A couple of months ago, nude photos of high profile St. Kilda players were released on the internet. The photos were proposed to be stolen from one of the player’s computers by a 17 year old girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons.

In the midst of this scandal developing, AFL Player Agent Ricky Nixon, who represented some of the players, was negotiating with the girl a resolution that would see an end to this saga.

Flash forward to now and it has been revealed that Ricky spent considerable time with the girl, and there are claims by her that he had a sexual affair with her, which he vehemently denies. Adding to this, it is alleged that he brought illegal drugs to her in her hotel room.

He admits that his relationship with her was ‘inappropriate’, but not sexual.

Video footage has now hit the web showing the girl rummaging through what appears to be his trousers, showing his IDs. Another video shows a man who looks like Ricky in his underwear on a bed.

The girl involved has been questioned by police in regards to breaches in surveillance.

After all of this, the AFL Players Association (AFLPA) had to respond. With Ricky going overseas for business meetings, the AFLPA has decided to hand this matter to an independent investigator to get to the bottom of it.

So the question that arises is should Ricky Nixon, the most prolific agent in AFL be allowed to conitnue operating as an Agent?

In the AFLPA’s statement regarding the matter, they look at certain regulations which an Agent must uphold:

• Not engage in conduct which has an adverse impact on his or her competence to serve in a fiduciary capacity on behalf of his or her clients;
• At all times represents his or her client with a conscientious regard for their personal and professional welfare;
• Not doing anything that is materially detrimental to his or her client; and
• Not acting dishonestly or fraudulently while representing his or her client.

It is easy to see that the first point may have been breached. Having an inappropriate relationship with this girl may cloud his judgment in his clients dealings, considering she was involved in a scandal involving players that he has the duty of representing. While he initially sought her out to settle the matter, his relationship may have provided a conflict of interest.

The rest of the points are hard to gauge without all evidence coming to light. I believe that Ricky was initially acting solely in the best interests of his clients and he has committed an error of judgment on his part, which was inappropriate considering the events that had previously transpired.

Most of his clients have declined to comment on whether they will stay with him until the matter is settled.

I have written on Ricky Nixon previously with posts regarding him located here.

AFL Agent Ricky Nixon in Hot Water from Sports Agent Blog - Sports Business, Sports Law, Sports Negotiations, NCAA Rules

The Sports Agent Directory is the most comprehensive sports agent directory in the world.  Sure, we provide links to various agency websites in our Sports Agencies feature, but the Sports Agency Directory, which is offered by Sports Agent 411, LLC provides everything you could possibly need in terms of information regarding athletes and their agents.  And information is power.

This product should be interesting to a wide array of individuals, including but not limited to, financial planners, concierge services, real estate agents, relocation specialists, nutritionists, training facilities, private jet companies, and web designers.  If you have a business that in some way may cater to athletes, this product will save you time, provide you valuable and up-to-date information, and save you money.

Best of all, the database is extremely easy to use.  Here are a few things you can do with it:

• Search for the agent, agency, or athlete name by simply typing a  name.
• Search for sports agents by sports specialization (MLB, NBA, WNBA, NFL, LPGA, PGA, NHL, ATP, WTA, MLS, FIFA), total salaries negotiated, total number of clients, or geographic state/region/country.
• Search for athletes by the sports the athletes play, teams the athletes play for, salaries earned, or by salary ranking.
• Download each and every agent’s vCard to your address book and export your search results to Excel or PDF.

A concern you may have is that the database will not have valid information since athletes and agents are constantly changing where they work and who they work with.  The first thing I decided to do was test the database a day after Dan Lozano left Beverly Hills Sports Council.  Sure enough, he was no longer listed with the firm, and the clients that he took with him from BHSC were listed with him and no longer with BHSC.  And the database is also kept fresh with new salary information, player-agent switches, etc.

Here is what you can expect to find when you pull up an agency:

• Sports agency name
• Web site addresses, mailing addresses, phone/fax numbers
• Agents, principals, and decision-makers within agency
• Option to download vCard to address book for each agent/executive
• Total salaries represented
• Number of clients
• Names of clients, including Sport (League) name, Team name, Salary, Status, Professional league profile page link
• Option to export detailed search results to PDF and save
• Option to export address list search results to Excel and save

The Sports Agent Directory includes over 590 sports agencies and 1,050 sports agents.  And if you thought that’s a lot of information on the sports agent side, wait until you see what is offered in terms of customization of results according to athlete selected:

• Search for athletes by name
• Search for athletes by sport(s)
• Search for athletes by team names
• Search for athletes by minimum/maximum salary range
• Search for athletes by salaries
  • Top 10, 25, 50, 75, 150, 200, or ALL by order from highest to lowest
• Sort by Athlete name, agency name, recent salary, team name, or sport
• Athlete search results include the following: Athlete name, Agency name, Sport (League) Name, Team Name, Salary, Status, Professional league profile page link, Comprehensive agency details (see above)
• Option to export search results to PDF and Excel and also save
• Directory includes the following recent contracts/salaries:
  • Baseball (MLB) $2,791,608,253.00 (1,100+ players)
  • Basketball (NBA) $2,028,572,288.00 (450+ players)
  • Basketball (WNBA) $8,077,242.00 (120+ players)
  • Football (NFL) $3,009,647,577.00 (2,000+ players)
  • Golf (PGA) $297,854,588.00 (500 players)
  • Golf (LPGA) $33,620,120.00 (115+ players)
  • Hockey (NHL) $1,722,204,565.00 (1,000+ players)
  • Tennis (ATP) $68,480,832.00 (130 players)
  • Tennis (WTA) $45,916,487.00 (65+ players)
  • Auto Racing (NASCAR) $166,438,043.00 (41 athletes)

I’m not done yet.  The listings only include sports agencies and agents who have clients, so you don’t have to waste your time pitching agencies and agents who do not have clients.  Additionally, you will receive email updates whenever new data is available, such as new client hirings, firings, etc.

So now the big question – how much does it cost? It is $2,500 for a 1-user yearly subscription or $250 per month for a yearly subscription.  $5,000 for a 3-user subscription and very favorable pricing plans for large groups/corporations..

If you are interested in testing the product feel free to contact me.  Readers of SportsAgentBlog.com may be eligible for a slight discount off of the stated price. I would not sell a product that I have not tested myself, and after trying out the service, I can see its true value.

INTRODUCING: The Sports Agent Directory from Sports Agent Blog - Sports Business, Sports Law, Sports Negotiations, NCAA Rules

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/#

High Drama in the NBA from Sports Agent Blog - Sports Business, Sports Law, Sports Negotiations, NCAA Rules

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.

Darek Braunecker Is A Fan Of This World Series from Sports Agent Blog - Sports Business, Sports Law, Sports Negotiations, NCAA Rules

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.

2009 NFLPA Contract Advisor Applicants, Start Your Engines from Sports Agent Blog - Sports Business, Sports Law, Sports Negotiations, NCAA Rules

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.

Interview With The Agent: Ken Pavia from Sports Agent Blog - Sports Business, Sports Law, Sports Negotiations, NCAA Rules

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.

Culpepper Retiring from the NFL from Sports Agent Blog - Sports Business, Sports Law, Sports Negotiations, NCAA Rules

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.

NFL: Free Agency Deadlines from Sports Agent Blog - Sports Business, Sports Law, Sports Negotiations, NCAA Rules