Football

• The union would never sign such a waiver on behalf of its players [Players would fight NFL’s concussion lawsuit waiver; league denies plan].
• Eugene Lee (a subject of The Dotted Line) had a client start in the Super Bowl [Show me the (Super Bowl) money!].
• Must have been odd for a town to host a Super Bowl without Leigh’s annual event [Leigh Steinberg's demons].
• Drug charges in Alabama connected to an August rape complaint…oy [Jeff Rubin, troubled advisor to Terrell Owens, faces drug charges and lawsuits].

Baseball

• I assume a raise is in order [Nationals media relations manager Bill Gluvna leaves for Boras Corporation].

Social Media

• I would be the first to support this in Florida [Maryland Bill Addresses College Athletes’ Social Media Privacy].

Shabbat Shalom: Friday Wrap-Up (2/10/2012) from Sports Agent Blog - Sports Business, Sports Law, Sports Negotiations, NCAA Rules

And then on February 6, 2012 the official NCAA Market – Job Search website began hosting a job opening for “Sports Agent Intern.”

Color me just a bit confused.

It does not even appear to be the NCAA that is assisting with the search for the “Sports Agent Intern,” but instead, is advertising a search that will be conducted by another search party, www.SportsJobBoard.com, which calls itself “the #1 source for job opportunity information in Professional Sports.”

The job description highlights the following responsibilities:

• Assist with writing & disseminating scouting reports.
• Assist with player contracts.
• Assist with communications projects for website.
• Develop grassroots marketing programs.
• Develop marketing materials for professional athletes.

Perhaps instead of spending time and energy sending out Baseball Prospective Student-Athlete questionnaires, the NCAA should be keeping a closer tab on its official “Job Market.”  Does it look good when an institution self-charged with regulating a profession then hosts a search for an intern at a specific company within that profession?

The NCAA Has A “Sports Agent Intern” Job Posting from Sports Agent Blog - Sports Business, Sports Law, Sports Negotiations, NCAA Rules

Yesterday, I reported on Jeff Sperbeck’s 2012 NFL Draft Class at The NOVO Agency.  Sperbeck has signed RB LaMichael James from Oregon and WR Nick Toon from Wisconsin.  Toon is being co-represented by Ralph Cindrich.

Cindrich is a member of the Texas and Pennsylvania bar.  He was a 1972 5th round NFL draft choice and played professional football with the Houston Oilers and the New England Patriots for four years from 1972 to 1975.  He also played collegiately at the University of Pittsburgh where he was a two-sport All-American and All-East in football (1969, 1971) and wresting (Eastern Champion, 4th NCAA, 1969).  Cindrich started representing players in 1977, and still represents NFL players to this day.

Other than Toon, Cindrich is representing WR/Special Teams player TJ Borcky of Colorado State and LB Andrew Sweat of THE Ohio State University.  Toon is the highest rated player of the three, but Cindrich is likely representing all three players in large part based on his ties to their family members.  These days, Cindrich seems to be doing more teaching, lawyering, and tweeting than agenting.  I wish him the best with his three new clients.

Catching Up With Ralph Cindrich’s 2012 NFL Draft Class from Sports Agent Blog - Sports Business, Sports Law, Sports Negotiations, NCAA Rules

When Brian Overstreet of E Overstreet Sports Management signed Dre Kirkpatrick, he must have been counting his blessings.  Kirkpatrick has been recognized as one of (if not the) best cornerbacks in the country.  Kirkpatrick, who declared for the 2012 NFL Draft after his Junior season at Alabama, is constantly mentioned in the same breath as LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne (who is represented by Bus Cook and may be the first cornerback off the Board).

Anyway, Overstreet had no idea that he would be dealing with legal issues surrounding his cornerback client in the month of February.  On January 17, 2012, Kirkpatrick was arrested for possession of marijuana.  Kirkpatrick claimed that he was not involved in the purchase of the marijuana and did not even know that pot was being purchased when his friend, Christopher Airreun Rogers, picked up the order.

Luckily for Kirkpatrick and Overstreet, Kirkpatrick will not be prosecuted on the possession of marijuana charge.  I doubt that the matter will affect Kirkpatrick’s Draft stock.

Brian Overstreet Is Over Dre Kirkpatrick’s Marijuana Possession Arrest from Sports Agent Blog - Sports Business, Sports Law, Sports Negotiations, NCAA Rules

Still a “boutique agency,” The NOVO Agency is not locking up commitments from a large number of NFL Draft prospects, but the two gentlemen who have signed with Sperbeck are highly coveted individuals.  Thus far, The NOVO Agency has signed LaMichael James and Nick Toon.

LaMichael James is a running back from Oregon.  While his height (5’9) may temporarily serve to be a disadvantage, he is one of the better backs in the Draft.  He redshirted in 2008, won Freshman of the Year in the Pac-10 in 2009, earned the Doak Walker Award in 2010, and is leaving Oregon after a strong 2011 (with lots of honors).

Nick Toon is a wide receiver from Wisconsin.  His father also played at Wisconsin and was a Hall of Famer.  Size (6’2 220lbs) is not a problem for this player.  Longtime agent Ralph Cindrich will assist Sperbeck with the representation of Toon, who is considered one of the ten best receivers in the 2012 NFL Draft.

Jeff Sperbeck Of The NOVO Agency Signs LaMichael James & Nick Toon from Sports Agent Blog - Sports Business, Sports Law, Sports Negotiations, NCAA Rules

What:

When: Sunday, February 26, 2012

Where: Nova Southeastern University (Shepard Broad Law Center, 3305 College Avenue, Davie, FL 33314)

AGENDA

9:30-10:00 Check-In and Breakfast

10:00-10:20 Opening Remarks

10:20-11:20 (Panel #1)

What’s Trending in Fashion Law

Panelists:

• Emily Graham, Owner at The Law Offices of Emily Patricia Graham
• Kim Kolback, Owner at Law Offices Of Kimberly Kolback
• Jean Perwin, Attorney at Law Offices of Jean S. Perwin
• Brittany Rawlings, Fashion Attorney & Owner/Designer of B.RAWLINGS

11:20-12:20 (Panel #2)

Festivals and Touring

Panelists:

• Helaine Blum, President at Grand Avenue ECDC
• John Bradley, Managing Member at Bradley Legal Group, P.A.
• Jennifer Gomez, Attorney & Certified Mediator at Jennifer Gomez, PA
• Allison Sinclair, Attorney at Santucci Priore, PL
• Cassi Willard

12:20-1:30 Luncheon
Keynote Speaker – tba

1:30-2:30 (Panel #3)

Sports and Torts

Panelists:

• Joe Costello, Attorney at Kelley, Kronenberg, Gilmartin, Fichtel & Wander
• Alan Fertel, Partner at Boyd & Jenerette
• Darren Heitner, Attorney at Wolfe Law Miami, P.A., Owner of Sports Agent Blog
• Michael Richmond, Professor at Nova Southeastern University
• Jason Weiss, Partner at Smith & Verbit, PL

2:30-2:40 Break

2:40-3:40 (Panel #4)

Music on the Internet

Panelists:

• Charlotte Towne, Owner at Charlotte Towne, P.A.
• Others TBA

Cost: Pre-Registration (before Feb 12): NSU Law Students $10, Non-NSU Law Students $20, General Admission $30, Attorneys for CLE $75.  For more info, please contact SELS President, Josh Blasberg, at blasbergj@nsu.law.nova.edu.

5th Annual Nova Southeastern University Sports & Entertainment Law Symposium from Sports Agent Blog - Sports Business, Sports Law, Sports Negotiations, NCAA Rules

Baseball

• How Matt Sosnick and Paul Cobbe built a very influential baseball agency [Bay Area buddies find success with baseball agency].
• He dropped Creative Artists Agency last year [Zack Greinke still agentless, yet open to extension].
• Wait, he is human? [So, what to make of Scott Boras’ winter?].

Football

• The first executive M.B.A. for professional athletes [New Playbook for Post-Career Success].
• Uncle Luke isn’t happy with Rosenhaus getting rich off the African-American community [Superagent Drew Rosenhaus should give back to Miami's black communities].
• JR Rickert – agent of Hakeem Nicks and high school principal [Sports agent's work labor of love].

Hockey

• 6,400 words seems like an awful lot of type [Prominent NHL player agent gets in blog war…with blogger].

Sports Law

•  Is it unconscionable or contrary to public policy? [Is the National Letter of Intent Legally Enforceable?]

Shabbat Shalom: Friday Wrap-Up (2/3/2011) from Sports Agent Blog - Sports Business, Sports Law, Sports Negotiations, NCAA Rules

What: 7th Annual Widener University School of Law Sports and Entertainment Law CLE Symposium

When: Thursday, February 16, 2012 (10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.)

Where: Widener University School of Law Ruby R. Vale Moot Courtroom (4601 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE 19803)

Offering FIVE (5) CLE credits in DE & PA (including one ethics credit)

AGENDA

9:00–9:50 am  Registration and Continental Breakfast (included with registration)

9:50–9:55 am  Introductions

9:55–10:00 am  Welcome: Sports and Entertainment Association

Panel One – Sports Panel

10:00–11:15 am

“Sports Law in Hindsight: A Dissection of the NFL Lockout”

• Moderator: Christopher J. Cabott, Esquire, Zane Management, Inc., Philadelphia, PA
• Andrew Brandt, Sports Business Analyst, ESPN
• Howie Roseman, Esquire, General Manager, Philadelphia Eagles

11:15–11:30 am Refreshment Break

Panel Two – TV/ Film Panel

11:30 am–12:45 pm

“Reality TV: Beyond the Jersey Shore”

• Moderator: Alexander Murphy, Jr., Esquire, The Law Offices of Alexander Murphy and Adjunct Faculty, Widener Law
• Justin B. Wineburgh, Esquire, Cozen O’Connor, Philadelphia, PA
• John Foy, Executive Producer, Addicted to Food

12:45–2:00 pm  Lunch—Barristers’ Club (included with registration)

Panel Three – Music Panel

2:00–3:15 pm

“How to Become a Great  Music Lawyer in One Hour… and Sixty­three Years”

• Moderator: Alexander Murphy, Jr., Esquire, The Law Offices of Alexander Murphy and Adjunct Faculty, Widener Law
• Kenneth J. Abdo, Esquire, Lommen Abdo, Minneapolis, MN
• Robert E. Donnelly, Esquire, Lommen Abdo, New York City, NY

3:15–3:30 pm  Refreshment Break

Panel Four – Ethics Panel

3:30–4:45 p

“Ethics in Intercollegiate Athletics— Lessons Learned”

• Moderator: Alexander Murphy, Jr., Esquire, The Law Offices of Alexander Murphy and Adjunct Faculty, Widener Law
• Heather Lyke, Associate Athletic Director, The Ohio State University
• John P. Sahl, Professor of Law and Faculty Director of the Miller­Becker Center for Professional Responsibility, University of Akron School of Law, Akron, OH

Cost: $125. Widener Law Alumni Fee is $100.  Registration form is embedded, below.

SELA_Brochure

7th Annual Widener University Sports and Entertainment Law CLE Symposium from Sports Agent Blog - Sports Business, Sports Law, Sports Negotiations, NCAA Rules

Around this time last year, it looked like Joe Flanagan and his DePere, Wisconsin based company, BTI Sports Advisors was going to be representing a #1 overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft.  The player who was supposed to be taken high was Da’Quan Bowers, a defensive end from Clemson.  By the time that the NFL Draft took place, Bowers’ draft stock slipped quite a bit and he was not selected until the Tampa Bay Buccaneers scooped him up with the #51 overall pick.

Once again, BTI Sports Advisors has a chance at representing a first round pick.  The agency is hoping that their new client, Wisconsin center Peter Konz will improve his draft stock instead of go the way of Bowers from last year.  Konz is already listed as the #1 player at his position and #21 player overall in the 2012 NFL Draft (according to NFLDraftScout.com).

BTI Sports Advisors Signs Top NFL Draft Center Peter Konz from Sports Agent Blog - Sports Business, Sports Law, Sports Negotiations, NCAA Rules

Here are some of the replies:

@DarrenHeitner Fantastic question. It would sure be the first step to demonstrating commitment.

— Night Train Veeck (@VeeckAsInWreck) February 2, 2012

@DarrenHeitner it’d be a lot tougher for us broke college kids if we had to do it for every agency. Maybe 1 or 2 premiere agencies

— Ryan McKenna (@RMcKenna32) February 2, 2012

@DarrenHeitner absolutely. Every professional opportunity u get involved with should be 4 the long run.$25 is nothing compared 2 that.

— Shawn (@Shawn_930) February 2, 2012

@DarrenHeitner It’s not a good sports agency if a) needs extra cash from interns, b) cannot handle a large volume of documents sent thru.

— Robert T. B?aszczak (@RobertBlaszczak) February 2, 2012

Knowing that many of my Twitter followers are individuals interested in breaking into the sports agency profession, I figured I had the perfect audience for the question. And I was genuinely interested in the responses. I asked, because I was recently forwarded an internship application letter from an established and respected agency that is charging a $25 application fee; something I had never heard of being done in the sports agency business.

The agency charging the fee is Platinum Sports & Entertainment Management, a St., Saint Charles, Missouri-based baseball agency.  Their internship application letter says that they receive over one thousand intern applications each year.  If they can convince those applicants to pay the $25 fee, they will make over $25,000 on application fees alone.  Sounds like a decent side business.  By the way, the internships are unpaid.

The internship application letter is embedded, below.

Internship Application Letter

Nick Brockmeyer of Platinum Sports & Entertainment Management has responded to this article with the following: We were getting over 1000 applicants a year from students that just thought the industry sounded “cool” and we wanted a way to narrow it down to those who were serious about the internship and had really thought through moving to St. Louis for an unpaid internship. Through this process we have done just that. We now have a much smaller selection of applicants to sort through and they have all thought about this thoroughly before applying. By no means was it set up to be a money making plan, nor has it turned out that way. We went from 1000 frivolous applicants each year to approximately 20 very good applicants. There are thousands of examples of entities in life that make one pay an application fee (including the colleges these students are coming from)….no one says a word about that. I can give you a list of every intern that has ever interned for Platinum and you can interview them all. They would have nothing but good things to say about our internship program. Many of our past interns are currently working for us right now. If someone doesn’t want to pay the application fee and go through our process I respect that decision and we will move forward with no shortage of intern applicants.

Should A Sports Agency Charge Internship Applicants A Fee? from Sports Agent Blog - Sports Business, Sports Law, Sports Negotiations, NCAA Rules