NBA defends age limit policy in letter

WASHINGTON -- The NBA defended its minimum age requirement to Congress, but a critical lawmaker was unmoved and is asking to meet with top league officials to discuss it, according to letters obtained Monday by The Associated Press.

The rule, which is part of the league's collective bargaining agreement with the players union, requires that players be at least 19 years old and a year out of high school before entering the league. Last month, Rep. Steve Cohen, D-Tenn., urged the league and union to scrap the requirement in the next collective bargaining agreement, calling it unfair.

NBA president Joel Litvin told Cohen in a recent letter the purpose of the requirement is to promote the league's business interests by "increasing the chances that incoming players will have the requisite ability, experience, maturity and life skills" to perform at a high level. The policy also helps teams make informed hiring decisions, he wrote.

In addition, he said, players get an extra year to mature and develop, making it more likely they can handle the challenges of being an NBA player.

Litvin said the policy is motivated by "business considerations," not a desire to force players to attend college against their wishes.

He wrote that many employers require job candidates to have post-high school experience, and that the U.S. Constitution sets minimum ages for House members, senators and the president. Given that, "we do not understand your objection" to the rule, Litvin wrote.

In a letter sent to Litvin Monday, Cohen maintained that players should have the "economic freedom" to make their own decisions. He said he understood that the policy may help the league in its scouting and hiring decisions.

"However, my concern is that the players who must abide by this rule are harmed by the league's pursuit of these business interests," the congressman wrote, adding that the "age discrimination" prevents players from supporting their families.

The policy increases the chance that such players will be injured before getting the chance to play in the NBA, he added.

"I am concerned that the careers of young men who possess all the skills necessary to succeed in the NBA," Cohen wrote, "may be sacrificed in favor of the bottom lines of the teams on which they hope to play."

sports.espn.go.com...

I'm really mad at congress right now. This is too much. Now I would agree that there is some age discrimination here... but isn't this a bit much? Government intervening in private businesses- that- is- the NBA? Should we kick them out? I'm tired of this nonsense. I don't agree with the age limit rule, but, should the government intervene?

[edit on 21-7-2009 by Frankidealist35]

I even read it twice. Still can't see the conspiracy or the need for a ATS thread. Perhaps BTS would be more suitable.

Perhaps the underylaying conspiracy is the gov't getting themselves involved in private business, in this case, hyocritically.
....government sanctioned requirments only?
uh-oh!!!
like, lions and tigers and bears uhoh.

reply to post by king9072


It has to do with government interfering with private business- that is the NBA. Is this the proper role of government? Should the government be telling private business what they can or cannot do?

I don't think there is any question at all. They should absolutley NOT be involved in making decisions for private businesses.

This one is a little over the top in my opinion. The basis for recommending the limit is ridiculous. [sarcasm] Every 19 year old I have ever met has been WAY more mature than the 18 year olds I've met. [/sarcasm]

We know they shouldn't be doing it, but they HAVE and they DO. GM, AIG, now the NBA?? Geez. I'm gonna stop by in the morning and get some Federal Donuts. When will it end?

I guess when somebody stands up to, gets offed, then someone else, then someone else...well...maybe it won't end.

Good post man...I read the headline and thought, 'what do I care about the NBA?'...dagnabbit. You and your informational stuff.