Inside TCU’s appeal of Damion Baugh’s looming suspension over uncertified agent
TCU senior guard Damion Baugh is still waiting for word on his status for the upcoming season.
Baugh and the Horned Frogs are in the midst of a lengthy appeal process to an undetermined suspension for Baugh due to him signing with a uncertified agent after the 2021-22 season.
A source with knowledge of the situation told the Star-Telegram that the agent was certified with the NBA, but not with the NCAA, which caused confusion at the time. Baugh came forward to the university after making the decision to return, and TCU self-reported to the NCAA.
In response to the April 2018 report from the Commission on College Basketball, the NCAA adopted legislation to allow men’s basketball athletes to receive meaningful assessment of their professional prospects earlier in the draft process and started the NCAA agent certification program.
Baugh signed with the agent for a “matter of a few days” and received no benefits and did not participate in any workouts for the 2022 NBA draft, according to a source.
It was described as an emotional time for the standout guard as he weighed his best options to help his family when he returned to Memphis after the season.
Baugh’s mother Samantha has been outspoken about the appeal process and said Baugh was in a difficult place and was trying to figure out the best way to help her and his daughter.
Precedent could also work in the favor of TCU and Baugh.
One similar case involved Arizona guard Courtney Ramey, who played at Texas last year. Ramey played in three games at the Portsmouth Invitational, which is not certified by the NCAA. The event was previously for seniors who exhausted their college eligibility, but the extra year of eligibility due to COVID created a gray area for Ramey to participate.
Ramey will miss the Wildcats’ first three games. There’s belief that Baugh should receive a similar penalty, or maybe less, considering he received no benefits, while Ramey’s situation involved him receiving exposure during the draft process.
Baugh averaged 10.6 points, 4.5 rebounds and 4.5 assists last season as a starter for the Horned Frogs, who reached the second round of the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 35 years.
Baugh’s return is one of the many reasons why TCU will begin the season ranked No. 14. The Memphis transfer was allowed to play in the Horned Frogs’ exhibition win over Paul Quinn and finished with 12 points and seven assists.
