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

There is not much to do on Boston College’s campus for a student waiting to break into the athlete management industry. As an economics major, I’ve been looking forward to the opportunity to take one of only two sports courses offered, the fabled Sports Economics, only to find out the course had been cancelled before I ever had the opportunity to enroll. The school year has become an off-season of maintaining grades and sending out applications to powerhouse firms, looking to build upon an opportunity first made possible by a rapidly growing firm in Birmingham, Michigan.

My mentor, Storm Kirschenbaum, who founded his baseball and football representation agency Metis Sports Management almost five years ago, gave me the opportunity this past summer to work beside him as an agent assistant. It was my first opportunity in athlete management, and while other agencies told me I was too young, he offered me an opportunity usually reserved for graduates.

The hire provided me with an unbelievable opportunity: learning the art of negotiation by sitting in on calls with some of baseball’s most respected general managers and big names in football’s front offices. Working closely beside an active agent also allowed me to get a better understanding for the balance agents maintain between marketing current clients and courting those they covet. Most importantly, I found myself heavily involved in every step of the process. Whether I was pumping research into recruiting packets on prospective clients or piecing together client marketing video packages, I began to understand how passionate I am about athlete management.

After the NFL lockout was resolved, I spent an afternoon taking notes as members of the NFLPA Board of Directors laid out the finer points of their newly ratified CBA over a conference call. I actually enjoyed meticulously working through the three hundred page agreement because the resolution of the lockout brought back something that seemingly lay dormant all summer, football business. Packets laden with information regarding the agency’s football free agents were stamped and addressed to every team’s front office as anticipation of the free agency window opening built, but penciled in that same week was my trip back to school for the new semester.

So as I wait out the eight-month off-season in Boston, I find myself looking for law schools with successful sports law programs and booking tickets for the Sports Analytics Conference hosted by ESPN downtown in March. Anxious to get back into the game I appreciate the opportunity to write about my experiences. Until next time be sure to connect with me on LinkedIn and follow me on Twitter.

A Boston College Kid Waiting For His Break Into Athlete Management 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

Super Bowl XLII saw the Patriots leading the Giants17-14 with Eli Manning facing a 4th and 26.  The Patriots pass rush almost had him wrapped up before Manning threw a desperation prayer miraculously caught for the first down, eventually leading to a last-minute touchdown.  A dejected Tom Brady walked off the field in an unfamiliar place: the losing end of a Super Bowl.  Manning was hailed as a hero after pulling off perhaps the biggest upset in Super Bowl History.

A torn ACL followed by two disappointing playoff losses later, Brady finds himself against a familiar adversary in a rematch against Manning and the Giants.  There is no debate that Brady will end up in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.  In his ten years as a starter he’s made the Super Bowl five times.  He has three Super Bowl titles (winning MVP of the Big Game twice) and two NFL MVP awards.  You can find his statistics scattered all over NFL record books.  He makes more Pro Bowls then T.O. does sit-ups on his driveway.

But is he the greatest of all time?  Not if he loses two Super Bowls to Manning.  A victory however, ties him with Joe Montana and Terry Bradshaw as the only quarterbacks with four Super Bowl titles.  It would also put him ahead of Montana for the most career playoff victories all-time by a starting NFL quarterback.

Manning offended football circles earlier this season when he suggested that he was an elite quarterback in the NFL.  The very thought of him on the same level with the likes of Brady, Brees and his brother Payton didn’t resonate well.  But after almost throwing for 5,000 yards and a second Super Bowl appearance after upsets over the 15-1, Packers and 13-3, 49ers – he is backing it up.

Manning has already won a Super Bowl, not to mention a Super Bowl MVP Award.  He too has multiple Pro Bowl appearances.  But a victory would propel him to stardom with only one Super Bowl behind Brady and 1 ahead of, dare I say – Payton.

The two quarterbacks have traveled distinctly different journeys to get to this point.  One is playing to get to the Hall of Fame while the other vies to be the best the game has ever seen.  For Manning, it would mean stepping from the dark shadows as Payton’s little brother to: “You can’t spell Elite without Eli!”  For Brady, this is a shot at vindication.  It’s a chance to skyrocket into football infamy and rewrite his legacy by avenging the most crushing loss of his career.

Brady and Manning Legacies on the Line in Tonight’s Super Bowl 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