Thursday, March 10, 2005
Bill that would fine athletes who charge for autographs is considered
PROVIDENCE, R.I. Professional athletes who try to pad their million-dollar paychecks with paid autograph signings won't be welcome in Rhode Island under legislation being considered today.
Senator Roger Badeau says he's fed up with athletes charging upwards of 100 dollars for an autograph at large-scale autograph signing events.
Badeau's bill would ban professional athletes, entertainers or promoters from charging a fee for an autograph to a child under age 16. They would be fined 100 dollars for each violation.
The Democrat says he got the idea after seeing Red Sox players getting paid for autographs at an event in Providence after their World Series victory.
The Senate Committee on Judiciary plans to consider the bill this afternoon.
