As I was saying... the article is interesting reading, but fails to make an important point: at least the institution, represented by thier coach, gives the athletes the OPPORTUNITY to get an education and prepare for life after football. There are plenty of college athletes who actually DO hit the books and learn something while in school. There are countless regulations and programs designed to help them in that area. Can the agents prove any interest in these kids beyond sports? And as for the kids, yes they should know right from wrong, but how many of us would turn down cash or gifts at that age (especially considering the economic background that many of them came from). All parties involved have responsibilities but it seems clear that Saban is making a valid point. The agents currently see no downside to unscrupulous recruiting whereas the students and the schools are punished severely if caught breaking NCAA rules.

Funny that when you turn 18 you can enlist in the armed services, but you can't sign with an agent if you are an athlete.

These rules are archaic and basically turn athletes into money-makers for colleges and universities nationwide.

At least the agents would be willing to play and support the players for all their hard work.

I think it is ha-larious that Dick Vitale, the spokesman for Hooters, is going to lecture us on the evils of using your body to make money

Saban complaining about agents being pimps - talk about the kettle calling the pot out huh? Hey Nick some programs seem to always be on the up-n-up its called character and it starts with the coaches - who they recruit and the manner in which they conduct their business. Believe it or not some programs can actually win and demonstrate character and play within the rules of the NCAA, maybe take a page from their playbook.

Coach is right! These college athletics are first in school to get an education and this is the first goal. Second is to play athletics for fun and enjoyment and maybe there will be a future. Listen to the Coach and play by the rules. Agents stay out of the programs until the athletics are ready for the next step.

Roll Tide!

I see a lot of what people are saying about this issue. The anwser is all of them are to blame, period. Its very difficult for some of these players to pass up on money and other things since the Coaches, Boosters and Alumni set there handing you tickets and money because you played a great game or are the best on the team or one of them, best in the league or what ever. Its hard for the players because some of them are dirt poor, some are very smart, some are just smart and many are barely hanging on Academically but here are some young men that are truely trying to better themselves. I know about all this because I came from a family of 6 with a father which was just a truck driver and as a child I didn't have much or my brothers or sisiters, so yes its hard for them to pass up money & cars and others things. I went to a Division I school in the Big 8 back in the 70's and I received a car, tickets, money and other things from Alumni and Boosters and evening apartments and food during the summers. Its very difficult to go to a major college and try to fit in "Socially and Financially" with in a major college. These players make these Universities Millions of Dollars and they Bodies pay the toll. If you haven't ever played major college football or that you came from a poor family then you need to just shut-up or try to fit in there shoes. I think that the players that cause all the problems should be the ones that I think your thinking of and talking about, remember these are just young men entering into Big Time Money and Society.