BLOOM BLOSSOMS AS ADVOCATE REJECTED BY COURTS, HE USES SYSTEM TO FIGHT BACK.

Byline: Jill Painter Staff Writer

BOULDER, Colo. - Jeremy Bloom worked a group of reporters the other day much as a politician would.

He walked from reporter to reporter outside the University of Colorado athletic department, shook hands, flashed his megawatt smile and provided each with a quick soundbite before practice.

Everyone wants a minute of his time, and Bloom seems happy to oblige, as he graciously does about 10 to 15 interviews a week. Many have nothing to do with his role as a receiver for the football team; that's not how Bloom is known in most circles across the country.

The 21-year-old, who also is an Olympic skier and world champion, sued the NCAA to obtain endorsement money for lucrative skiing sponsors and modeling contracts last year. Bloom lost.

He shunned six-figure deals and returned to Colorado to play football. But Bloom is back on the campaign trail, this time endorsing California's Students' Bill of Rights, which seeks to provide athletes the ability to gain employment not associated with his or her sport, health insurance and other funds.

Bloom is a lot of things - student, football player, skier, model, MTV's Beach House guest host and a one-time New York Times editorial writer. Yet, he seems more like an unofficial politician. And people can't get enough.

``He lights up a room,'' Colorado athletic director Dick Tharp said. ``He has a great personality and he has a good idea of who he is. ... He'll be a leader someday. There's no doubt in my mind.''

Bloom has worked closely with senator Kevin Murray, D-Los Angeles, for the past few months on a controversial bill that would give athletes more benefits and is sending letters to senators across the country, hoping it will gain momentum. Critics, including NCAA president Miles Brand, contend it would force athletes to abandon their amateur status.

Change certainly isn't guaranteed to happen during Bloom's athletic career.

``The athletes' bill of rights came to be over a period of time, being in the system and seeing the public numbers of how much money is coming in (to the NCAA) and the growth of college athletics the last 10, 15 years,'' Bloom said. ``Some of these kids are coming across the country from inner-city families, and to see the way they're living, I didn't understand it. I don't understand it. It inspired me enough to put my name out there and fight for this cause.''

Bloom's name already is out there in astounding fashion. On one Internet search engine, his name registers more than 200,000 responses. There are the preseason All-American lists, where he's listed as a punt returner. His name even was found on a New York Times editorial last month, something he was asked to write for his position on the bill of rights. He also has his own Web site, Jeremybloom.com.

His face is out there, too. Bloom is featured in a Tommy Jeans ad campaign with Lauren Bush, the president's niece. There also was that World Cup ski tour, where he won a gold medal in the freestyle moguls competition this year, successfully completing a double twister-spread eagle.

About the only thing he hasn't done is run for office, at least not yet.

``Well, I wouldn't say no (to politics), but it's not because I know too much (about the system),'' Bloom said. ``I think it's very interesting. If it was something I'd do, it'd be way down the line when I'm a little bit older and a little bit smarter.''

Perhaps with a little more time, too. He and Murray have yet to coordinate schedules to meet in person.

Murray started this bill using Bloom's story as the example. Bloom found out, contacted Murray, and the two have worked together since.

``He's an engaging young guy,'' Murray said. ``My suspicion is that his success has given him a certain confidence. He has an instinct about the public, which is a necessary skill for politics. It's probably rare for someone his age. Clearly, he's taken this issue by the horns. He's done an excellent job being an advocate.''

Bloom isn't allowed to earn money from skiing endorsements or modeling contracts, even though he doesn't ski for Colorado and is on a football scholarship.

Yet, he decided to return to the football team, where he is a backup wide receiver and All-American punter. His schedule is packed with football meetings, film, practice and homework. All of the off-field activities, including legislative work, are limited.

``Jeremy's special,'' said offensive lineman Marwan Hage, a team captain. ``He's a world champion. His approach on things is way different than everybody else. He's tough. You expect him to be hyper, but he's always calm. He's a great effort guy. He brings out all these big plays. I'm very happy he's on this team. He's shown how much he loves this team, this program.''

Bloom's teammates seem to adore him. They poke fun at his modeling career. Colorado coach Gary Barnett has challenged them to pick his brain. After all, he asks them, how often will they spend eight or nine hours a day with a world champion?

``He's very unique, maybe the most unique guy I've ever been around,'' Barnett said. ``Jeremy Bloom eats dinner with the guys every night. He goes to class. He goes to every meeting. He's a football player. When he leaves here, he keeps his grades up. He's always prepared.

``If Jeremy continues to play football, he'll be a great player and a great spokesman.''

He already is the poster boy for student athletes. He's said he's going to see this bill through, no matter how long it takes.

Bloom's lawsuit against the NCAA is in appeal. For now, the bill of rights is a priority. It is in the assembly of higher education committee, and Murray said he expects it to be passed in January.

Bloom might never see change while he's a college athlete, but as long as there's change, he will be satisfied.

``This isn't about me at all,'' Bloom said. ``I'm one of about 350,000 college athletes. This is about what I believe is right and wrong. I'm fortunate enough to have opportunities, and I don't need the university to give me more resources.

``It's hard for me to think about the money I'm losing because of the NCAA and the opportunities I'm bypassing. But Saturdays usually make up for those.''

Jill Painter, [phone]

jill.painter(at)dailynews.com

ATHLETES' RIGHTS IN FOCUS

Seven major components to Senator Kevin Murray's, D-Los Angeles, Student Athletes' Bill of Rights, which Jeremy Bloom endorses:

--1 The ability to fund a scholarship athlete home for school-dismissed holidays.

--2 The ability to help fund an athlete's family members to postseason tournaments or bowl games.

--3 The ability to secure bona fide employment not associated with his/her amateur sport.

--4 Health insurance.

--5 The ability to obtain representation (i.e. agents) in making career choices.

--6 The ability for the university to sell jerseys with the name of the athlete on them, as well as the ability to give that athlete a percentage of the dollars generated by the sale of the athlete's jersey.

--7 Impose a cap on scholarships that is below the cost of attendance.

CAPTION(S):

photo, box

Photo:

no caption (Jeremy Bloom)

Box:

ATHLETES' RIGHTS IN FOCUS (see text)