LeBron James and many others are blasting a recent memo sent by the NCAA that pertains to agents wanting to represent college students eligible for the NBA draft.
According to ESPN, agents will now have to hold a bachelor’s degree, be certified with the NBA Players’ Association for a minimum of three straight years.
They’ll also need to pass a background check, and once they do that agents will have to take an in-person exam at the NCAA’s office in Indianapolis, Indiana on November 6. They’ll have to have liability insurance as well.
James is just one of the players who spoke out against the new guidelines, which has since been called the “Rich Paul Rule” by a lot of people.
The Los Angeles Laker is represented by agent Rich Paul, who never went to college, and he also represents Draymond Green, Anthony Davis, Tristan Thompson, as well as Ben Simmons. But based on the new rules, he wouldn’t be able to pursue new talent coming out of college unless he obtains a degree.
Paul, who’s a long time friend of James, also owns Klutch Sports Group, an agency based in Cleveland, Ohio that made the Forbes list of the world’s most valuable sports agencies last year.
“Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop! They BIG MAD and scared,” tweeted James on Tuesday. “Nothing will stop this movement and culture over here. Sorry! Not sorry.”
Chris Paul, who was newly acquired by the Oklahoma City Thunder, also slammed the NCAA’s new rules.
“I COMPLETELY disagree with the NCAA’s decision,” he tweeted on Tuesday. “Some life experiences are as valuable, if not more, than diplomas. … Y’all need to rethink this process. This is crazy!”
Evan Turner of the Atlanta Hawks also weighed in and tweeted “The Rich Paul rule tho.”
Plus, the Oklahoma City Thunder’s Darius Bazley, who bypassed college for the 2019 NBA draft, sent a message too.
“My agent better than yours #RichPaul,” he wrote.
Even actor and comedian Kevin Hart gave his opinion on the NCAA’s decision, and he sent Rich Paul some positive words.
“The world is so afraid of ground breakers….This is beyond sad & major B.S,” tweeted Hart on Tuesday. “Keep shining @RichPaul4 ….This only makes you stronger….what you have built is unbelievable champ…. #TheRichPaulRule ….Shame on you NCAA.”
Rich Paul hasn’t responded to the new guidelines yet or the support he’s received. Klutch Sports Group hasn’t issued a message or statement either.
