Mizzou Baseball

■ Agents taking heavy hits (Columbia Tribune)

For years Missouri has taken a proactive approach in dealing with agents and preparing athletes for professional careers, led by the school’s compliance department and longtime director, Mary Ann Austin. Ten years ago, Austin helped establish the school’s Professional Sports Counseling Panel made up of several MU School of Law professors who advise athletes on managing pro careers. In years past, the panel has brought in independent consultants and former MU athletes to share their experiences with agents and contracts, including basketball’s Jon Sundvold, football’s Jerome Sally and baseball’s Phil Bradley.

“It gives students the chance to talk to somebody who isn’t paid to give them advice,” said Bob Bailey, assistant dean of the law school and the panel’s chairman.