Why wouldn't we want a student/athlete to have the best advice possible while making what may be one of the most important decisions in his life?

We encourage our kids to get professional counseling on many lesser decisions -- including occupational counseling.

And, doesn't this rule discriminate against students whose families don't have access to "informal" counseling from friends of the family who are attorneys, tax advisors, or athletes and coaches? If my daughter had used her 5'10" frame on the hardwoods, instead of in the band, and she needed advice, she'd have plenty of resources (including the fact that many years ago, I was certified as a sports agent by and institute run by Ed Garvey of the NFL players association -- I taught ethics a the institute intended to create a bunch of "ethical, knowledgeable agents that would be recognized by the major sports authorities). I could put a team together for her that would give her the same information, informally, that many student athletes cannot get without making a commitment to an agent. The current rule discriminates against those kids whose families cannot bring those resources to the table.

My sense is that we fear that sports agents are inherently sleazy and that it appears tawdry to have one.

If that's the issue, the cure is to clean up the agents business not to limit the resources available to students trying to make difficult decisions.

Finally, does anyone think the current rule works? I'm sure there are "informal" agency agreements, like Bush's throughout the system. Wouldn't it be better to shine a light on them, and regulate them -- something that can only be done if we legitimize them and don't punish the athlete for using an agent to make this important decision?

The current rule punishes student/athletes for trying to make the most rational  decision they can about whether to stay or leave. Why in this case is less knowledge better?

I agree -- the policy seems to be in place because we do not trust agents.

And, I can understand that concern. The only person I trusted on the team that represented me and my production company was my lawyer. My agents, who were paid with a "packaging fee" often had interests in conflict with mine.

Unlike other agents, attorneys have a rigorous code of ethics that protects against conflicts and self dealing.

There is no reason we cannot impose those regulations on the agency business. For example, we can create a situation where if an athlete signs with a "certified" agent, he can come back after testing the waters. If he uses an "uncertified agent", he cannot.

It seems to me we can clean up "agency" in a way that protects against your concerns.

And, we can set ground rules certified agents must follow.

For example, in a clean world, there would be no payment from an agent for the "privilege" to represent a student.

I'm not concerned that an agent would be in a position to overpower a coach's instructions should he player return to school. Especially if that agent ever wanted to represent another athlete from that coach's school.

Right now, we have the worst of all worlds. We have sleazy agents and NO ENFORCEMENT of clear violations -- Bushgate.

So, the righteous athletes and agents cannot work together to determine what is best for the athlete and the sinful athletes and agents can violate the few rules that are in place with no fear of reprisal.

1.  He was grateful to have Kevin Love this year who was one of the most efficient freshmen in college basketball history.
2.  Why he urges that they not sign with an agent - he gives the example of Brandon Rush.  He acknowledges it's a slight slight slight chance, but it's still a possibility.  However, Love will be a lottery pick as per Howland and is highly unlikely to return.
3.  They asked about RW and Luc's conference today, and he said only RW will have a conference today, after they announce the new women's coach (who is Nikki Caldwell.)
4.  Coach Howland said that Kevin is a special player and accomplished a lot with the pressure and hype coming in of being the national player of the year, and he is mature beyond his years, and is proud of how he represented himself, his family and the university.

Why he's going pro:
He felt he had a great second half of the Pac 10 season, Pac 10 tourney, and tournament run with the exception of the Memphis game, and it's almost like you have to go to the NBA.

He said it was tough to see Lo in the locker room nearly in tears after the final four game, knowing what he's been through the last four years but he felt it was the best decision to make.

The hosts asked if he felt underused and he said no, and that he wanted to be coachable and not question Coach Ben Howland.

When asked if he was surprised that UCLA stayed in a half court game, he said maybe but he will not go against the decisions of Coach Howland, and that teams knew how to scheme against our Bruins and how to play us.

In his press conference, he stated that he didn't want to give a jaded sense of what happened - he meant that he had a prepared speech and was ready to read that, but felt it wasn't the way to go and instead spoke from the heart.

In regards to his critics about his skills not transferring to the NBA - he says he is determined and will try to get better, and first off, will get into much better shape.

About Keefe as the center - Keefe played well vs WKU and Stanford but the Bruins need depth since Keefe is naturally a power forward and that's somewhere they'll have to look at in recruiting for the future.

He spoke to John Wooden and Coach Wooden says that whatever decision he and his family comes to is the right choice.

Will Kevin earn his degree?  Kevin said he listens to his mom and won't cross her.

Then they asked where he'd like to go, and he said sure the Lakers, the Clippers or to Portland, back home to Oregon.