In these difficult economic times, many states simply do not have the resources to investigate and prosecute athlete-agents who run afoul of state legislation.  In past years, Texas and Missouri, among others, have been aggressive in levying fines and even arresting nefarious athlete-agents. Alabama is now joining the ranks of the aggressive.  Last week, Raymond Savage Jr. was arrested for violating Alabama Athlete-Agent Laws five (5) years ago in relation to his recruitment of a University of Alabama football student-athlete.

Under Alabama law, an athlete-agent may be subjected to criminal penalties ranging from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class C felony for failing to comply with Alabama Athlete-Agent Laws.  In this case, Savage agreed to plead to a misdemeanor with a $2,000.00 fine, as well as agreeing to no longer travel to Alabama to recruit a student-athlete.  Like Alabama, many other states are stepping up their game to restrict athlete-agents from violating state law.  In recent months, North Carolina has held hearings relating to the parties attended over the summer in Florida by University of North Carolina student-athletes.  For many years, these laws were not followed or enforced, which appears to be changing.

For any questions, feel free to contact Christian Dennie at cdennie@bgsfirm.com.