A potential cap on rookie salaries in 1991 may create a mass exodus of underclassmen from the college ranks into the NFL draft in April, forcing the NFL to seek to protect its rule that excludes underclassmen from the draft.
Scouts, sports attorneys and high-ranking league officials estimate between 25 and 40 underclassmen could try to make the jump. The number could include quarterbacks Major Harris (West Virginia), Jeff George (Illinois) and Scott Mitchelm (Utah); linebackers Keith McCants (Alabama) and Junior Seau (USC); and running back Emmitt Smith (Florida).
An NFL rule states that to be eligible for the draft, five years must have elapsed since the player's class first entered school; or he must have used all his collegiate football eligibility; or he must have graduated or must plan to graduate by the start of the 1990 season. Through the years, there have been limited exemptions.
But this year, agents are applying pressure to the underclassmen, saying salaries comparable to the 1988 and 1989 seasons will be available in 1990, but there is a strong possibility of a wage scale being implemented in 1991.
"If that wasn't a risk these kids face, you wouldn't see so many thinking about the draft," said Marvin Demoff, a Los Angeles attorney who represents pro quarterbacks John Elway, Jim Everett and Dan Marino.
"It reminds me of the (NBA) years ago, when agents were tricking a lot of players into thinking they were good enough to play in that league," said Tony Agnone, a Baltimore-based attorney.
"The disturbing aspect of it all is that a lot of these players aren't ready to make that transition. There are about 10 to 14 who will make it, but you don't hear about the ones who don't. They are the ones who lose a year of eligibility and a chance at obtaining a degree."
Nearly a month ago, NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue said he would go to court if a high number of underclassmen enter the draft.
Tagliabue sent a letter to NFL teams last week, emphasizing that the league has not changed or abandoned its established eligibility rules. He also sent a copy to BLESTO and National, two scouting combines.
Joe Browne, NFL director of communications, said Tagliabue would regard "very seriously" any charge made by a college coach or athletic director that NFL personnel were trying to entice or encourage underclassmen into leaving.
Traditionally, pro football was one of the few sports successful at stopping athletes from leaving college early.
