SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Starting Jan. 1, sports agents in Illinois will have to be licensed by the state and could face fines or prosecution if they break the state's new law.
But if Illinois follows the lead of many other states with similar laws, it may never be enforced.
A recent Associated Press review finds that more than half of the 42 states with sports agent laws have never invoked any penalties at all.
In many states, officials say they don't have the resources to actively monitor agent contact with student athletes.
Illinois' law is modeled on a law used in 39 states.
Agents are under increasing scrutiny, and schools such as Florida, Alabama and North Carolina are under investigation over agent contact with players.
Copyright 2010 The Associated Press.
But if Illinois follows the lead of many other states with similar laws, it may never be enforced.
A recent Associated Press review finds that more than half of the 42 states with sports agent laws have never invoked any penalties at all.
In many states, officials say they don't have the resources to actively monitor agent contact with student athletes.
Illinois' law is modeled on a law used in 39 states.
Agents are under increasing scrutiny, and schools such as Florida, Alabama and North Carolina are under investigation over agent contact with players.
Copyright 2010 The Associated Press.
