Is the NBA’s Age Limit Illegal?

Most agree that it’s unfair (and largely nonsensical), but certain folks who diligently read law books say the age limit might also be against the law itself: “Surprisingly lost in the discussion about whether age limits are appropriate for the NBA draft is the fact that many state laws prohibit employment discrimination against individuals who are eighteen or over. As playing in the NBA is employment – albeit a dream job – eighteen year olds are deprived of their potential employment and are thus victims of age discrimination. In New York, for example, the New York State Human Rights Law prohibits employers from refusing to hire or employ an ‘individual eighteen years of age or older… because of such individual’s age.’ The NBA, and its players’ union, are subject to compliance with all New York employment laws, as well as other state laws which prohibit discrimination based on age.”

(Via: Deadspin)