Confessions of a Former NFL Agent
 

Who knew Tony Banks was the 1st QB taken in the draft?

Good read

[url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/magazine/10/12/agent/index.html?eref=sihp]Confessions of former NFL agent Josh Luchs - SI.com - Magazine[/url]

Re: Confessions of a Former NFL Agent
 

[quote=SmootSmack;747013]Who knew Tony Banks was the 1st QB taken in the draft?

Good read

[URL="http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/magazine/10/12/agent/index.html?eref=sihp"]Confessions of former NFL agent Josh Luchs - SI.com - Magazine[/URL][/quote]

Good article. That guy should write a book.

Interesting that Leaf paid him back, didn't see that coming.

Re: Confessions of a Former NFL Agent
 

Wow, great read...it's sad that this is what football has become.

Re: Confessions of a Former NFL Agent
 

Definitely an excellent read, and it shed a lot of insight into the agent's world. The NCAA does need to do something about agent/player interactions like giving them money or other extras though. The fact that some of these guys don't get enough to pay their rent or buy food from their scholarship money says a lot about why they go to agents to get money. I can't blame them for trying to get money if they don't receive enough funds from a scholarship. It's sad that the NCAA makes billions of dollars a year yet can't give athletes enough money to attend school, rent a room, or buy food.

Re: Confessions of a Former NFL Agent
 

[quote=mooby;747036]Definitely an excellent read, and it shed a lot of insight into the agent's world. The NCAA does need to do something about agent/player interactions like giving them money or other extras though. The fact that some of these guys don't get enough to pay their rent or buy food from their scholarship money says a lot about why they go to agents to get money. I can't blame them for trying to get money if they don't receive enough funds from a scholarship. It's sad that the NCAA makes billions of dollars a year yet can't give athletes enough money to attend school, rent a room, or buy food.[/quote]

Students making straight A's don't get these scholarships and they don't have pimps to turn too. Last time I check most colleges have dorms and serve food. I don't feel sorry for them because I'm sure of they went to the coach and said I'm out of money and hungry they would get a warm meal. Lets stop making excuses for these guys.

Re: Confessions of a Former NFL Agent
 

Ryan Leaf was his most famous (almost) client? It seems he is leaving out some pretty high profile names.

Re: Confessions of a Former NFL Agent
 

[quote=firstdown;747041]Students making straight A's don't get these scholarships and they don't have pimps to turn too. Last time I check most colleges have dorms and serve food. I don't feel sorry for them because I'm sure of they went to the coach and said I'm out of money and hungry they would get a warm meal. Lets stop making excuses for these guys.[/quote]

Are you sure about that? I just read a story about a coach in high school that got fired for taking her players out to kareoke and letting them spend the night at her house. If a coach in high school can get fired for letting players spend the night at their house, what makes you so sure the NCAA can't do the same?

And for the record scholarships are handed out for things besides athletics. Kids who go to college and don't play sports have their opportunities to get scholarships and grants as well. Did you ever stop and think about that?

Re: Confessions of a Former NFL Agent
 

[quote=mooby;747036]Definitely an excellent read, and it shed a lot of insight into the agent's world. The NCAA does need to do something about agent/player interactions like giving them money or other extras though. The fact that some of these guys don't get enough to pay their rent or buy food from their scholarship money says a lot about why they go to agents to get money. I can't blame them for trying to get money if they don't receive enough funds from a scholarship. It's sad that the NCAA makes billions of dollars a year yet can't give athletes enough money to attend school, rent a room, or buy food.[/quote]

With all the $$ the schools make off these kids, they should at least receive some sort of stipend. With school and ball they don't have much time left over for a job, so that's why you end up with agents giving them money, cars, meals, etc.

Re: Confessions of a Former NFL Agent
 

[quote=firstdown;747041]Students making straight A's don't get these scholarships and they don't have pimps to turn too. Last time I check most colleges have dorms and serve food. I don't feel sorry for them because I'm sure of they went to the coach and said I'm out of money and hungry they would get a warm meal. Lets stop making excuses for these guys.[/quote]

Seriously though what's with the attitude? It reeks of jealousy. If you were coming out of high school and you got a scholarship to play football at a D1 school but you never had enough money to pay your rent or buy food I'm pretty damn sure you'd have an entirely different outlook on these kids. You do realize these kids sacrifice their entire bodies in the hopes one day they will be able to make plenty of money in the NFL, all without making a dime off the NCAA's huge profit, right?

Re: Confessions of a Former NFL Agent
 

[quote=Mattyk;747048]With all the $$ the schools make off these kids, they should at least receive some sort of stipend. With school and ball they don't have much time left over for a job, so that's why you end up with agents giving them money, cars, meals, etc.[/quote]

That's exactly what I'm saying. I'm not saying make these kids millionaires in college, but they should at least receive enough money to not have to worry about food and board while their schools make huge profits off their athletic exploits.

Re: Confessions of a Former NFL Agent
 

And the NCAA thinks it can control this stuff. Why they even try is beyond me.

Re: Confessions of a Former NFL Agent
 

[quote=firstdown;747041]Students making straight A's don't get these scholarships and they don't have pimps to turn too. Last time I check most colleges have dorms and serve food. I don't feel sorry for them because I'm sure of they went to the coach and said I'm out of money and hungry they would get a warm meal. Lets stop making excuses for these guys.[/quote]

Actually that would be a violation by NCAA rules.

Edit:
Man you just have no concept of what it is like to be one of these guys. Imagine you come from a poor neighborhood, single mom, she has no job, 4 brothers and sisters, the roof leaks, people get shot every other day in the neighborhood and your playing football for a BCS school and will probably get drafted in two years. You're basically on hold for a major payday that can fix all that crap for your family. And you're supposed to trun down easy money? It'll never happen. Once those guys start taking the money then all the other ones who don't need it as much take it. I feel sorry they have to work for free while their schools fund their entire athletic deaprtment off their backs and the NCAA turns a blind eye to the needs of the students it purports to protect.

Re: Confessions of a Former NFL Agent
 

Great Read, It's funny because I live in a Big College city and know current NFL Stars that played here and most of those players were " taking care of " if you know what I mean..

It happens at every big time program

Re: Confessions of a Former NFL Agent
 

[quote=Mattyk;747048][B]With all the $$ the schools make off these kids[/B], they should at least receive some sort of stipend. With school and ball they don't have much time left over for a job, so that's why you end up with agents giving them money, cars, meals, etc.[/quote]

That's very debatable. Most economists that have researched Div. 1 college athletics conclude that most schools don't make a profit off football & basketball. The consistently successful schools do, but for every one of them there are 10-20 schools that invested millions in capital improvements such as stadiums & they're still waiting to get out of the red.

In addition, revenue generating sports pay for non-revenue sports & title 9 requires schools to fund women's sports equitably, most if not all of which don't generate revenue.

The system is defnitely flawed, but paying the kids, even a small stipend, would really be an ethical challenge & regulatory nightmare IMO. How would such a stipend be regulated? One of the problems w/college athletics is each school tries to keep up w/the jones.' It's not enough to have a huge state of the art stadium, big programs have indoor practice facilities, new gyms & a/v equipment, etc. I can imagine how some schools would find a way to circumvent ncaa rules to pay players more than what their stipend allowed.

Re: Confessions of a Former NFL Agent
 

Well they're going to get paid either way. You can try to regulate it and do it legally, or you have what's going on now.

Re: Confessions of a Former NFL Agent
 

[quote=FRPLG;747060]Actually that would be a violation by NCAA rules.

Edit:
Man you just have no concept of what it is like to be one of these guys. Imagine you come from a poor neighborhood, single mom, she has no job, 4 brothers and sisters, the roof leaks, people get shot every other day in the neighborhood and your playing football for a BCS school and will probably get drafted in two years. You're basically on hold for a major payday that can fix all that crap for your family. And you're supposed to trun down easy money? It'll never happen. Once those guys start taking the money then all the other ones who don't need it as much take it. I feel sorry they have to work for free while their schools fund their entire athletic deaprtment off their backs and the NCAA turns a blind eye to the needs of the students it purports to protect.[/quote]

Imagine you're that dude and you've earned a 5 year scholarship far removed from the ghetto you grew up in, where there is plenty to eat everyday, a structured environment with coaches & trainers there to imrpove your game, academic advisors to guide you into classes you can handle & tutors that will help you learn whatever you're having trouble with in class.

I know I'm painting the idyllic picture, but it's not as if athletes don't get anything. Most of these guys aren't going pro, so "waiting for a payday" is not an option for them. Their payday is an education that they otherwise couldn't afford.

Re: Confessions of a Former NFL Agent
 

[quote=Mattyk;747074]Well they're going to get paid either way. You can try to regulate it and do it legally, or you have what's going on now.[/quote]

Exactly

Re: Confessions of a Former NFL Agent
 

[quote=freddyg12;747075]Imagine you're that dude and you've earned a 5 year scholarship far removed from the ghetto you grew up in, where there is plenty to eat everyday, a structured environment with coaches & trainers there to imrpove your game, academic advisors to guide you into classes you can handle & tutors that will help you learn whatever you're having trouble with in class. [/quote]

How does any of this help your single mom raise her other 4 kids back in the hellhole they live in? It's called incentivization and it can't be satisfied with anything that a gollege football program can offer. There will ALWAYS be kids who take the money. Lots of them. And if some take it...well then you know..

Re: Confessions of a Former NFL Agent
 

Show me the money!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Re: Confessions of a Former NFL Agent
 

[quote=mooby;747053]That's exactly what I'm saying. I'm not saying make these kids millionaires in college, but they should at least receive enough money to not have to worry about food and board while their schools make huge profits off their athletic exploits.[/quote]
edittt

Re: Confessions of a Former NFL Agent
 

That was a hellava read.

Re: Confessions of a Former NFL Agent
 

Not all athletes get a full ride with their athletic scholarships. It also is a challenge to fully commit to both academic excellence and athletics even if you do try hard simply because time is really constrained. I've never done athletics in college, but I'm have a pretty full schedule with just 15 credit hours.

Re: Confessions of a Former NFL Agent
 

Excellent read, SS. The one thing the NCAA "says" it looks out for is the student-athlete. I just don't believe it. There's really no black and white answer when it comes to these student-athlete's receiving some sort of compensation, beyond the scholarship. Let's be honest- most schools don't emphasize the academic portion when it comes to D1 football players.

OK, they give these students full rides whereby these athletes wouldn't normally receive an education in higher learning. But when you're being told football is a higher priority than all else, you're pretty much not going to use that education down the road (post-football). Of course there's always exceptions to the rule- Stanford and Notre Dame promote an even balance b/t successful classroom and field performance. But for every dollar a school spends on a football player, they're making a multiple of that in revenue (which provides for the other sports, as mentioned here already).

Remember that wide receiver out of Alabama, Prothro? Sure, the Tide loved when he was catching touchdowns. As soon as he destroyed his leg, I haven't heard from him. Injuries are part of the game... but the current structure promotes an unjust outcome in case it happens. At least injured players in the NFL received payment, beforehand. Taking out insurance doesn't tip the scales, either.

Re: Confessions of a Former NFL Agent
 

I knew Mel was a dirty no good crooked son of a b!tch but not that crooked. Amazing piece...what a dirty game.

Re: Confessions of a Former NFL Agent
 

I KNEW that speed reading course would pay off.....

Re: Confessions of a Former NFL Agent
 

[quote=skinsfaninok;747067]Great Read, It's funny because I live in a Big College city and know current NFL Stars that played here and most of those players were " taking care of " if you know what I mean..

It happens at every big time program[/quote]

Wait, you mean most college kids can't afford SUV's with 20" rims?

Re: Confessions of a Former NFL Agent
 

We'll have Josh Luchs on Mike & Mike Wednesday morning at 9:15 to take more about this

Re: Confessions of a Former NFL Agent
 

[quote=freddyg12;747069]That's very debatable. Most economists that have researched Div. 1 college athletics conclude that most schools don't make a profit off football & basketball. The consistently successful schools do, but for every one of them there are 10-20 schools that invested millions in capital improvements such as stadiums & they're still waiting to get out of the red.

In addition, revenue generating sports pay for non-revenue sports & title 9 requires schools to fund women's sports equitably, most if not all of which don't generate revenue.

The system is defnitely flawed, but paying the kids, even a small stipend, would really be an ethical challenge & regulatory nightmare IMO. How would such a stipend be regulated? One of the problems w/college athletics is each school tries to keep up w/the jones.' It's not enough to have a huge state of the art stadium, big programs have indoor practice facilities, new gyms & a/v equipment, etc. I can imagine how some schools would find a way to circumvent ncaa rules to pay players more than what their stipend allowed.[/quote]



then Why doesn't the NCAA move to a revenue sharing program similar to what the MLB does. If you look at the MLB the Yanks give away 25+% of their yearly income back to the revenue sharing program. Why Not tax it like that and give a check to every student athlete with over a 3.0 gpa and make em sign a contract to where they don't have to pay it back if they graduate and they do if they don't . All the scholar-ship student athletes would need is like 7500 a semester. which im sure The Ohio State could foot for every student-athlete in the entire NCAA by their lonesome. Just My opinion.

Re: Confessions of a Former NFL Agent
 

My buddy just facebook'd that he works at the same real estate firm as Luchs, just at a different office.

Re: Confessions of a Former NFL Agent
 

At least with Prop 62 these student athletes can earn some additional money on their own. For the longest time they couldn't even do that

Re: Confessions of a Former NFL Agent
 

[quote=SmootSmack;747173]We'll have Josh Luchs on Mike & Mike Wednesday morning at 9:15 to take more about this[/quote]Good get. I'll be up for that.

Re: Confessions of a Former NFL Agent
 

Meant talk more, not take more. And I had nothing to do with getting the interview

Re: Confessions of a Former NFL Agent
 

[url=http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/10/13/josh-luchs-do-i-regret-doing-it-no/]Josh Luchs: "Do I regret doing it? No" | ProFootballTalk.com[/url]

Re: Confessions of a Former NFL Agent
 

[quote=Mattyk;747290][url=http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/10/13/josh-luchs-do-i-regret-doing-it-no/]Josh Luchs: "Do I regret doing it? No" | ProFootballTalk.com[/url][/quote]

I look at it like speeding. When everyone does it then how can it make you feel bad? It was almost a requirement of the job.

Re: Confessions of a Former NFL Agent
 

[quote=SmootSmack;747193]Meant talk more, not take more. And I had nothing to do with getting the interview[/quote]I meant the more inclusive "you". As in "you all".

Re: Confessions of a Former NFL Agent
 

[quote=GTripp0012;747303]I meant the more inclusive "you". As in "you all".[/quote]

This is why the Southern "y'all" should become standard American English. It may sound hick-ish but it is useful in a language which otherwise lacks a second person plural.

Re: Confessions of a Former NFL Agent
 

[quote=FRPLG;747078]How does any of this help your single mom raise her other 4 kids back in the hellhole they live in? It's called incentivization and it can't be satisfied with anything that a gollege football program can offer. There will ALWAYS be kids who take the money. Lots of them. And if some take it...well then you know..[/quote]

I read 90% of that article and did not see one time where the kid needed the money to send home to his single mom with 4 kids living in a hell hole. You seem to have added that part to this entire article. Its seem like most of the players just used him to get some extra spending money. You also are saying that a college degree cannot change moms problem but even if the kid does not make it to the NFL he now has a degree (unlike allot of other poor kids) to make a good living to help mom.

Re: Confessions of a Former NFL Agent
 

[quote=Lotus;747306]This is why the Southern "y'all" should become standard American English. It may sound hick-ish but it is useful in a language which otherwise lacks a second person plural.[/quote]

Even though I'm a Chinese dude with no genealogical relation to anyone from the South, I find "y'all" to be a very cool term.

Re: Confessions of a Former NFL Agent
 

[quote=firstdown;747376]I read 90% of that article and did not see one time where the kid needed the money to send home to his single mom with 4 kids living in a hell hole. You seem to have added that part to this entire article. Its seem like most of the players just used him to get some extra spending money. You also are saying that a college degree cannot change moms problem but even if the kid does not make it to the NFL he now has a degree (unlike allot of other poor kids) to make a good living to help mom.[/quote]

You don't read carefully do you? Read the thread, read my posts, tell me where I have even talked about the specific situation in the article. Then when your done doing that and you didn't find it go have a nice drink in the fantasy land you live in where the degree a kid gets in college has any value to these kids. They don't go to college to get a degree, they go to play football. Major college football is the minor leagues for pro ball. That's all it is. Oh, and a revenue generator for the schools.

Re: Confessions of a Former NFL Agent
 

LOVE the last line