With the recent problems USC and UCLA had with agents
contacting some of their players, the L.A. TIMES' Hudson & Almond
examine the overall problem of agents getting closer to college
athletes.  "It is probably the biggest game in college sports,
this nether world of sports agents, who lure student athletes
into relationship and put them on the take.  Not all of the
estimated 3,000 football and basketball agents and recruiters are
unscrupulous, but many are.  The NCAA estimates that 70% of
current athletes have had contact with or received benefits from
sports agents."  The piece also notes what few rules govern
sports agents.  The NFLPA has never decertified an agent for
improper dealings with an athlete and the NBPA has not
decertified an agent this decade (L.A. TIMES, 10/13).
     DREW SPEAKS: Agent Drew Rosenhaus advocated tougher
penalties for agents interfering in college athletics. Rosenhaus:
"I could care less if it was the death penalty ... that's fine,
'cause I'm not gonna do it.  I want them to penalize these guys.
I don't want it going on" ("SportsCenter," ESPN, 10/12).