In regards to reports of USC players attending a party sponsored an NFL agent, here is the finding of Dave Roberts, USC's director of compliance.
"Today's media reports about USC student-athletes attending a May 2009 party allegedly sponsored by an NFL player agent and his affiliated company are untrue.
"USC's investigation conducted today revealed that USC student-athletes attended parties in May and September of 2009. One or both of the parties were allegedly put on by a USC student or his affiliated company; however, that student did not become an NFL agent until October of 2010."
"Both parties were open to all USC students. Our investigation revealed that USC student-athletes who attended the functions paid the same posted cover and refreshment charges that were paid by all attendees."
Thank goodness that we learned our lessons from the prior regime. Outstanding job to Dave Roberts, JK, Mark, Tim, compliance, etc. for nipping these Internet stories in the bud. In the digital age, every issue can become a PR issue, not must a compliance, legal, business issue, etc.
I am so pleased that the new regime is here to lead us in the 21st centure. Thanks guys and please keep up the great work!
I have a question about the whole incident. If the "agent" is a student, and student-athletes are to have NO interaction with any agents, what happens if and when any of the players have a class with this kid?
I find it ludicrous as well as underhanded that students are being recruited as agents and used to illegally contact the athletes, Is there no morality in this field, no respect for the rules. As a parent of an athlete I am appalled and saddened.
Students who are affiliated with sports marketers, agents, runners, any sort of pro sports teams, other than being a fan, as a condition of their acceptance into the university and during their time as a student of the university, should sign a contract that should they break any of the NCAA/USC rules regarding student athletes, they will be expelled. PERIOD! End of discussion.
Mom, I don't think this student was recruited. He took the initiative himself to form an agency and get certified as a agent. He was working for his own personal gain.