What could possibly be better than learning Sports Law during the day and having five course meals at night?  A few days ago, NFL agent and attorney, Ralph Cindrich, passed on some information about a Sports Law program he is participating in (as an instructor), which will be held in Florence, Italy this upcoming Summer.  It is being hosted by his law school alma mater, South Texas College of Law and will take place between June 27 and July 16.

A total of four credits are being offered, broken up into two classes: International Amateur Sports Law and International Professional Sports Law. These courses are an effective complement to the first year of law school study because they build on concepts learned in constitutional law, tort law, and contract law. They expose students to key differences between the European and North American models of professional and amateur sports, as well as the international legal environment of Olympic sports. These comparisons and contrasts allow students to gain a more nuanced understanding of the “globalization” of law.

Mr. Cindrich and Catherine Greene Burnett, Associate Dean and Professor of Law at South Texas College of Law, will serve as the faculty. The courses have been approved by the American Bar Association. You must have completed at least one year of law school to be eligible for the program, which anticipates a student body of about 25 total.

More information, including the cost and the actual application for enrollment is provided in the embedded attachment below.

After I got word of his interest, I naturally made plans to be at his next game, which was this past Saturday. During the game, I sat with his host family and girlfriend, and we began to discuss my opinion on how he would best continue his development through the amateur hockey system. Overall, I feel as though I was on the same page with the direction this kid wanted to go, and after the game, we made plans to talk more business tonight. If all goes well, most of my time this week will be making calls to Major Junior and NHL clubs.

Besides my lead with the junior player, I’ve also been continuing my work with the 1995 players. Unfortunately, my entry last week was a little inaccurate in my schedule for this past weekend – it actually was the 1996 Cleveland Barons team that was coming to town, not the ‘95s that I had scouted in the past. Nevertheless, while there weren’t any really good games in town, I spent some time over the weekend making some calls about a big amateur prospect tournament that’s being held in Toronto this spring called the Prospects Hockey Tournament (creative right?). An associate of mine is putting together a team to compete in the annual event and he wondered if any kids I was advising would be interested. I made some calls to some of the parents I’d met over this past season to see if there was any interest and I’m still waiting to hear back from most of them. This event is heavily scouted by USHL and NCAA DI clubs and accepts only the top players at each age level. We will see if any of my kids decide to participate, but I’m strongly encouraging them to – it’s definitely a great opportunity to get their names out there. If you’d like more information on the tournament itself, its website can be found at http://www.prospectstourney.com.

As far as my meeting with that attorney, things went extremely well. We didn’t talk too much business, but I could definitely tell that he liked my drive and determination. His firm is going to start referring their immigration case work to me directly, which should bring a huge increase in business. While juggling all this work and watching a tight personal budget has caused a lot of anxiety, lately things seem to just be falling into place for me very nicely as if someone’s telling me that this is what I’m supposed to be doing with my life. I feel as though I’m laying all the things necessary for a solid professional foundation and I’m really looking forward to the days when start to see the real returns on my investment.

Well it’s time for me to get back to work preparing for my meeting tonight – there’s still a lot of work ahead of me. I apologize for such a brief entry this week, but hopefully I’ll have some good stuff for you next Monday regarding my meeting. I hope you all had a great weekend and that you have a productive week ahead of you. With that…it’s time to hit the showers.

What: Third Annual Nova Southeastern University Sports and Entertainment Law Symposium: “Seeing the Future Through 20-20 Vision”

When: Saturday, February 20, 2010 (10 a.m.-4 p.m.)

Where: Shepard Broad Law Center – Davie, Florida (map)

9:30-10:00: Check-in and Breakfast

10:00-10:20: Opening Remarks

10:20-11:10: Mediation in the Entertainment and Sports Industries
This panel will cover techniques and uses of mediation in IP, entertainment and sports law. This panel will also discuss ethical concerns for mediators, lawyers, and clients involved in mediation.

John Bradley, Managing Member, John F. Bradley, PA
Jeff Grubman, Mediator, Arbitrator, Managing Member, Jeffrey Grubman, PA
Paul Lopez, Mediator, Arbitrator, Director, Tripp Scott, PA
Justin Wineburgh, Member, Cozen O’Connor Tom Player, Owner, Player Entertainment law

11:10-12:00: Publicity Rights of Amateur Athletes

This panel will discuss the balancing of the rights of student athletes against the ever increasing commercialism of the NCAA.

Larry Most, Director of Advertising and Sales, Fox Sports

12:00-1:20: Luncheon
Excellence in Sports Award
Keynote Address by Tim Hardaway

1:20-2:10: Film and Television in Florida

Why is Florida behind other states in terms of funding for the arts, tax rebates and incentives? What needs to change for Florida to be on par with the rest of the country?

Don Mandrik, President, Georgia Production Finance, LIP
Ivan Parron, Parron and Associates, PL
Noel Paynter, COO, Film Production Capital, LLC
Hackie Reitman, CEO, Prochild Elder Entertainment, LLC

2:10-2:20: Break

2:20-3:10: Redemption: Athletes Overcoming Their Indiscretions
Modern day athletes find themselves in a lot of trouble, both legally (criminal and civil) and otherwise. Oftentimes, attorneys are needed to ameliorate the situation and clean up the mess. Depending on the athlete and circumstances, the path back to respectability may be long and arduous. Alternatively, some athletes seem to get off easier than others in both the eyes of the law and/or the public. This panel will examine both ends of the spectrum, distinguishing and analyzing the individual circumstances.

Alan Fertel, Partner, Pathman Lewis, LLP
Darren Heitner, CEO, Dynasty Athlete Representation
Jason Weiss, Associate, Arnstein & Lehr, LLP
Theodore Curtis, Professor of Sports Management, Lynn University

3:10-4:00: Adult Entertainment

This panel will address ethical and other concerns of Adult Entertainment as a unique sub-industry. The focus of this panel will be the similarities and differences between adult entertainment and entertainment law as a whole, including 1st amendment issues.

Allen Bennett, Associate, Christopher & Weisberg, PA
Kim Kolback, Sarah Steinbaum, PA
Jason Weiss, Associate, Arnstein & Lehr, LLP
Richard Wolfe, Erhenstein, Charbonneau & Calderin

Cost (Registration Form):

• NSU Law Students ($15 – Pre-Registration | $20 – On-Site)
• Law Students (other schools) ($25 – Pre-Registration | $35 – On-Site)
• NSU Students (non-law) ($25 – Pre-Registration | $35 – On-Site)
• General Admission ($35 – Pre-Registration | $45 – On-Site)
• Attorneys for CLE ($80 – Pre-Registration | $90 – On-Site)

I have been conversing with many athletes and celebrities at the various events.  The athlete I am most impressed with is Darren McFadden.  Besides having a great first name, he is well spoken and has great character.  I wish him the best next season with the Raiders.  It has also been nice to catch up with a lot of great sports business people.  Based on a few of our conversations, we may be able to do some great work together in the near future.

I have uploaded a short clip that shows what some of these parties look like from the red carpet to the action inside.  See below.

Baseball

• Great stuff here about revenue sharing.  Also check out the agents leading the 3+ year free agent deals [Early warning for potential labor unrest].
• A good case is made that teams benefit quite a bit from the arbitration process [Debunking Salary Arbitration Myths - Part 1].
• The new agreement will last until 2013 [Officials pass new Winter League agreement].

Basketball

• Arn Tellem is not fond of trade-demand fines [A Fine Mess].

Football

• It sure seems like DeBartolo has lost a lot of clients in the past year [Smith looking for new contract with new agent].
• If you do not see your name on this list, you will not be participating at the combine [Official Invite List].
• Always nice to get pre-draft deals [Nike Inks Ex-Nebraska Defensive Lineman Ndamukong Suh].

Bowling

• Ludacris, Hines Ward, Lamarr Woodley, Jack Del Rio, along with Dynasty’s Jason Belmonte and Norm Duke [Sunday’s Chris Paul PBA Celebrity Invitational Features A-List Lineup].

First, I’ve been watching the Caribbean World Series all week. Congratulations to Pete Parise on his performance for Puerto Rico so far. On Tuesday, he pitched a scoreless 8th inning, allowing a hit but throwing 8 of 10 pitches for strikes. On Thursday, Parise pitched the middle three innings of Puerto Rico’s 5-3 win over Mexico. He had another fine performance allowing no runs, one hit and striking out four. He also threw 28-38 pitches for strikes.

Second, I’ve also been doing a lot of research on potential clients this week. The clients were potential women’s basketball players. My task was to put together an analysis of what the player brings to the table. This was great experience. I’ve played basketball my whole life, so watching videos of highlights was not foreign to me. I watched videos of the different players to try and assess their playing skills. Numbers are one thing, but you don’t quite get the feel of whether someone can play unless you see them.

Numbers are important though. I looked up stats on the players and then compared them to what current professionals are putting up domestically and in Europe. I also assessed the strength of the conference the player played in to give context to the numbers. Hopefully my insights will help Dynasty make a decision on whether to sign these players or not.

I also researched a potential client in the MMA field and put together a dossier on her. This was interestingm as I do not follow MMA that closely. I did learn a lot about the sport from researching the fighter, though.

Third, I spent Wednesday doing research on Dynasty competitors as part of a competition analysis for Dynasty’s Marketing Plan that was to be compiled by Thursday morning. I didn’t get a chance to really start the assignment until around 10 p.m. due to class and other obligations. However, I didn’t have much to do on Thursday. I worked through the night, finishing at around 4:30. It made for a late night, but the important thing was that it was done and done well.

It was a good assignment for me to do, as well. I was able to do research on numerous sports agencies. I got a good understanding of the major players in the business, where they are located and what their strategies are. This will be helpful for potential job research at a later date.

In addition to this assignment, I also got a list of baseball prospects to keep an eye on this Spring. I’ll keep tabs of how they do for their high school teams and report back to Dynasty with the information. Hopefully one of these kids turns out to be a gem.

I also did my daily research on Dynasty clients to see what was happening with them. This past week, Dynasty client Mike Fagan won the PBA Dick Weber Open. Congratulations Mike. Also, basketball client Brandon Brown switched teams for the second time in two weeks, ending up at Kotwica Kolobrzeg SA of the Polish League.

Finally, I looked at a proposal that was given to Dynasty regarding a possible new Fantasy Sports product. Obviously, I cannot explain what it is (because of confidentiality reasons), but the concept had some potential. If it could be implemented without certain problems, the idea could take off. Again, I can’t say too much other than that. If the product ever makes it off the idea bloc or Dynasty decides to become a part of it, it will be unique to know that I got to read about it before the public.

As the weekend rolls around, I’ll probably spend it doing law school work, researching sponsors, and watching the Super Bowl. A foot of snow is expected Friday and Saturday, so there won’t be much else to do. A few of you have taken the time to email me and say hi. I appreciate it and enjoy talking to people who are in the industry or looking to get into it. If you have any suggestions on things to focus my posts on, let me know: rwebber@dynastyreps.com

Pete Parise continues to prove that he is ready to pitch in the big leagues this year.  Facing a very tough Mexico team yesterday in the Caribbean World Series, Pete threw the middle three innings of Puerto Rico’s 5-3 win. He had another fine performance allowing no runs, one hit and striking out four. He also threw 28-38 pitches for strikes.

The Bronx, NY native is taking care of business.  It is no small feat to go up against the former and current big leaguers on the Dominican Republic and Mexican teams and hold them to 2 hits in 4 innings along with 4 strikeouts and 0 walks.

If I was an NFL agent and represented a player who was maybe on a practice squad or in danger of being cut, would I suggest MMA to him as a career alternative? I would have to say no. If the player was genuinely interested in pursuing MMA, I would help him make the most educated decisions possible and support his decision, but as a fan of MMA, I don’t think that being good at football predispositions you to being good at fighting.

Another concern I have about former athletes throwing their hat into the Octagon is that, for the more famous ones, it could end up becoming a side show, something I believe would be bad for the sports credibility. After Herschel Walker’s success on Saturday, Jose Canseco has come out to essentially challenge him to a fight. Obviously looking for some publicity and a potential pay-day, Canseco represents everything that is wrong with athletes wanting to participate in MMA. I have great respect for what Herschel Walker has accomplished, especially at his age. Training with the American Kickboxing Academy and putting in the hard work necessary to go out and earn a win is admirable, and if others can come to the sport, be humble and take the time to learn, then I will support them as well.

Please continue to post any questions or comments you may have and follow me on Twitter @zachlipari

First off, I’d like to thank everyone who commented on the initial Let’s Make a Deal post; great job keeping the conversation going! Here is the second installment, so get your research done and hit me with some counter-offers!

Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech

6′4″, 272 pounds

1st round, 2nd overall selection to the Detroit Lions

Requested Contract:

• 6 years, $30 million guaranteed ($5 million/year)
• I would like the total contract amount be worth around $63 million
• More money in the first year (due to lockout threat)

Derrick Morgan is one of the most explosive defensive ends to enter the NFL Draft. Here in Detroit, I feel that Morgan will make an instant impact on not only the defense, but the team as a whole.

Here are the 2nd overall contracts from the years 2007-2009 (percentage increase/decrease from the previous year is shown and reflects the per year amounts):

• 2007 – Calvin Johnson, WR, Georgia Tech – 6 years/ $55.5 million
  • $27.178 million guaranteed ($4.53 million/year)
• 2008 – Chris Long, DE, Virginia – 5 years/ $48 million (+3.78%)
  • $33 million guaranteed ($6.6 million/year)
• 2009 – Jason Smith, OT, Baylor – 6 years/ $61.775 million (+7.24%)
  • $22.385 million guaranteed ($3.73 million/year)

Listed are the defensive ends chosen in the first round of the 2007 draft:

• Gaines Adams (R.I.P), Buccaneers/Bears (4^th)– 6 years/ $42 million
  • $18.56 million guaranteed ($3.09 million/year)
• Jamaal Anderson, Falcons (8^th) – 5 years/ $30.9 million
  • $15.361 million guaranteed ($3.0722 million/year)
• Adam Carriker, Rams (13^th) – 5 years, $12.8 million
  • $9.4 million guaranteed ($1.88 million/year)
• Jarvis Moss, Broncos (17^th) – 5 years/ $14.95 million
  • $8.06 million guaranteed ($1.612 million/year)
• Anthony Spencer, Cowboys (26^th) – 5 years/ $7.453 million
  • $6 million guaranteed ($1.2 million/year)

Listed are the defensive ends chosen in the first round of the 2008 draft:

• Derrick Harvey, Jaguars (8^th) – 5 years/ $23.8 million
  • $17.1775 million guaranteed ($3.4355 million/year)
• Lawrence Jackson, Seahawks (28^th) – 5 years/ $11.25 million
  • $6.1 million guaranteed ($1.22 million/year)

Listed are the defensive ends chosen in the first round of the 2009 draft:

• Tyson Jackson, Chiefs (3^rd) – 5 years/ $57 million
  • $31 million guaranteed ($6.2 million/year)
• Aaron Maybin, Bills (11^th) – 5 years, $17.6 million
  • $15 million guaranteed ($3 million/year)
• Brian Orakpo (LB/DE), Redskins (13^th) – 5 years, $15.4 million
  • $12.1 million guaranteed ($2.42 million/year)
• Robert Ayers, Broncos (18^th) – 5 years, $18.34 million
  • $9.7 million guaranteed ($1.94 million/year)

Here is how my Morgan stacks up against these players statistically:

At first glance, it would seem that my client’s statistics are strikingly lower than the others (and they are). However, you need to take into consideration the fact that my client only played two full seasons of football. Had he played four full seasons, the statistics would be comparable to the likes of Chris Long and Gaines Adams.

The average amount per year (guaranteed money) given to the second overall pick from 2007-2009 has been approximately $4.95 million. I am requesting $5 million per year for six years. Considering the fact that the total amount of first round contracts increased about 5% per year, my request of a 2% increase is definitely worth your while. Derrick Morgan is a proven run stopper and can provide immediate help for the Detroit Lions’ run defense. Derrick is not just a great football player, but he is the building block for the future!