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Arizona Freshmen Verbally Commits to Arizona Wildcats – Nothing Good Can Come From This

December 8, 2012 in Codes, Ethics, NCAA Regulations, Rules, Saving The Game by Football NW

This is not the first time this has happened.  Not by a Long shot.  It was only 3 or 4 years ago that an 8th grader was offered by a major university.  But in Arizona today Shea Patterson is making all the news for verbally accepting an offer that Arizona Coach Rich Rodriguez and his staff extended to him.

This seems wonderful to casual observer.  But we are talking about a 14 or 15 year old kid here.  And no matter how “Mature” he is or how great his 6th and 8th grade Highlights are come on.  He is a kid.

Now he has 4 years to get over-hyped, confused, to disappoint fan because he is “really not that good”,  and to turn his life and his family and Teams life at Hidalgo High School into a circus.

And it is not his fault.  Maybe he will be fine.  Maybe not.  But tell me.  What Good comes from the fact a young kid like his can verbally commit like this and make National News?  This is one of the worst things we have seen over the years is the Verbal Offer and Verbal Commit.

The system is broken and needs to be fixed.  Colleges should not be allowed to make these offers thus protecting these younger kids.

What if he gets hurt.  What if he is in the end just really not that good?  Then what happens to him.

This is wrong.  It is BS and anyone with a decent head on their shoulders sees that.  You all know this to be true.

Disagree?  Bring your arguments on.  But this is not something to be celebrated.  Period.

Read The Full Story here and get in on the Fun!

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7 On 7 Provides Street Agents With Fertile Ground

October 2, 2012 in 7 On 7 Football, Codes, Ethics, NORTHWEST Football Alliance, Recruiting Services, Saving The Game by Football NW

This is an update on an earlier story we covered.  Coach Chris Merritt of Columbus High School in Florida is standing up for his kids and taking a stand against private 7 on 7 groups.  The reason is that he already knows this is where Street Agents get to his kids and influence their decisions, make false promises, and gain their power over College Programs and High School students alike.

The ultimate pimp job is often perpetrated here in this ripe environment.  And Coach Merritt has tried to stem the tide at his school.

You can read more about Chris Merritt right here and why he is being quoted and talked about in the Media.  ESPN covered he and his team last season and his approach is a very good one we feel.  He prefers his kids put their team over themselves if they plan to start for Columbus High.  Nothing wrong with that approach and most High School Coaches agree.

Kids talented enough are going to find a way to get to college without going to the extent of leaving behind their teams.  Real talent in this day and age is rarely if ever missed.

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/otl/news/story?id=6600377   Full story form 2011 here.

Watch The attached Video and see the article at the bottom which we have linked for you here.

 
Read More Right Here: http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/otl/news/story?id=6600377

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Even If The NCAA Bans Schools Using Recruiting Services The Problem Persists

September 10, 2012 in Ethics, Recruiting Services, Rules by Football NW

The "Street Agent" often appears as a good guy or friend but usually behind closed doors is negotiating fees and trying to manipulate the outcome of a Prospective Student Athletes decision in regards to college choice. This practice of offering fees to these people needs to be banned 100% by the NCAA and State High School Associations or at least heavily monitored just like any other form of Agency!

OK so there is a lot of ” scuttle butt” that the NCAA may or may not be in a position to fine or impose much in the way of penalties on the Oregon Ducks.   The heart of that argument is that the NCAA allows colleges to pay for recruiting services.  They are supposed to be paying for legitimate services and  not for illegitimate services.

Will Lyles was not paid for anything legitimate.  That much is clear.  And he surely peddles influence and helped get outcomes that were favorable for the Ducks.  So we know the Ducks are not getting off scott-free.  But this is a far cry from what USC did where they paid money directly to Reggie Bush’s family in exchange for his attendance at the University.

Universities and schools we have spoken too are very wary of these sort of folks all together now a days.  And in the period where there is a lack of interest in the schools paying for the Street Agent types a new business model is arising.

Instead of being paid by the schools most recruiting services are being paid handsomely by the parents now.  In exchange for the promise that the recruiting service will wield their power to get the kid an offer the parents pay.

Now the issues change a bit.  Where there is room for abuse is when the Recruiting Service is given special access and favorable treatment by the University or College in exchange for getting the kids onto the campus.

By empowering these Power Brokers with privileged use of the facilities or all access passes to the campus and football facilities they raise the stock of such a person.  The cycle of influence is in tact and maybe even more so as the parents are now paying and in many ways that makes it worse.

Kids need to be able to get help and recruiting advice.  Finding a way that they can get good help is an important and worthy goal.  This is why we believe the only way to do this right is to require a licensing component in each State run by the State in which any person seeking to act as an agent be held to the same standards as any other form of agency at the State level.  Examples would be Law, Accounting, Insurance, banking, Real Estate, and Investments.

We believe that any person or company wishing to charge a fee to anyone for providing representation and or agency on the matters of Collegiate placement and athletics should be strictly bound by a licensing group.

In Oregon boxing promoters are licensed and that sort of thing is monitored.  Requirements for Sports Agents can be handled in a similar manner and should include:

  • Criminal Background Checks and Clearance Once a Year
  • Educational Requirements including significant clock hours and a Test of NCAA / NAIA Rules prior to being issued a license.
  • A Fiduciary Account and proper records maintained on all clients with accounting and billings required for services rendered.
  • A log of contact made and communications transmitted should be kept for all clients.
  • A Performance Bond and Errors and Omissions Insurance should be required to insure all clients are protected from Fraud, Theft, and Rules Violations.
  • Full disclosure of all Pricing and Fee Schedules for the recruiting business should be clearly listed on all websites and publications along with a complete list of all services provided for the fee charged.
  • A complete Bio and Resume Notarized and signed by the agent to allow fact checking of all Statements made.

If we had these rules in place and SEVERE PENALTIES for any person conducting business out side of these requirements and for any school or university hiring a service or agent not licensed in the State we would be in great shape.

This sort of service is needed; if done right.  If someone can do provide these things there is little chance of undue influence or illegal or illegitimate  events happening.  The cost would be too great and the risk too high.

Can you see any reason these things are not reasonable?  After all we are talking about someone representing a minor here and also helping them make one of the biggest decisions of their life.    And the costs of defending the Ducks against these claims of wrongdoing in the Will Lyles case is going to run into the hundreds of thousands most likely.  And that is such an incredible waste!

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Former Gesser Camp Matches Values And Opportunity For Winning Combo!~

June 6, 2012 in Camps-Clinics, Ethics by Football NW

Big News for the Football players of the Pacific Northwest.  The Northwest Elite Football Camp is going to be big this Friday.  And when we say big we mean BIG!

We have covered this Camp for several years now.  It has been in our view the best of it’s type as they make sure the kids in the NW get their shot at the right type of exposure.  That means College Coaches and an opportunity to shine.

The NW ELITE FOOTBALL CAMP (AKA Gesser Camp) has the NW Prep Football world abuzz tonight as the social media and text-ways are alive with chatter.

Camp Owners Cole  Morgan and Eddie Behringer have proven they can pick up not only where Jason Gesser left off; but can take things to a whole new  level.  And tonight with news that 17 Colleges are 100% committed and the camp has maxed out at 600 registrants it is official.

This Camp is headed for something big!  In fact in terms of sheer numbers this is the biggest of the big.  Most Colleges and most kids ever.

That of course will not make a lick of difference if the kids that show up do not work hard.  But we are not at all worried about that.  The Coaches are planning an action packed 3 hours of skills and drills in which kids form 9th to 12th grade will get their chance to learn from the best coaches in the game.  For example Steve Sarkisian and the entire UW Coaching Staff is slated to appear.  Same goes for the Portland State Vikings led by Coach Nigel Burton who was a finalist for the Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year Award issued by the NCAA after he led the Vikings to an 8-4 turn around season.

Also featured at the Camp will be be WSU and their staff of Coaches under new Head Coach Mike Leach, several key members of the Boise State staff, Arizona State University Coaches,  The Idaho Vandals including Head Coach Robb Akey and new Coach and Camp Founder Jason Gesser, and the Wyoming Cowboys And Nevada too.  Colorado State will be making it up as well.

Montana and Montana State will be in the house as will camp regulars Eastern Washington and their Eagles Coaches.

Rounding out the Camp will be Princeton staff out of the Ivy League, D-2 Power House Central Washington University,  Pacific University, Simon Frasier University, UPS, PLU, Willamette University, and  South Dakota School Of Mines.

KEYS TO SUCCESS:  ALL AND ALL 17 Colleges are 100% Confirmed so far and upwards of 80 Coaches Will Be In Camp.  That is a rare thing indeed!

“The calls are still coming in but we reached out to Coaches every where and said ‘Come Coach Our NW Kids’ you know and they are responding,” said Morgan the former WSU / CWU QB.  ”Jason Gesser built this camp to be one of the best if not the best event and we are not resting until we have taken it to the next level.  At last Count we had 70-80 Coaches and that means like a 1-9 Ratio which means kids get Coached and learn alot.”

Now the stage is set.  The Coaches are pouring in.  So are the Media types like us.  In fact Morgan has been fielding requests from all over the Region from Press and Analyst types wanting access to the event.

“We are all so excited.  The NCAA has tough rules as to when Coaches and kids can meet.  This is one day and one place and time where student athletes and the Coaches who can change their future will have a chance to just enjoy that Coach – Player relationship.  You add in the National media  like Rivals and Scout as well as the regional and local guys and the stories will get told.  Kids are going to benefit.  That is the key and what has driven us all along,” Morgan added speaking for himself and his lifelong friend and partner Eddie Behringer.

Our Staff has covered the Region longer then just about anyone and certainly we have in terms of the entire NW.  So we feel confident when we say that this is unprecedented.  Now this camp was open to anyone grades 9-12 and was not an invite event.

That and the amazing $75 price tag which is an EXTREME VALUE and this was a no brainer.

KEYS TO SUCCESS:  College Coaches are coming to Coach these kids.  Camp is Open To All Kids and the Camp costs $75.  That is the Winning Value Proposition.

Because the camp is all about the kids we are going to SCRATCH…. I Repeat… SCRATCH the surface of some of the amazing talent hitting this event Friday; many of whom have offers already and even more who are on the verge and are looking at their shot right here to tip the scales in their favor.

HERE ARE JUST A FEW OF THE TOP NAMES WE HAVE PULLED FROM THE LONG LIST OF REGISTRANTS THAT SHOWS THE TYPE OF GUYS WHO ARE COMING OUT~  THIS IS NOT IN ORDER:  JUST A SNEAK PEAK!!!

Tips For Success At the NW ELITE FOOTBALL CAMP

  • Bring what you need.  It might rain.  No Helmets and No Pads
  • Bring your best effort and a winning attitude
  • Hydrate Yourself and don’t come with an empty tank
  • Introduce yourself to the Coaches and other athletes.
  • Make sure you get your HEAD SHOT TAKEN by Rivals, and The Camp Staff and Others there.  This gets used in recruiting a whole lot.
  • Listen, Learn, and Have fun! 
  • Show Up & Show Out!  These Coaches are there to teach and see what you can do!

Come to camp.  Find our informational tent and speak to our analysts led by Rivals.com NW Regional High School Editor and long time football supporter Dirk Knudsen.  He will have a team of 5 staff analysts including some NFL Veterans there helping track the athletes in attendance.  You will have a chance to submit your information and get on our mailing lists.  We will also be conducting a lot of interviews to be featured in a Rivals.com Regional and National analysis and a series of follow up stories.

For Camp info and Questions go to http://www.NWEliteSports.com.

You may reach us anytime at 503-799-8383 or at OregonPreps.com and WashingtonPreps.com; both Rivals.com sites!

THE CAMP DIRECTORS WANTED TO INFORM US THAT THIS CAMP WAS MADE POSSIBLE WITH THE GENEROUS SUPPORT OF:


TAGS 
About the Author

Dirk is a lifelong resident of the Pacific NW; athlete and Merit scholar. He runs camps, clinics, and has been a sports writer and analyst for nearly a decade now; mostly with Rivals.com as the editor of OregonPreps and WashingtonPreps.com. Dirk is the founder of NWPR & BrainChampions.org; a charity for injured athletes suffering from Brain Trauma / Concussion. He is a father of three and married.

 

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7 On 7: Third Parties Ruining A Good Thing?

April 20, 2012 in 7 On 7 Football, Ethics by Football NW

 

We have said it before.  7 on 7 is growing at leaps and bounds.   High School kids and coaches are trying to

balance the definite benefits of the 7 on 7 workouts with the risks.  Those risks include health risks and equally important risks of being exposed to the wrong sort of people.

In the private sector 7 on 7 means big money.   And many of these providers promise the world and i
and really bad things can happen.nstant success and collegiate offers.  In this environment the gloves are off

Here is one story from a news crew back East
who are paying attention.  A piece worth noting.

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“Illegal-Procedure” Offers A Reality Check About What Is Happening

April 12, 2012 in Codes, Ethics, Recruiting Services, Rules by Football NW

This is the sort of thing we need.  Truth.  Frankness.  An Insider Look at what is really happening to College F

ootball.  From High School to Collegiate and NFL recruiting Author Josh Luchs lays out all the dirt and reality as he lived it.  The former Sports Agent really has the pulse of this labyrinth of darkness as it exists today.

 In the book “Illegal Procedure” Josh talks about the dirty business of college football. Luchs talks about how sports agents make their biggest financial gain. Luchs touches on the subject of “poaching” clients and how that benefits the agents wallet. Josh reveals while he was an agent how he obtained the Wonderlic tests and how he prepared his college football draft prospects for the tests. Luchs was the sports agent for Ryan Leaf and comments on the recent criminal problems of Ryan Leaf. 

You can listen to a great live interview right
here as Josh Luchs and John Canzano take on the grim details.  This is an interview you should not miss and a book that we will no doubt all want to read.

Interview Is Right Here!

 

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The Street Agent Defined: Biggest Threat To High School Football There Is

March 6, 2012 in Ethics, Recruiting Services by Football NW

The "Street Agent" often appears as a good guy or friend but usually behind closed doors is negotiating fees and trying to manipulate the outcome of a Prospective Student Athletes decision in regards to college choice. This practice of offering fees to these people needs to be banned 100% by the NCAA and State High School Associations.

 

One of the biggest challenges going on in college recruiting is the emergence of what are called Street Agents.   Often times this person is a private coach, trainer,  or a so called longtime friend of the family.  That person takes on an advisory/father figure type role in helping to decide where the Prospective Student Athlete (PSA) is going to go to college.  They often end up lining their pockets with fees and money paid by the Colleges, the Family, or Both.   Some call these guys “Chicken-Hawks” or “Scum of the Earth” but they are commonly known as “Street Agents”.

Here is a portion of the story printed here:  http://content.usatoday.com/communities/campusrivalry/post/2011/07/oregon-will-lyles-ncaa-investigation-yahoo-sports/1  about Street Agent Will Lyles.

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Will Lyles, who is at the center of the NCAA investigation of Oregon’s football program, said in an interview to Yahoo! Sports that he was paid by the school for more than scouting reports.

 Oregon has admitted paying Lyles $25,000 in connection with his company Complete Scouting Services.

Documents released by the school last month show it received outdated recruiting information from Lyles, who said Oregon coach Chip Kelly said “scrambled” in late February and asked Lyles to submit retroactive player profiles to justify payment.

“They said they just needed anything,” Lyles told Yahoo! Sports. “They asked for last-minute [stuff]. So I gave them last-minute [stuff] … I gave them, like, old stuff that I still had on my computer because I never thought that stuff would see the light of day.”

Lyles said he spoke to the NCAA for six hours in May.

“I look back at it now and they paid for what they saw as my access and influence with recruits,” Lyles told Yahoo! Sports. “The service I provided went beyond what a scouting service should … I made a mistake and I’m big enough of a man to admit I was wrong.”

About a month before Oregon’s payment to Lyles, running back Lache Seastrunk signed with the Ducks. Lyles has been described as having a mentoring relationship with Seastrunk. Lyles also attended an awards banquet last December as a guest of Oregon running back and Heisman Trophy candidate LaMichael James.

Lyles spoke in detail to Yahoo! Sports about working with Oregon to have Seastrunk’s grandmother sign his letter of intent because his mother did not want him to attend school there.

Lyles also said he advised James to transfer to an Arkansas high school as a senior so that he would avoid taking a standardized test required to graduate in Texas.

 

(Much more at the link above)

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Football Northwest is going to find these people and list them for our members.

While we are 100% opposed to these people in general there are some Recruiting Services that do not offer a “cash for offers” approach and who charge such a low fee that almost anyone could afford them.

In any case we will seek to get all of them to sign standard ethical agreements and commit to publishing their rates as well as filing an annual Agency business license in the State of Oregon and or Washington.  Someone has to provide oversight.  And it has to start very very soon.

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