The NFLPA is going to increase its discipline on agents following the DeSean Jackson saga. (Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports)
The NFL Players Association sent out a memo to its union members on Monday saying it will increase discipline for agents who violate its rules.
The memo was sent out after reports surfaced that Washington Redskins wide receiver DeSean Jackson claimed his former agent, Drew Rosenhaus, bribed him.
The NFLPA stated that “effective immediately, the severity of discipline imposed … shall be increased,” according to the memo, which was obtained by CBSSports.com.
According to the memo, violations that previously merited a six-month suspension “going forward will be doubled to a one-year suspension” and “fines will be doubled as well.” It also stated that “repeat offenders will also be more severely disciplined.”
The union is imposing a three-strikes policy that would ban offending agents.
The union placed an emphasis on requiring agents to file “other agreements” they might have with their clients. They include “relevant documents relating to loans, lines of credit, or pre-combine or pre-draft services or benefits being provided to rookie clients,” according to the memo. Agents must file “other agreements” to the union within 21 days of the memo or face discipline.
“This policy is imposed in response to recent comments made by (a) number of (agents) to the staff and our player leadership regarding the use of ‘other agreements’ in recruiting players as clients,” the memo stated.
The union also made a change to its legal advice requirements. Agents must “first direct the player to consult with an NFLPA attorney about his case” before sending their client to “outside counsel” for issues including “injury grievances, non-injury grievances and drug policy appeals,” according to the memo.
Jackson is appealing an arbitrator’s decision that he must repay Rosenhaus for most of the money that Rosenhaus claims he loaned Jackson.
