Sports Law Expert Is Retained by Foster

On the day UCLA filed its long-awaited report to the NCAA regarding the suspension of DeShaun Foster, the tailback retained sports law expert Robert C. Berry to advise him on the appeals process and ramifications on his impending NFL career.

Berry could recommend legal action if the NCAA determines that Foster’s “extra benefits” violation merits suspension for the rest of the season. However, an appeal of the penalty would be made by UCLA, not Foster.

The NCAA is expected to respond to UCLA’s report in a matter of days, although Foster is not expected to regain his eligibility in time to play Saturday against USC.

“There is little that can be done until we hear from the [NCAA],” Berry said.

The Harvard-educated attorney has been a professor at Boston College since teaching the nation’s first sports law course in 1972. His resume is extensive, from consulting for sports management companies and the Boston Red Sox to representing receiver Cris Carter in an extra benefits case to working as a sports agent two decades ago.

Berry has done pro bono work for athletes in the past but would not discuss his arrangement with Foster.

“My role could be characterized as trying to protect the interests of the Foster family and help see that [DeShaun] is reinstated,” Berry said.

Foster was declared ineligible Nov. 7 after admitting he drove a 2002 Ford Expedition that belonged to Hollywood actor-director Eric Laneuville. The NCAA was tipped off by e-mails sent by a female friend of a salesman at Buerge Ford in West Los Angeles who leased Laneuville the vehicle.

UCLA had to submit a report outlining the facts of the case and requesting that Foster be reinstated. Athletic Director Pete Dalis tried to complete the report by last Friday, but was delayed by additional e-mail tips and requests by the NCAA.

Berry has experience dealing with the NCAA. He represented Carter in 1987 when the Ohio State receiver allegedly accepted a $5,000 interest-free loan and payments totaling nearly $1,800 from agents Norby Walters and Lloyd Bloom. Carter admitted a violation and agreed to perform community service to avoid criminal charges.

Foster, who leads the Pacific-10 Conference in rushing and touchdowns, is expected to be a high first-round NFL draft pick. He did not play for No. 20 UCLA in a 21-20 loss to Oregon on Saturday.

Coach Bob Toledo is not allowing Foster to practice or attend team meetings until he is ruled eligible by the NCAA.

After Saturday, UCLA (6-3, 3-3 in conference play) has one regular-season game remaining against Arizona State on Dec. 1 at the Rose Bowl. The Bruins likely will also play in a bowl game.