In the coming week, expect a number of trade rumors, requests, and roster movements. The NBA trade deadline is February 18^th.

Nevertheless, it is Amare Stoudemire who is captivating bloggers and journalists alike. In his seventh NBA season, Stoudemire is averaging just over 21 points and almost 9 rebounds per game.

Over the past several weeks, rumors have boiled about his desire to leave Phoenix. Whether it’s a clash with management (which definitely could be the case), a yearning for a title, or potentially a need to try out a new market, the trade may just happen.

According to multiple blogs and NBA junkies, it looks as though the Phoenix Suns maybe brokering a deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers to send Stoudemire and up north for potentially llgauskas and J.J. Hickson. However, any such terms are by far preliminary in nature. It is also said that there could be a multiple team deal involving the Cavs, Pacers, and Bulls.

One constant is Stoudemire’s desire to leave and Phoenix’s desire to dump Jason Richardson’s contract on someone else ($13.3 million this year, $14.4 next year).

Ever since Steve Kerr took over as GM in Phoenix, tensions have been high. Kerr’s move to revamp Phoenix into more of a half-court style team (only seen in San Antonio) has not set well with fans and players, who were just fine with fast-break, run-and-gun style of basketball.

Regardless, if you’re Happy Walters (Amare’s agent), have fun pleasing him this time (apparently Stoudemire has had his ‘fair share’ of agents); maybe throw in some complementary peanuts for his long flight east.

If you have some time on this busy Monday, check out the excitement from All-Star Weekend:

http://www.nba.com/video/channels/top_plays/2010/02/13/20100213_top10.nba/#

In Game 1, Cliff Lee went a full 9 innings to pick up a complete game win.  He gave up 1 unearned run and fanned 10 batters, while walking none!  Then, yesterday in Game 2, the Yankees were desperate for a big game from Burnett.  And he delivered.  Burnett went 7 innings, giving up only 1 earned run, fanned 9, and walked 2.  Braunecker is definitely happy with both pitcher’s strike-out/walk ratio.

So now Braunecker can relax for a few days…until Lee takes the hill again.  Next time, Darek won’t have to worry about Lee actually making it to the game he is scheduled to pitch.  NY traffic can really make things difficult.

Richard Kimsey: Can you give me a bio and the career path you took to where you are today?

Mark Slough: http://www.mergegroup.net/ssp/about_us

RK: What is a typical day for you, if there is one?

MS: One thing I love about this job is that it is anything but typical.Each day brings its own unique challenges and assignments whether that might be responding to an interview request, discussing a potential marketing deal, or just engaging in conversations with clients that run the gamut in topics. I talk to my clients regularly…sometimes it’s football related but often times it’s not.

RK: You have a Twitter account, what made you decide to create one and do you feel it can help your business?

MS: Funny story – my wife was watching Oprah who decided to do an entire show on Twittering. I happened to catch the show and thought it might be fun. Now that I’m on I’m hooked. I think it’s a great way to stay on top of news about the NFL and get tidbits on information that might not be readily available elsewhere.

RK: Who was your first client and how did you come to work together?

MS: My first client was Justin Lucas, a safety out of Abilene Christian. He played several years with the Arizona Cardinals and is now out of the game. As you know it’s hard to break into this business so I went back to my alma mater to see if I could convince someone to give me a shot. Justin did and the first year he was able to land on the Cardinal’s practice squad.

The next year I was able to pick up Sammy Morris out of Texas Tech and he’s been with me his entire NFL career – about to enter season 10 with the New England Patriots

RK: How do you target and recruit potential clients?

MS: I am very intentional about how I recruit. I look for connections that provide me an opportunity to get to know a prospect in a way that might be difficult otherwise. For example, if he played at a school where I’ve represented some of his teammates, those guys can give me insight into that player that is priceless. Same goes for schools where I know coaches. In some cases, particularly as I get older, I am beginning to find that I may know or have a relationship with a prospect’s parent which can provide an immediate sense of comfort and trust.

RK: What do you do for clients pre-draft to try and improve their chances to get picked?

MS: Like everyone else, I provide combine training (at no expense to the player) to those guys headed to Indy for the combine. I will also set up interviews for the player when I believe there is something interesting or insightful that might be uncovered in an interview setting that might be useful information to NFL scouts and personnel staff. For example, Paul Smith, QB at Jacksonville was coming out of Tulsa a couple of years ago and was not considered to have protype NFL QB size. But I knew Paul had a passion and understanding of the game that would allow him to succeed regardless of how tall he was once given the opportunity to play. So we set up interviews which allowed him to talk about growing up as a coach’s son and how that has provided him with a keen insight into the position of QB. And I made sure that all the teams got copies or transcripts of the interviews.

RK: What do you do for a client when they do not get drafted?

MS: Lots and lots of phone calls and emails. If they are viewed as a priority free agent then it’s a bit easier because you’ll have numerous teams calling to convince you to sign with them. But if those calls aren’t coming then you have to work hard and fast to try to get them in a door. Sometimes all you can do is get them invited to the first mini-camp on a tryout basis. But for guys who aren’t getting calls as a free agent, those tryout camps are a great opportunity to catch a coaches eye and get signed.

RK: If one of your clients fails to make an NFL roster, what process ensues to find a team and league for them?

MS: I will immediately get film out to CFL teams and try to get those guys in for workouts. It’s much more difficult to find jobs now that the AFL has suspended play.

RK: What plans do you have for continuing to grow Merge Sports and Entertainment?

MS: I’m working on some things right now that I can’t really talk about but stay tuned.

RK: What do you think sets Merge Sports and Entertainment apart from other agencies?

MS: First it’s a commitment to personal attention and constant communication. The number one reason most guys fire their agent is because they never hear from the agent. It’s not because of a bad contract or the like. Players just want to know that you, the agent, are paying attention to them, watching their games, asking what you can do for them….just lending an ear. Secondly, we will never compromise on character – not from us nor from our clients. I don’t care how good a prospect one might be – if there are issues of character then it’s not for us. We are looking for fit and it all starts with character.

RK: As someone who has both, which degree would you say is better for a sports agent, a JD or MBA, and why?

MS: I think each provides certain advantages over the other, but I believe the better question is “what would you want to be doing if you weren’t a sports agent?” If you think you’d like to practice law, then go that route. If you see yourself flourishing in more of a business-oriented role then pursue the MBA.

RK: What advice would you give to someone trying to break into the industry?

MS: Don’t take no for an answer. You must be persistent and do whatever it takes to find your point of entry. Pour over every inch of the Sports Business Journal and write down the names of companies and executives in the industry. Start compiling a contact list. Get on LinkedIn and join sports marketing and sports business groups. Attend conferences. Do whatever you have to do to get in the door.

RK: Do you offer internships and how would someone apply?

MS: Not at this time.

If you are one of the lucky people to have applied this past January for NFLPA Contract Advisor certification, you most probably received an email recently that states whether your application has been approved or denied.  If approved, step one (the easy step) is out of the way.  Now you will have to attend the NFLPA Contract Advisor Seminar for New Applicants and start studying for the exam that will be given at the seminar.  A passing grade on the exam is required in order to be granted certification.

The seminar and examination will take place at The Ritz Carlton Hotel on 22nd and M Street on July 30-21, 2009.  If you have not begun to study for the exam, it is time to start cramming.  This can be an extra difficult task if you are concurrently studying for the Bar Exam as well.  Dynasty’s Football Director, Matthew Watkins, put himself through that pain last year, but impressively ended up passing both tests.

In fact, for those of you getting ready to go to Washington D.C. for the Seminar and exam, I suggest you read Matthew’s post regarding last year’s events.  It is quite informative.  As was the case last year, the exam will consist of 60 multiple-choice questions.  And in order to pass, you will need to received a scaled score of 70 or higher.

Take this test seriously if you want to become an NFLPA Contract Advisor any time soon.  If you do not pass, you may be prohibited from retaking the examination for 5 years according to new amendments to the NFLPA regulations.

This is the fourth interview in an on-going series by Gary Wimsett, Jr., lawyer and MMA enthusiast, about the business of Mixed Martial Arts.  In Part I, Gary spoke with Sports Illustrated Senior Contributor, L. Jon Wertheim, about his new book, “Blood in the Cage” about the history of MMA, the career of Pat Miletich, and the rise of the UFC.  In Part II, Gary and Sam Sheridan, author of “A Fighter’s Heart” engaged in a Q & A regarding Sam’s insights into the fighting world as a writer and fighter. In Part III, Gary talked to Pat Miletich about WAMMA, the UFC, and unionization.  In this interview, Gary speaks with Ken Pavia of MMA Agents about what life is like for one of the sport’s busiest men.  Ken answered these questions while in Montreal for UFC 97.  Gary exchanged e-mails with Ken before – from Finland, Japan, and points all over the globe, but rarely from Ken’s home in California

Wimsett: When/Why did you start MMA Agents?  What were you doing before and what was it about the industry that appealed to you?  Do you exclusively represent MMA fighters or do you have other sports clients?

Pavia: I purchased UFC 1 and became a fan.  I was introduced to Ricco Rodriguez soon after he lost to Nog in Japan and he approached me for representation.  I was a baseball and hockey agent for 12 years prior.  I now only represent MMA fighters.

Wimsett: How many fighters do you represent?  Who are your top guys?  Do you represent women fighters?

Pavia: I represent 55 fighters.  One female.  Erin Toughill.  They are all top guys…

Wimsett: Do you oversee/coordinate your fighters’ training schedules and programs?

Pavia: I leave the training to the professionals.  I seek business opportunities for my clients.  They choose which fights to take.

Wimsett: How many different promotions do you work with?  Which one is the easiest to work with?  What kind of services are you able to provide to a fighter under a UFC contract?

Pavia: In 2007 we sent fighters to 32 promotions in 8 countries.  In 2008 we sent them to 35 promotions in 8 counties.  We will blow those numbers away this year.  We provide compliance support, media support, travel support, sponsorships, PR, legal, appearances and seminars, and fight procurement.

Wimsett: Who are some of the biggest sponsors in the industry?  How do you ensure them a return on their investment?  How has the slumping economy affected sponsorship and/or endorsement deals you get for your fighters?

Pavia: TapouT is an industry leader.  This question is best answered by the sponsorship department.

Wimsett: Where do you see the UFC in five years?  Still the ”King of the Mountain” or will there be some other large-scale promotion competing for PPV dollars?

Pavia: Really your guess is as good as mine.  I will say they have a significant head start.

Wimsett: Describe a typical workday for you.  Do you travel a lot?

Pavia: I travel 7 out of 8 weekends.  I get up about 9 or 10 and just break to eat and continue to work until generally 3 or 4 AM, 7 days a week.  I will never be out worked.

Wimsett: Other than your law degree, do you have any other certifications or licenses?  Anything really necessary?

Pavia: I was certified to represent athletes by the player associations of the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL.

Wimsett: Where is MMA Agents headquartered?

Pavia: We are based out of Huntington Beach with affiliate offices in Korea, London and Paris.

Wimsett: Do you feel you have to be in or around Las Vegas or be able to travel there regularly to make your business work?

Pavia: I get there enough and with my blackberry, I am global.  I represent about 8 fighters out of Vegas.

Wimsett: Do you have an East Coast operation?

Pavia: No I do not.

Wimsett: Thoughts on WAMMA?  A Fighter’s Association?

Pavia: Don’t really know much about them.  But will say I really like Mike Lynch.

Wimsett: What MMA websites do you stay up to date on?  How do you stay informed about what’s happening in this ever-changing industry?

Pavia: Junkie, Sherdog, Weekly, MMA.tv, Facebook, and Myspace are always open on my computer.  I also peek at CBSsportsline and USAtoday.

Wimsett: As a fan, what MMA matchup would you most like to see right now?

Pavia: Tito v Babalu, Radach v Lawler, Vitor v Anderson, Riggs v Shields or Diaz, Baroni v Davis or Diaz, Cyrille v Houston or Irvin, Hieron v Goat, AJ v Howard or Alves, Pyle v Condit, and Kampman v Swick.

Wimsett: How many employees do you have?  How do you recruit and hire?  Do you have an internship program?

Pavia: We have 5 employees and 5 interns, and one full time consultant.  We do have an intern program and usually take law students.

Wimsett: Who is your biggest competition?

Pavia: Ourself.  We are first and second best.

Wimsett: Who do you look up to in the sports business?  Role models?

Pavia: I admire Drew Rosenhaus and Lee Steinberg.  I admire Jim Rome and Tommy Lasorda.

Wimsett: What’s the most important skill/attribute of an effective MMA agent?

Pavia: Personality, ice in veins, ability to be rational not emotional, and ability to solve problems.  Thick skin too…

Wimsett: Are you actively recruiting college wrestlers?  How do you recruit clients?

Pavia: No we are not.  We only sign fighters that have experienced a significant amount of success at a local circuit and are ready for major shows.

Wimsett: What do you do to get away from the chaos?  When was your last vacation?

Pavia: I haven’t had a real break in three plus years,  I don’t get away from the chaos.  It defines me.

Daunte Culpepper

“After taking a long look at my career and my personal convictions, I have decided to begin early retirement from the NFL effective immediately. Since the beginning of training camp, I was told my opportunity would come when a quarterback gets hurt. I cannot remember the last time so many quarterbacks have been injured during the preseason. I have been strongly encouraged from family, friends and league personnel to continue to be patient and wait for an inevitable injury to one of the starting quarterbacks in the league. I would rather shut the door to such ‘opportunity’ than continue to wait for one of my fellow quarterbacks to suffer a serious injury. Since I was not given a fair chance to come in and compete for a job, I would rather move on and win in other arenas of life”

Culpepper had one-year offers from the Green Bay Packers and Pittsburgh Steelers this off-season for backup jobs, but didn’t declined those offers. Culpepper, later in his career, decided to fire his agent and represent himself. Culpepper noted of this experience:

“The decision I made in 2006 to represent myself rather than hire an agent has been an invaluable experience. I now understand why so many people within the NFL community are uncomfortable with a player really learning the business. The NFL has become more about power, money and control than passion, competition and the love of the game.”

This decision caused a number of issues throughout for Culpepper and is one of the reasons he can not find a job in the NFL. Vikings coach Brad Childress compared his dealings with Culpepper with his dealings with Terrell Owens. He noted that every conversation he had with Culpepper involved his contract and getting more money. Culpepper eventually orchestrated a trade to the Miami Dolphins and in 2007, once again acting as his own agent, asked for his release from the Miami Dolphins.

The career of Daunte Culpepper is a prime example of how important an agent is to a professional athlete. Throughout Culpepper’s career, Daunte the agent got in the way of Daunte the quarterback. His focus was often on his contract and getting paid rather than going out there and playing football. In the end, Culpepper the agent overvalued Culpepper the player and he was unwilling to except a back up job. Take my word this won’t be the last we see of Daunte Culpepper. Maybe next time around he will wise up and hire an agent.

What happens when an agent misses the deadline? In some cases, it may cost the agent his job with that particular client and may mark that agent as one to stay away from for many potential future clients. In this business, one has to be flawless, because there are so many other options for players to choose from.

Take for instance, David Joseph, former agent of superstar and current Dallas Cowboy, Terrell Owens. In 2004, Joseph did not file with the NFL by the free agent declaration deadline, which meant that Terrell Owens, by rule, would not be allowed to be a free agent in the ensuing year and would still belong to the San Fransisco 49ers (even though T.O. did not wish for such a situation). The problem eventually was solved, with the Baltimore Ravens losing out on obtaining T.O., but Terrell Owens finding a new home in Philadelphia. David Joseph, on the other hand, was left without his superstar athlete as T.O. turned to Mr. Ruthless (Drew Rosenhaus).

Poor David Joseph. Not everyone gets to be named “Tool of the Week.”

But miraculously, T.O.’s case is not isolated, as the agent for Dennis Northcutt made the same error in the same year! Still wondering why there are more registered agents than there are football players and why many of them represent 0 clients? Take advantage of the fact that many people become registered agents and poorly represent their clients. Do not be one of those people to forget an important deadline that greatly influences one of your clients.