ACC's Swofford addresses how to attack rogue agents

John Swofford, with his history as a player and later athletics director at North Carolina and now the commissioner of the ACC, has a long perspective on issues with college athletics. Given that, I asked him Sunday, at the ACC Football Kickoff in Greensboro, if the problems with rogue agents were more pronounced now than in the past.

”I suggest it has some because of the dollars at the next level in the NFL and NBA. That’s a part of it,” Swofford said. “I think it’s also being paid more attention as a whole, and that’s good.”

But the issue is clearly one of concern to Swofford, who gave a lengthy answer in front of hundreds of reporters. In particular, Swofford addressed what could be done to improve the issue.

First, he said, the players associations for the NFL and NBA need to be involved. Those are the institutions that govern the players – and agents.

Second, he said, the NCAA needs to review the rules it has in place and consider beefing up its small enforcement staff.

Third, the 38 states that have statutes limiting agents like, North Carolina, should aggressively enforce those laws.

“I applaud the investigation that the secretary of state in North Carolina, Elaine Marshall, has undertaken,” Swofford said. “I think that’s a big plus. I’d like to see more of that.” But he said the punishments should be much more than mere fines like $25,000, he said.

As for the conference’s role, the league helps educate players and coaches on what’s allowed, but Swofford said knowing the rules is really not the problem.
“I think an athlete knows what’s acceptable and what’s not,” Swofford said.