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Update: Contrary to media reports attributed to unnamed sources, NFL player suspensions are not currently under consideration.  While each of the involved groups may have different constituencies, we are committed to working to identify solutions that all can support.

Statement: Joint effort to tackle football agent issues continues

Tackling the complex issue of improper agent activity in college sports requires commitment from several groups. Key representatives from the NCAA staff, its member schools, Collegiate Commissioners Association, NFL, NFL Players Association, American Football Coaches Association, state government and the agent community met again last week and continue to make progress in identifying potential solutions.

The group has identified opportunities for greater collaboration, including enforcement efforts, potential post-NCAA financial penalties, best practices for the effective enforcement of state agent laws, educational efforts, as well as an examination of the frequency and timing of agent contact with student-athletes.

As a part of the ongoing effort and discussion, another meeting is being planned for next month.

List of Participants 

The joint agent discussions include key representatives from the NCAA, its member schools, Collegiate Commissioners Association, NFL, NFL Players Association, American Football Coaches Association, state government and the agent community. The participates include, among others:

•         Ray Anderson, NFL, Executive Vice President of Football Operations

•         Ron Hill, NFL, Vice President of Football Operations

•         Merton Hanks, NFL, Director of Football Operations

•         Rich McKay, President, Atlanta Falcons

•         Bill Polian, President, Indianapolis Colts

•         Arthur McAfee, NFL Players Association, Counsel

•         James Guidry, NFL Players Association, Collegiate Affairs Manager

•         Grant Teaff, American Football Coaches Association, Executive Director

•         Jim Delany, Commissioner, Big Ten Conference

•         Mike Slive, Commissioner, Southeastern Conference

•         Greg Sankey, Associate Commissioner, Southeastern Conference

•         Jeff Hawkins, University of Oregon, Director of Football Operations

•         Mike Powell, Texas Secretary of State Office, Managing Attorney

•         James Sexton, agent, Athletic Resource Management

•         Fletcher Smith, agent, Blueprint Sports Group

•         Rick Smith, agent, Priority Sports & Entertainment

•         Rachel Newman Baker, NCAA, Director of Agent, Gambling and Amateurism

•         Scott Bearby, NCAA, Interim Vice President of Legal Affairs/General Counsel

•         David Berst, NCAA, Vice President for Division I Governance

•         Dennis Poppe, NCAA, Vice President for Baseball and Football

•         David Price, NCAA, Vice President of Enforcement

•         Naima Stevenson, NCAA, Director of Legal Affairs/Assistant General Counsel