When the NFLPA became the NFLPA*, the ability to certify and regulate agents expired. As a result, all rules applicable to agents evaporated -- including the so-called “Junior Rule,” which prohibits agents from contacting college players fewer than three years removed from high school.
That said, other provisions may restrict their activities.
Jason D. Leonard, Executive Director of Compliance at the University of Oklahoma, has sent a mass e-mail to agents reminding them that Oklahoma law “still restricts your contact with football ‘underclassmen.’”
For example, the State of Oklahoma Uniform Athlete Agent Act and the University of Oklahoma Athlete Agent Policy require agents, and individuals acting as agents), “to register themselves with both the Secretary of State and University prior to contacting any student-athlete.” Also, Leonard points out that contact of any type with a student-athlete not eligible to enter into a professional sports contract is prohibited. As a result, any contact by agents (or their associates, runners, etc.) with any University of Oklahoma football student-athletes who are not at least three years removed from high school violates the law and University of Oklahoma policy.
So, at least in Oklahoma, the “Junior Rule” is alive and well.
