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Keyword: NCAA

1.  

   Sports Wagering Primer for NCAA Student-Athletes

   by Justin Sievert 03-01-2012 11:57 PM Amateurism

   
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   With March Madness fast approaching, fans across the country are following NCAA men's basketball a little bit more closely as they prepare to fill out their "brackets" and begin to enter into various tournament "pools." In fact, the NCAA men's basketball tournament has become so big the FBI expects illegal gambling could reach upwards of $2.5 billion dollars. As a result, it is important for both prospective and current NCAA student-athletes to be educated regarding NCAA Bylaw 10.3 (Sports Wagering Activities).

    

   NCAA Bylaw 10.3, as applied to student-athletes, forbids knowing participation in sports wagering activities or providing information to individuals involved in or associated with any types of sports wagering activities concerning intercollegiate, amateur or professional athletics competitions. A prospective or enrolled student-athlete who is found in violation of Bylaw 10.3 would be ineligible from further intercollegiate athletics competition, subject to an appeal to the Committee on Student-Athlete Reinstatement. If a student-athlete engaged in activities designed to influence the outcome of an intercollegiate contest or activities that will affect the gambling line or gambles on the institution he or she attends, that student-athlete would lose all remaining eligibility in all sports. If a student-athlete participates in another sports wagering activity, the student will be ineligible for a minimum period of one year. If the student-athlete later engages in another sports wagering activity, the student-athlete will be permanently ineligible.

    

   To avoid finding yourself subject to Bylaw 10.3 sanctions, here are examples of impermissible sports wagering activities compiled from recent NCAA secondary infractions cases: 

   1. Men's golf student-athlete wagering small amounts of money on golf practice rounds with an assistant coach (Secondary Case 43135).
   2. Participation in a fantasy sports league with an entry fee that awarded cash prizes and plaques for top finishers (Secondary Case 37634).
   3. Men's baseball student-athlete wagering small amounts of money on various professional football games with non-student-athlete friend (Secondary Case 35844).
   4. Twenty-eight baseball student-athletes wagering money on the results of an intrasquad baseball competition (Secondary Case 35943).
   5. Assistant men's swimming coach and men's swimming student-athlete place small wager on the ability of the student-athlete to touch the ceiling of the pool from one bounce of the diving board (Secondary Case 46300).
   6. Head women's golf coach wagered with a rival institution's coach the outcome of the institution's football game where the loser would have to wear the shirt of the winner's institution (Secondary Case 45184).
   7. Assistant athletic director wagered $1 to enter an NCAA March Madness pool where the payout for the winner was $50. Even though the winnings were donated to charity it was a violation (Secondary Case 43433).

   In addition, all prospective and current collegiate student-athletes should review the NCAA's website regarding sports wagering, Don't Bet On It.

    

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   Published 03-01-2012 © 2013 Access Athletes, LLC

   Keywords: Committee on Student-Athlete Reinstatement, Don't Bet On It, March Madness, NCAA, NCAA Bylaw 10.3, NCAA Secondary Infraction Cases, Sports Wagering, Student-Athlete

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2. The National Letter of Intent Program: Important Considerations for Prospective Student-Athletes

   by Justin Sievert 02-02-2012 01:45 AM Amateurism

   
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   Yesterday college football fans were treated to what has become a national holiday, Signing Day. February 1st marked the first day that a high school senior football student-athlete could sign a National Letter of Intent (NLI) to play collegiate football at an NCAA member institution. The NLI program, which is managed by the NCAA Eligibility Center and governed by the Collegiate Commissioners Association, does not just include football but includes all NCAA sponsored scholarship sports. NLI membership includes 620 NCAA Division I and II member institutions. Ivy League, service academies, NCAA Division III, NAIA, prepatory and junior colleges are not part of the NLI program. The impact of signing an NLI is the prospective student-athlete agrees to attend the designated college or university for one academic year and the selected institution agrees to provide athletics financial aid to the student-athlete, provided he/she is admitted to the institution and is eligible for financial aid under NCAA rules.

   While the purported goal of the NLI program was to benefit both member institutions and prospective student-athletes, there are many considerations prospective student-athletes need to take into account before signing a letter of intent with any NCAA member institution. These considerations include:

    

   1.     Voluntariness: While signing the NLI is voluntary, virtually all NLI member institutions strongly encourage prospective student-athletes to sign. Prospective student-athletes need to be aware of the obligations that come with signing an NLI and the ramifications that may come with not signing an NLI.

    

   2.     Penalties: The basic penalty for not fulfilling the NLI is to serve one year in residence (full-time) at the next NLI member institution and lose one season of competition in all sports (not just the sport the NLI was signed in).

    

   3.     Coaching Changes: A prospective student-athlete is signing an NLI with an institution. A coach leaving the institution in which the prospective student-athlete signed the NLI does not release the prospective student-athlete of the NLI's obligations. Further reading on coaching changes and both prospective and current student-athletes can be found here.

    

   4.     NLI Declared Null and Void: An NLI signed by the prospective student-athlete does not mean it will necessarily become binding on the institution. An NLI can be declared null and void for the following reasons: (1) the prospective student-athlete was denied admission to the institution; (2) the prospective student-athlete does not meet NCAA, institutional or conference eligibility requirements; (3) the prospective student-athlete does not enroll at the institution for one year after he or she signed the NLI and the scholarship is no longer available; (4) the prospective student-athlete serves in the military or on a church mission following the signing of the NLI; and (5) the sport in which the prospective student-athlete signed on to play at the institution is discontinued.

    

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3. Athlete Weekly Rundown: Student-athlete graduation rates are up, Michael Beasley countersues his ex-agent & JaMarcus Russell finally tells his side of the story

   by Al-Hassan Sheriff 10-30-2011 04:58 PM Amateurism

   
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   Athlete Development

   • In the NCAA’s annual report of graduation rates over the last six years, student-athletes are earning their degrees at a higher rate than the overall student body at Division I universities. For any student-athletes interested in going pro, here’s some evidence that perhaps going through college first wouldn’t hurt. [NCAA: Six-Year Grad Rate at All-Time High]

   • Ironically while student-athlete graduation rates are improving, a powerhouse may be penalized for its players underperforming academically. The defending national champion UConn Huskies may not be eligible for the 2013 NCAA Tournament due to its low Academic Progress Rate (APR). The program already has lost 2 scholarships as a result of their APR scores. [UConn Academics Could Jeopardize 2013 Tourney]

   • While many speculated that injuries to players would increase due to the NFL lockout, one Pro-Bowler has publically made that claim. Redskins TE Chris Cooley, who was recently placed on injured reserve, alleges that the NFL’s no contact policy between players and team personnel during the lockout affected him. “I fe[e]l 100 percent that I'm a casualty for the season of the lockout,” Cooley said. “I think it was a shame that they didn't let players who had surgery spend time with the doctors and trainers they trust on daily basis, I wish I could've.”  [Redskins TE Cooley Says He’s a Lockout Casualty]

   Business

   • In response to decades of countless scandals due to improper benefits, the NCAA approved several changes, including allowing conferences freedom to increase the amount and length of athletic scholarships and allocate an additional $2,000 of spending money per student-athlete. Many NCAA critics believe these rule changes were a much needed step in the right direction. “I think it needs to happen or else I think what's left of the system itself is going to implode,” said an Ohio University professor and past president of The Drake Group, an NCAA watchdog. “We've always lost the moral high ground by saying the educational model is what makes this thing go. I think we're delivering a model that can exploit kids while they're here.” [NCAA Approves Scholarship Changes]

    

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4. Athlete Weekly Rundown: ESPN's new Total Quarterback Rating (TQR), Real Madrid signs 7-year-old & deer antler supplements contain HGH

   by Al-Hassan Sheriff 08-13-2011 07:48 PM Amateurism

   
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   Athlete Development

   • Arizona Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald recently allowed Yahoo! Sports the chance to see a glimpse of his unusual, but highly effective training techniques. The All-Pro wideout incorporates track and field, plyometrics and other training styles into his routine. While they are intense, the numbers don’t lie: according to NFL.com, Fitzgerald has totaled more than 600 receptions and 8,000 yards to go with 65 TDs since 2004. Oh, and he’s only missed four games and fumbled a whopping five times during that same span. [Larry Fitzgerald: Elite Athlete of the Week]

   • If all QBs aren’t created equal, then why should they continue to be graded as if they are? This week, ESPN launched a new QB rating system. Led by former NFL QB and Super Bowl XXXV champ Trent Dilfer, ESPN’s Total Quarterback Rating (TQR) measures the overall effectiveness of a team’s signal-caller. My opinion: this new rating will be a major upgrade from the current QB Rating. TQR accounts for other factors besides yards, touchdowns and interceptions: decision-making, how many sacks a QB takes, 3^rd & 4^th down conversions and more. If ESPN’s TQR becomes a hit on Monday Night Football, expect it to trickle down to other NFL broadcast providers (Fox, CBS) and perhaps the NCAA. [Total Quarterback Rating Shifts the Way We See the Position]

   • On the ESPN program, Outside The Lines, the subject of high school 7-on-7 football leagues was discussed. These summer leagues, similar to summer clubs track and field or AAU basketball, are becoming more prevalent. The collegiate governing body and high school coaches are concerned that these leagues may become opportunities for major NCAA violations. While the benefit for a high school athlete would be more chances for development and exposure, the cost for the NCAA, as well as high coaches, appears too steep, as agents, scouts and other individuals affiliated with college football programs may use these teams as illegal pipelines.  [7-on-7 High School Football Draws Scrutiny of NCAA, High School Coaches Over Fears of Third Party Influence]

   • Washington Nationals pitching phenom Stephen Strasburg had such a great start to his career last season: his starts were so good for an underperforming Washington squad that they were named “Strasmas." Yet, unfortunately the pitching holiday season, and Strasburg’s, were cut short when the rookie suffered an elbow injury that required Tommy John surgery. Now, the human strikeout film himself started his 1^st rehab start in 11 months. The former No. 1 overall pick appeared sharp, striking out four and allowing one run in 1 and 2/3 innings of work for the Class A Hagerstown Suns. While he has yet to return to the majors, a lot of credit is due to the Nationals for being patient and making sure their ace of the future is fully healed before returning. [Stephen Strasburg Looks Sharp In Return]

   • With the NFL becoming the 1^st of the “Big Four” American sports to have random testing for HGH, a popular new drug may make the testing more difficult to track. Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1), a chemical found in deer antlers, has been used for healing by ancient Asian cultures. While the chemical is banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency and all major sports, it’s one form of HGH that is currently untraceable by the tests administered by MLB, and those soon to be implemented by the NFL. While the HGH testing included in the NFL’s collective bargaining agreement was a step in the right direction, IGF-1 may have pushed its impact back a couple of steps. [Deer Antler Supplements Might be a Major Challenge for Pro Sports' Drug Policies]

    

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5. Athlete Weekly Rundown: Nutrition-conscious athletes, Mark Doman's financial planning practice & Kellie Wells overcomes a tough past

   by Al-Hassan Sheriff 07-29-2011 06:42 PM Amateurism

   
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   Athlete Development

   • Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is on a short list of the greatest NBA players of all time, and one would think most folks looking to improve their basketball skills and IQ would heed the Hall of Famer’s advice. Enter former No. 1 overall pick, Michael Olowokandi. The NBA all-time career scorer still harbors some frustration with the former Los Angeles Clippers center, claiming the “Kandi man” was “a player who fits the description of ‘talented but uncoachable’” after his coaching stint with the Clippers. [Kareem Abdul Jabbar says a former NBA first round pick can’t take constructive criticism] 

   • Scientists at Southern Methodist University concluded that Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt really doesn’t run “faster” than most of us. Instead, he is able to produce more force from his legs at a faster rate, which allows him to clock such mind-blowing times. [SMU scientists determine that Usain Bolt runs harder, not faster than most]

   • It’s no secret that pro athletes are healthier than most of us. Yet, as players are looking for an edge, some through steroids and HGH, more are looking at nutrition as a “performance enhancing drug."[Athletes using healthy dieting, not PEDs, for competitive advantage]

   • After a breakout season with the Houston Texans, NFL rushing-leader Arian Foster answers questions about his journey from being an undrafted rookie in 2009, to becoming one of the league’s premiere running backs. [Q&A with Texans Pro Bowler Arian Foster]

    

    

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6. As a Pro, You Created a Brand; Now, Protect It!

   by Kanika Corley 07-08-2011 03:04 AM Amateurism

   
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   In these times of multiple threats of league lockouts and increasing salary caps, many athletes are finding themselves searching for alternative revenue streams. Even pros whose sports continue to keep them working are steadily looking to supplement income, primarily through business deals based exclusively on name recognition. As a result, brand protection is of increasing and paramount importance. Once an athlete steps into the business sector, that athlete must remain cognizant of the public’s perception of his or her image. Thinking of oneself as a brand has been a widely covered topic of late. While many understand the need for brand protection theoretically from a PR perspective, many fail to see it practically from a legal perspective.

    

   Brand Birth

   The general public, including prospective employers, get to know athletes by the personality traits captured on tape, manifested through commonly observed technical and social skill sets displayed on and off the court (or field as the case may be) – which goes to the heart of branding. While brand development typically starts in high school and travels with the athlete all the way through to post-professional play, it is the public’s perception that dictates the pervasiveness of athlete brand recognition. Ultimately, surviving in the business sector necessitates that when an athlete leaves competitive sports for the business world, the athlete must carry a strong brand along with a (different kind of) team eager to protect it.

    

   Disconnected Branding

   High school-aged athletes are typically still learning their craft when audiences begin watching them and making decisions about the athlete’s likeability. During this time, most athletes do not have handlers, media trainers, lawyers and other consultants whose jobs are to create and cultivate what will one day become the athlete’s brand.

    

   Athletes who go on to compete in college under NCAA guidelines assign to the association all rights to the commercial use of their names, pictures or likeness, while in college, and arguably in perpetuity. (See, Holmes, J. & Corley, K., “Defining Liability for Likeness of Athlete Avatars in Video Games,” Los Angeles Lawyer Magazine (May 2011).)

    

   A slightly less extensive grant of rights is assigned by pro athletes who seek to compete in leagues, tournaments, circuits and tours. The major distinction here is that the pro maintains some rights to also license likeness, although such a contract cannot conflict with the primary agreement. As such, it is in this time frame, when an athlete turns pro, that the athlete is permitted to earn money from the commercial use of likeness. 

    

   Taking Control

   These days athletes are lending their likenesses to the promotion of consumer goods and services such as clothing, shoes, and insurance; social events, including parties and charity tournaments; and even reality TV shows. What many do not understand is that the value of the athlete’s likeness to the company employing that athlete is usually multiplied by the athlete’s failure to negotiate greater protections for the use of the athlete’s brand, in conjunction with that of the employer’s.

    

   Following the 2011 NBA Finals, there were rumblings that a multinational company might replace one athlete’s endorsement contract with another player. (This article will not speculate on the legality of such a move.) Evident from this notion of a seemingly unilateral decision by one contracting party to completely nullify an agreement is that the athlete might not have taken control of certain key terms when the agreement was initially negotiated. While it is typically the case that one party to an agreement will have slightly better bargaining power than another, he who holds the weaker position must fight for as much control in the negotiations as possible.

    

   The Key Elements

   Being asked to sponsor and/or endorse a consumer good or service is quite an accomplishment; it’s also a testament to the brand you and your team have created. However, don’t get caught up in the glitz and glam! Protect your brand by focusing on five key elements over which negotiation is both warranted and expected: scope, duration, territory, enforcement and price.

    

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7. 5 Things We Learned from the USC Case

   by Justin Sievert 06-07-2011 02:35 AM Amateurism

   
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   On May 26, 2011, the NCAA Division I Infractions Appeals Committee (IAC) upheld the decision by the NCAA Committee on Infractions (COI) from June 10, 2010 against the University of Southern California. The COI, after a four-year investigation by the NCAA Enforcement staff, had determined that numerous extra benefits were received by Reggie Bush, a former USC football player, and O.J. Mayo, a former USC men's basketball player, while being recruited and/or during their enrollment at the institution. The findings in the case included a lack of institutional control, impermissible inducements, extra benefits, and exceeding coaching staff limits. As a result, USC was put on four years' probation, hit with a two-year bowl ban (one-year remaining), will lose 30 football scholarships over three years, will not be allowed to compete in the inaugural 2011 Pac 12 Championship game and will vacate 14 victories in which Bush played from December 2004 through the 2005 season. The NCAA ended up not taking further action against the men's basketball program, which had already banned itself from postseason play last season and vacated its wins from Mayo's one season with USC. So, what can we learn from the IAC and COI decision? Here are my top five things we can take away from the USC case. 

    

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8. Interview with a Sports Professional: Big Ten "Triple Crown" Champion Coach and Penn State Track & Field/Cross Country Director Beth Alford-Sullivan

   by Richard Burgunder 03-01-2011 11:38 PM Amateurism

   
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   Beth Alford-Sullivan is one of the most respected coaches in all of collegiate track and field. This is the fifth year Sullivan has served as Director and Head Coach of the Penn State University’s Track and Field/Cross Country program. She has been at the helm of the women’s program since 1999, and in 2006, she also took the reigns of the men’s program. During her tenure in Happy Valley, Sullivan has coached 109 NCAA All-Americans (95 on the women’s side), 62 Big Ten Individual Champions, 4 NCAA Champions, and 2 Olympians.  In the 2009-10 season, the women's team finished fourth at the NCAA Outdoor Championships—the squad's second "Trophy Team" finish in the last three years. In Big Ten competition, they captured team titles in cross country, and indoor and outdoor track and field to earn the coveted conference "Triple Crown."  In her decorated coaching career, which has also included head coaching stints at Stanford University (1995-99) and Mankato State University (1993-95), Sullivan has amassed 24 Coach of the Year Awards, the most prestigious being the 1996 NCAA Coach of the Year. Most impressively, Sullivan’s teams have received numerous academic awards while dominating on the track. 

   As a testament to her exceptional coaching ability and record of success, Sullivan has represented the United States on the international stage as an Olympic Coach at the 2004 Athens Games and a member of the U.S. coaching staff at the IAFF Continental Cup in Croatia. Sullivan is also in her second year as the Division I President of the United States Track and Field/Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA).

    

   Sullivan, who grew up in Minnesota, was a star distance runner in both high school and college. As a result, she credits her high school and college coaches as being instrumental figures in her life and career. While attending the University of Minnesota, Sullivan further honed her leadership skills and proved to be a great source of motivation as a three-year captain of her cross country team. Sullivan began the transition from athlete to coach at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, where she served as assistant coach from 1989-91 while earning a Master of Science degree in Sports Administration.

    

   Recently, Sullivan spoke to Access Athletes about a variety of topics, including her success in building a powerhouse program at Penn State, Olympic coaching experiences, coaching and training philosophies, advice for athletes, and her leadership activities on the track and field/cross country circuit. Her insight is an invaluable resource for any athlete or coach aspiring to compete at the highest level of their sport.

    

    

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9. Athlete Weekly Rundown: Amar'e & microfracture surgery, Len Elmore talks iHoops & Allen Iverson in Istanbul

   by Matthew Allinson 01-10-2011 05:21 PM Amateurism

   
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   It's been a busy start to the New Year with a lot of things in the works here at Access Athletes. It was a big weekend in Maryland with the Baltimore Ravens advancing in the playoffs after they blasted the Chiefs in the first round. Next weekend, they will face their heated rivals, the Pittsburgh Steelers, in a showdown that will finally settle the debate about who is the best team in the AFC North and determine who will ultimately advance to the AFC Championship.

   Recently, we brought on another incredible contributor at Access Athletes. Master Certified Coach, Chrissy Carew, is the Founder of The Insightful Player™, a bold movement of hope committed to lifting the spirit of the human race by putting high integrity NFL players on the largest stage in the world to share their personal heartfelt stories to inspire all, especially kids. The NFL contains so many examples of these fine young men who happen to be sports heroes, but beyond their stats, live their lives in an exemplary fashion and devote themselves to helping individuals and society as a whole. Through this campaign, Chrissy has interviewed more than 30 NFL players and has assembled their stories in the "A Gift of Insights".  You can download a special PDF copy of all 30 Insightful Player™ stories for free and help Chrissy spread her powerful and uplifting message. 

    

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10. Athlete Weekly Rundown: Terrelle Pryor & the crew, Junior Bridgeman owns 282 restaurants & Torrey Smith is a true inspiration

    by Matthew Allinson 12-31-2010 05:11 PM Amateurism

    
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    In my last official post for 2010, I want to wish everyone a very Happy New Year and thank you for your continued support of Access Athletes and our mission to educate athletes. It was a big year for us, as we published a number of high-profile interviews on this site and have had a tremendous amount of success forming invaluable relationships with many like-minded individuals in the sports industry. With the solid foundation we have built over the past year, I am extremely excited for what 2011 has in store for AA. 

    In 2011, we will officially relaunch the revamped Access Athletes website. We will be introducing several new expert contributors who will cover a wide-variety of new topics. We also expect to roll out an educational program for elite athletes that we have been working tirelessly on for the last few years. We will continue to serve as an unbiased resource of information for elite athletes and further solidify our role as Trusted Athlete Educators.

    I have included some great links from the last couple of weeks below.

     

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