paul, who does not have a four-year degree, says the rule will eventually prevent those like him from disadvantaged backgrounds from taking an alternative path to representing players.
“Requiring a four-year degree accomplishes only one thing — systematically excluding those who come from a world where college is unrealistic,” Paul wrote. “Does anyone really believe a four-year degree is what separates an ethical person from a con artist?”
Paul continued, “Let’s also be clear that once the NCAA requires a four-year degree for athletes ‘testing the waters,’ it’s only a matter of time until this idea is socialized, no longer questioned, and then more broadly applied. We all know how this works. Unfair policy is introduced incrementally, so people accept it because it only affects a small group. Then the unfair policy quietly evolves into institutional policy. I’m not sure what the technical term is for that because I didn’t finish college, but I know it when I see it.”
Seemingly, with Paul being one of the most powerful agents in sports, his influence sparked change to the NCAA decision sooner than expected. Announced via Bleacher Report, the NCAA has removed the Bachelor’s degree requirement for agents wanting to represent players. Agents must only be certified by the NBPA.
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