Players who received improper benefits from agents while in college could face penalties during their rookie season in the NFL.

The NCAA noted the possibility of this in a news release Monday announcing discussions on a panel including professional and college football leaders, player agents, state law enforcement officials and NCAA executives.

Players who lose college eligibility could face fines upon entering the NFL draft. ESPN's Joe Schad reported that the possibility of a suspension during a player's rookie season in the NFL, is also being discussed. Suspensions could be as long as 6-8 games.

Current Cowboys WR Dez Bryant would have been subject to penalties under this proposal. Bryant lost most of his senior season at Oklahoma State after not fully disclosing his interaction with former NFL player Deion Sanders.

NFL team presidents Bill Polian of the Colts and Rich McKay of the Falcons are among members of the panel that is expected to meet again next month.

The way we see it

Recent events have brought this issue to the forefront, including the suspensions handed down to prominent North Carolina Tar Heels' players for receiving improper benefits and an SI tell-all story by a former agent that implicated several current and former NFL players. Something clearly needs to be done and this is certainly a step in the right direction.