MS Cracking Down On Sports Agents
Mississippi Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann says a new law could help protect student athletes from sports agents who engage in unethical practices.
The Clarion-Ledger reports that Mississippi lawmakers this year toughened requirements of the Uniform Athletes Agents Act, enforced by the secretary of state’s office.
Hosemann says the new law brings more accountability to the recruiting process by putting tighter regulations on the relationships between athletes and agents.
The law says compensation to an athlete has been broadened to include “anything of value.” Officials say one problem has been with “runners” who act as go-betweens for athletes and agents.
If a runner gives something of value to a student athlete, he or she becomes an “agent” under the law and could face civil or criminal penalties.
