Unofficial word out of the players union meeting is that the
junior rule is going to be eliminated. The obvious thought process was that the rule, which restricts and set guidelines for agent contact with underclassmen, had given unscrupulous agents an advantage over those who abided by the rules. Thus, elimination of the junior rule altogether is a good thing. It will allow those agents who practice with integrity a better chance to work with underclassmen. More importantly, underclassmen will have access to more ethical agents.
It’s my understanding that college head coaches are behind this change and understand the dynamics of how the rule was negatively affecting the process. After all, college coaches are usually heavily involved in the decision making process of an underclassman when he decides to come out early. Of course, selfishly they would love to keep the player for another year and will pitch them to stay for their final season. However, if they know the player can be a first round pick, he has been good for the program, they will usually help him with his diligence and support him in his decision. Every now and then a head coach will be overly selfish and try to block the decision. But for the most part they understand that once a player’s mind is made up there is no stopping them. When a player is rated to be a late round pick and can improve his stock by playing another year, head coaches usually will not support the decision.
