Don James Tries to Lay Down Law on Agents Who Cheat

Upset because former Washington defensive line star Reggie Rogers signed early with Norby Walters, Husky Coach Don James wants to see something done about unscrupulous sports agents.

“It really bothers me,” James said. “I really can’t believe that anybody who would come in and offer these kids money would be a good representative for them. Do I want to turn over a million dollars to a guy who cheated? How could I ever trust him?”

The winningest coach in Washington’s football history says he’s working with state Sen. George Fleming, D-Seattle, in drafting legislation to introduce at the 1988 Legislature in Olympia. Fleming is a former Washington player who played for the Oakland Raiders in 1961.

The Fleming bill would make it illegal for a sports agent to give an undergraduate money in this state, James said. The measure also would require the licensing of all agents in the state.

To James’ knowledge, Rogers is the only Washington player signed early in his 12-year tenure in Seattle. He points out he’s had 66 Washington players drafted by NFL teams, including 54 during the last nine years.

Rogers, first-round draft pick of the Detroit Lions in April, has filed a lawsuit against Walters for misrepresentation and has hired a new agent.

“Reggie came in and explained the circumstances surrounding it and how it all came about,” James said. “He said he got trapped into it. He was disappointed in himself.

“He wanted out of the deal very quickly, the way he explained it to me, after he accepted the money.”

One early signing is enough for James. He notes Ohio State won’t have prize receiver Cris Carter for his senior year this fall because the Buckeyes found out he signed early with Walters.

“As long as we don’t know about it, we’re off the hook,” he said. “But how would you like to be coaching Cris Carter or a couple of those kids at Pittsburgh or Alabama.

“That’s when it would really hurt, that’s when it really takes away from your team. If I find out two of our best players have signed with agents, I’m obligated to rip up the team. But I’d do it. I’d have to.”

He makes it clear he is not absolving Rogers of some of the blame.

“A lot of the responsibility goes to the player, too,” James said. “I don’t care how dire your situation is. Everybody’s got problems. That’s still no excuse to accept the money knowing it’s illegal.”

A member of the board of trustees of the American Football Coaches Assn., James believes the Fleming bill and others like it in other states will stamp out illegal payments from agents to players.

“I think if we can get enough states, it will chase them out of it,” he said. “I think it would snowball.”

James says the Huskies offer counseling to their athletes about selecting the proper agents. He also tells his players he has an excellent book in his office on the subject written by former NFL Players Assn. head Ed Garvey. Unfortunately, not many of them take the time to read the book.

“There are a lot of good agents, qualified attorneys and accountants,” he said.

The 1987 Huskies will be led by senior quarterback Chris Chandler, who is being promoted by James as a Heisman Trophy candidate. Chandler is a prime target of agents, his coach says.

“I’ve asked the players to come to me and let me know if an agent tries to sign them early,” he said.

Without mentioning names, James has withdrawn his welcome mat for some agents.

“A couple of them know I’m mad at them and I don’t ever want to see them around here,” he said.