Okay, this seems very unlikely. I just don’t see the NCAA having the stones to do it. But, this would be an astounding event (no #@$%^*& permalink, but look under the entry for June 25, 12:15pm).
A league source with intimate knowledge of the applicable NCAA regulations tells us that Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis might have rendered quarterback Brady Quinn and other incoming seniors ineligible if, as we previously have reported, Weis has directed the seniors with designs on pro football to pick their agents before the start of the 2006 season.
Rule 12.3.1 of the NCAA bylaws states that “[a]n individual shall be ineligible for participation in an intercollegiate sport if he or she ever has agreed (orally or in writing) to be represented by an agent for the purpose of marketing his or her athletics ability or reputation in that sport.” Rule 12.3.1.1 elaborates on the general principle set forth in Rule 12.3.1: “An individual shall be ineligible per Bylaw 12.3.1 if he or she enters into a verbal or written agreement with an agent for representation in future professional sports negotiations that are to take place after the individual has completed his or her eligibility in that sport.”
It has been well-publicized that Quinn and his family have already been whittling down the potential agents to hire after the ’06 season. Nor has there been any hiding that Weis has at least encouraged Quinn to take care of some of this business early to eliminate distractions.
Quinn, a senior, is not allowed to sign with an agent until his eligibility is exhausted. But, per NCAA rules, the family can interview prospective representatives.
Team Quinn is roughly defined as Slates, another uncle Scott Bender, described as a venture capitalist, and Quinn’s parents Ty and Robin. Oh, and of course Brady, who will make the final decision.
…
Understandably, coach Charlie Weis has had a big influence on the process. It is in his best interest to eliminate distractions before the season. Notre Dame is expected to be ranked in the preseason top 10.“I don’t think Coach Weis would mind me saying it …” Slates said. “(He wants to) make sure that Brady doesn’t get a guy that makes the process about the agent.
“At least we can narrow it down so at least we can tell everyone else to bug off. Coach Weis wants Brady to focus so he’s not getting calls from Joe Schmo agent.”
Weis already has addressed all of his draft-eligible players.
“Obviously they have a resource which they didn’t have before,” Weis said of himself.
Now, there is nothing right now out there. Not at the WWLS, not at SI.com, not even at DeadSpin, EDSBS or even Blue Gray Sky. So I am very hesitant to say this is going anywhere or is a legit rumor. Still, this at least has a whiff of Savior Weis trying to run his program a little too much like the NFL club and ignoring/missing a big rule.
Additionally, as I said at the beginning, I don’t think the NCAA would pull the trigger on declaring top players from Notre Dame ineligible this season. They would probably look the other way while whispering sternly in their ear not to do it again.
UPDATE: CollegeFootballResource posted on this yesterday and doesn’t think much of this for scandal potential either.
