How to Fix the Tampering Problem

Maske interrupts his vacation:

THE BEACH, March 27 -- The competition committee's recommendation on the tampering issue is a common sense solution to a widespread problem.

Under the proposal, there would be a five- to seven-day window before the opening of free agency annually in which agents for prospective free agents could negotiate with other teams. Contracts couldn't be signed, and the players could not make any free agent visits. Players, as now, could re-sign with their old teams.

Currently, no contact between players--or their agents--and new teams is permitted during that period. But that prohibition is widely ignored.

Players and teams still could violate the new rule by negotiating even earlier. But there would be little to be gained, for no official and binding deals could be made.

The proposal would have to be approved by at least 24 of the 32 teams. Commissioner Roger Goodell asked the competition committee to study the tampering issue as part of his proposed crackdown on cheating.

By Cindy Boren |  March 27, 2008; 12:36 PM ET  | Category:  Commissioner
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