NFLPA suspends agent Gary Wichard
The National Football League Players Association has suspended NFL agent Gary Wichard for 9 months. The Committee on Agent Regulation and Discipline suspended Wichard for his role in the University of North Carolina recruiting scandal. An NFLPA investigation
had confirmed that Wichard had unofficial contact with defensive tackle Marvin Austin.
The National College Athletics Association and the University of North Carolina aided the NFLPA in its investigation. The University of North Carolina handed over documentation pertinent to the investigation and the NCAA was in contact with the NFLPA Friday
to discuss the facts of the case.
NFL regulations prohibit contact between agents and college players until they become eligible for the draft. Austin was approached before he was eligible. Austin was suspended by the University of North Carolina team after he was found to be in violation
of agent benefit, preferential treatment and ethical conduct rules. In the fallout the NCAA also declared Greg Little and Robert Quinn to be permanently ineligible.
Wichard’s firm represents some big names in the NFL including Antonio Cromartie, Dwight Freeney, Elvis Dumervil, Jimmy Clausen and Terrell Suggs. According to the Players Association Wichard accepted the 9 months suspension and waived his right to appeal
the decision. His suspension takes immediate effect.
The NCAA has been investigating the relationship between former Tar Heels coach, John Blake and Wichard. Blake had resigned in September. The NCAA suspected that Wichard was making payments to Blake in exchange for Blake steering players towards Wichard
in the NFL. Both their lawyers insisted that the Wichard loaned money to Blake but that was no agreement between the two men regarding players who moved up to the NFL.
The League also revoked the certification of NFLPA contract adviser Teague Egan. He was suspended for ‘violating numerous provisions of the NFLPA’s Agent Regulations.’ Egan provided an improper benefit to University of Southern California player, Dillon
Baxter by offering a ride in his golf cart. The University of Southern California had warned Egan that doing so would be an improper benefit under the NCAA rules. Egan could still appeal the decision.
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