Mississippi Senate Bill SB2880

Mississippi 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/17/22
• Refer: 1/17/22
• Failed: 2/1/22

Caption

Mississippi Athlete Agent Act; revise.

Impact

The revised law imposes additional obligations on athlete agents, including clearer guidelines about the registration process and grounds for denial or revocation of their licenses. The new regulations also recognize and affirm the authority of educational institutions to enforce their own rules and policies regarding interactions with agents. This ensures that institutions retain a degree of control over the recruitment and management of student-athletes, potentially impacting the dynamics of agent behavior and athlete support within educational settings.

Summary

Senate Bill 2880, known as the Mississippi Athlete Agent Act, revises several provisions of existing law concerning the regulation of athlete agents and their interactions with student-athletes. The bill aims to clarify the definitions of roles and responsibilities under the law, enhance the registration process for athlete agents, and establish stricter penalties for noncompliance. Specifically, it outlines requirements for agency contracts, including mandatory disclosures and rights concerning contract cancellation for student-athletes, particularly minors.

Contention

Debate surrounding SB2880 includes concerns from various stakeholders about the balance of power between athlete agents and educational institutions. Some argue that the increased regulation may limit the autonomy of student-athletes in choosing representation. Others stress the importance of safeguarding student-athletes from exploitative practices often seen in the industry, aiming for a more equitable environment that ensures athletes receive fair treatment and protection of their rights.