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

Although in the past, Terrell Owens has advised fans to “getcho popcorn ready,” it seems that owners and coaches alike aren’t quite that hungry for his presence on the field nowadays.  After last year’s stint with the Buffalo Bills in which Owens amassed a meager 55 receptions for 829 yards and only 5 touchdowns, not many teams are clamoring for the loud mouthed 36-year old to join their receiving corps.  Don’t try telling that to T.O.’s agent Drew Rosenhaus, though.  Rosnehaus reportedly told ESPN’s Adam Schefter that he was “very confident” that Owens will be signed to a new team within the next few weeks.  However, this isn’t saying much coming from the ever-confident Rosenhaus, who has over 100 active negotiated NFL contracts.  Hell, he even negotiated the price of his lunch on a SportsCenter commercial that aired on ESPN.  However, convincing a cafeteria worker vs. the likes of Bob McNair and Bud Adams is a completely different animal.  Here are some teams that could be interested in T.O., who is now self-proclaimed “patient” and still in great shape:

1. Houston Texans.  While he would have to take a backseat to the number 1 receiver, Andre Johnson (something that would not bode well with the ego we’ve all grown accustomed to T.O. brandishing), Houston could use Owens in the number 2 spot for shorter routes and checkdown plays on which Johnson is doubled deep.  QB Matt Schaub led the league with 4770 passing yards last year, and could use another big time target.  The Texans had their first winning season in 2009, and though they narrowly missed making the playoffs, perhaps T.O.’s desire to win can help put them over the edge.  However, his infamous reputation as a “locker room cancer” could set Houston back.
2. Cincinnati Bengals.  “League clown” Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owens (at least according to Ochocinco’s Twitter page) have become very close friends this past offseason.  Both are filming television shows for VH1, both have been attending the same parties and traveling in similar circles of friends, and both are loud, obnoxious, and extremely athletically gifted.  While these are in no way, shape, or form reasons to pay someone millions of dollars to join your NFL organization, you can’t help but hope that the off-field chemistry between these two guys could translate into a spectacular tandem of receivers on the field.  Again, though, their locker room antics could ruin whatever chemistry the rest of the team may have at this point.
3. Tennessee Titans.  Nate Washington, Kenny Britt, and Justin Gage.  The top three receivers for the Titans at this point are virtually unknowns unless you play in a 12-team fantasy league.  Also, rumors had it that Tennessee was interested in signing Matt Jones – not the most stable-minded player available.  This is an upside for Owens.
4. Denver Broncos.  When one door closes, another door opens.  They just unloaded Mini-T.O. (Brandon Marshall) so why not pick up the real deal?  With the gamble McDaniels and the Broncos organization took drafting college great but possible NFL bust Tebow in the first round, there’s no reason they can’t gamble on the guy he could throw to.  Additionally, although he hasn’t gotten along with quarterbacks in the past, maybe the older, dare I say more mature and humbled, Owens could provide the rookie Tebow with wisdom and advice?  Or perhaps in this case, it would be the other way around.
5. Washington Redskins.  Terrell Owens teaming up with the quarterback he once vehemently feuded with on the sidelines during a game, calling him out and saying that Brett Favre would be better in his position, would be interesting.  Playing in the same division with two previous teams he had “strained” relationships would also be interesting.  Living and working in the nation’s capital with plenty of media abound at all times would be far too interesting.  Nonetheless, the Redskins could use a talented receiver opposite Santana Moss, and T.O. could be the best available.  Interesting…

There could be more teams pondering the acquisition of Terrell Owens, and there could be less.  Regardless, it is more than likely that Rosenhaus will have his client on one of 32 rosters within the next few weeks.  If only he could convince owners that they should be as “very confident” as he is in Terrell Owens, it could be sooner than later.

Rosenhaus Has Options With Terrell Owens from Sports Agent Blog - Sports Business, Sports Law, Sports Negotiations, NCAA Rules

Ever since I realized I would not be the ‘shining star’ on the court as I always wanted to be (rather a warm body on the bench), I have wanted to become a ‘Sports Agent.’ If Jerry Maguire taught us anything, it is that being a sports agent is cool. Well, maybe that’s only partially true.

So what’s my opinion on becoming a sports agent? Perception is sometimes different than reality.

Many people on the ‘outside,’ believe that it is all about money, fame, big-time negotiations, and guest appearances at pro sidelines, but in actuality it is more so about the core-fundamentals of both business and law. You are a business person.

It’s tough to get into this business – I’ve sent emails, letters, networked, reverse-networked, you name it, and have received a low yield of replies. For someone who has tossed around the idea of a career in sports more times than TO (Terrell Owens) has jumped teams, I have concluded one thing: You must provide some type of value to get in and stay in this business. If you can’t do something for someone, then they really don’t want you.

It’s hard to hear, but it’s true.

Some people are just not cut out for this role in the sports or even entertainment industry – you must have something driving you, a voice, a calling, a passion, compelling you to get up each and every morning and fight for your beliefs and most importantly your client. I prefer to refer to a sports agent as an Advocate – you are the voice that prevails among owners, GM’s, and a slue of bad people in this world.

It may seem ‘holistic,’ and it quite possibly could be, but I believe in strong values and a stronger proposition.

If you’re thinking about exploring the route of becoming a sports agent, just remember, you must love to network, have a passion for competition, and have a greater sense of urgency to connect with others, both at a professional and a personal level.

It’s easy to spot a fake, so stay true to who you are; don’t back down from anyone or anything – the right opportunities will arise if you are persistent and patient.

A Newcomer’s Perspective Part I: How to Break Into the Industry – And Know It’s Not For Me from Sports Agent Blog - Sports Business, Sports Law, Sports Negotiations, NCAA Rules

Sports Agencies

• Can’t wait to have Mr. Biagas on the Basketball CBA panel at the 2010 UF Sports Law Symposium [WMG Hires Longtime NBPA Deputy Counsel Hal Biagas As Exec VP].
• Another young agency trying to make it happen in this competitive industry [Former Fighting Irish star athlete now player agent].

Football

• At least one agent thinks this way [Jake Locker made the right decision].
• I REALLY appreciate the openness of Jack Bechta in this post [The agent's presentation].
• Major factor = T.O. actually enjoys the drink. Btw, interesting avoidance of using the phrase “Super Bowl” in the release [Blue Gem's Title Sports Drink, Terrell Owens (T.O.) to Kick Start Endorsement Deal During Week of the Big Game February 7th].

Baseball

• A nice look at what Johan Santana deals with off of the field [Santana’s Home. Grab Your Glove.].
• Former agent, Dennis Gilbert, came close, but Chuck Greenberg beat him out [A new Chuck takes on Texas].

Basketball

• The money overseas is great, but players must always think long-term [Players in Europe Ponder an N.B.A. Pension].

Shabbat Shalom: Friday Wrap-Up (12/18/09) from Sports Agent Blog - Sports Business, Sports Law, Sports Negotiations, NCAA Rules

The end of the 2009 NFL season will allow a number of solid football players to hit the open market. Usually, in the last year of players’ contracts, that player will play hard and put forth a great deal of effort in order to receive a substantial contract the following year. This year, however, some of the big names in the league are not showing teams that they are worth big pay days.

PFTV reported on Braylon Edwards‘ sloppy season and how his year has fallen apart five weeks in. Other players such as Shawne Merriman, Demarcus Ware, and Terrell Owens are having pretty sub-par seasons so far.

After the Brady Quinn failure in Cleveland, Braylon Edwards hoped that Derek Anderson would hit him with some passes……fail. Then, as if his 0 catch game against the Bengals was bad enough, he allegedly punched LeBron James’ friend after the game at around 2:30 AM (this case is still being looked at). Let’s see if he can earn a big pay check using Mark Sanchez’s arm.

Merriman’s troubles started with his injury last year; after returning and looking forward to a promising season, he was arrested on domestic violence charges (this case was tossed). In my eyes, Merriman is still a solid football player – he is only 25 and has a lot of years ahead of him if he can rehab properly. However, his 8 total tackles in 4 weeks has failed to prove me right.

You can blame Terrell Owens’ mediocre season on Trent Edwards (otherwise known as Captain Checkdown), or you can blame it on Buffalo’s solid running game this season, or you can blame it on whatever you’d like. With 8 receptions for 158 yards and 1 touchdown, T.O. has not impressed me this season and to be honest, I have no clue where he could end up next season.

Demarcus Ware has only 16 tackles and 1 forced fumble so far this season. Not horrible, but not good for someone looking to score big in the “cha-ching” department. Manny Lawson of the 49ers has 23 tackles so far and Patrick Willis has 37 tackles, 2.5 sacks and 2 interceptions (Willis is a MLB, though).

It’s all about performing in the NFL. If these guys don’t clean up their acts and get their heads in the game, they will be left with less cash than guys like Derrick Mason, Ronnie Brown, Pierre Thomas and Darren Sharper, who are all playing exceptionally well.

Don’t Underachieve? You Better Believe from Sports Agent Blog - Sports Business, Sports Law, Sports Negotiations, NCAA Rules

My colleague Douglas Sanders with The Sports Link introduced me to the new service, which strives to make it easier for athletes to connect with their fans by providing “text only once, but update fans everywhere” convenience.  If an athlete sends a text message to MogoTXT, MogoTXT can automatically forward that message to the athlete’s fans on MogoTXT, Twitter, Facebook, MySpace and all other websites.

Terrell Owens, Shane Battier, Chris “Beanie” Wells, Santonio Holmes, Jordan Farmar, and even Mr. Holdout, Michael Crabtree, are on board, along with many more athletes and rising journalists.  Some entities use the service more than others.  T.O. is updating the world on his life almost every second of the day…Beanie Wells, not so much.

In addition to providing ease and convenience to athletes, MogoTXT is able to aggregate the fans of an athlete that are located on several different websites into a single large audience to enable the athlete to achieve critical mass much faster for purposes of fan relations, marketing, advertising, etc.  The theory is that the service will empower athletes and their agents to strike better endorsement deals by enhancing athletes’ reach and providing marketing data.

MogoTXT can also facilitate revenue generation for athletes and their selected charities by working with athletes and their agents to feature desirable ads and clickable links to additional content and ads at the bottom of the athletes’ text messages before these messages are displayed on MogoTXT and also distributed to fans on all of the major social networks.

And for the Yao Mings and Kobe Bryants with huge international appeal, MogoTXT can also translate the messages into foreign languages on a near real-time basis.

Best of all, the service is free for its clients and their fans.

Reach Everybody With One Text from Sports Agent Blog - Sports Business, Sports Law, Sports Negotiations, NCAA Rules

There are a few very admirable guys out there to include: Jerry Rice, Tim Brown, Cris Carter, Art Monk, Raymond Berry, Lynn Swann, Andre Reed, and Marvin Harrison. Guys who did it all on the field, but also showed respect to the game and did it the right away. It’s a shame the media prevents us from seeing these all time great receivers more often.

What I mean is that the media is so focused on the Terrell Owens’ and Chad Johnson’s of the world. Guys who have distracted teammates with their antics, which therefore was the beginning of the end for franchises (T.O. with the Cowboys, Eagles, 49ers & Johnson with the Bengals). I feel with giving Terrell a 1 year 6 mil$ deal, the Buffalo Bills made a great move, because at first, the Bills will be so excited to have a guy that gets as much media attention as Owens in Buffalo. Trust me; in this economy it will make very nice money. So after his year of great production (think 75 receptions 1250 yards and 11 touchdowns), the Bills will have gotten their money’s worth. Next they should let him walk and catch on to another team for one year. Terrell is truly a great football player. He works hard and I appreciate him a lot for that as a player. It’s just, Terrell come on, how has this perceived idea of you “destructing every team you go to” gotten so much notoriety? I wish I could sit down and ask him that, because that is all that is holding him back in my book, of being one of the greatest football players of all time at his respective position.

This is just a quick thought that I wanted to share with you guys about the NFL, particularly about great all-time receivers… from Sports Agent Blog - Sports Business, Sports Law, Sports Negotiations, NCAA Rules

• Alvin Keels and Joel Segal got DeAngelo Hall $54 million ($22.5 million guaranteed) in a 6-year deal with the Redskins.
• The Redskins have already spent a lot not only on Hall, but also on Albert Haynesworth.  Chad Speck got his client a 7-year deal worth a maximum of $115 million if he remains with the team all 7 years and meets all performance bonus clauses ($41 million is guaranteed, including $32 million in the first 13-months of the contract).  Is there still a salary cap in the NFL?  At least the Skins don’t have to worry about Jason Taylor taking money away from the cap (he was released).
• If he knew about this website, Sage Rosenfels would be a fan of our Shabbat Shalom: Friday Wrap-Up.  For the time being, he will be counting his money that the Minnesota Vikings offered him.  Rick Smith got his client a 2-year deal worth $9 million.  Not bad for a guy who does not have the starting job wrapped up in Minnesota.
• Kenneth Vierra did not instruct his client, Chris Kemoeatu, to sign with whatever team presented the most money to his client.  Instead, Kemoeatu accepted a $20 million, 5-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers (including $6 million guaranteed), and passed up a bigger offer from the New York Jets.
• Will Cedric Benson be the starting RB for the Cincinnati Bengals?  Who knows?  What we do know is that Eugene Parker was able to get Benson a 2-year, $7 million deal.
• The Bengals also agreed to terms with Laveranues Coles.  Roosevelt Barnes is happy to see his client join Ocho Cinco.  Barnes also helped structure the 4-year, $28 million contract.
• No one will be competing for the starting inside linebacker position on the Baltimore Ravens.  Ray Lewis tested the free-agent market and did not like what he saw.  Or maybe he just loves being a Raven.  He re-signed with the team, while teammate, Bart Scott, signed with the Jets.
• And last, but not least, some guy that goes by T.O. signed with the Buffalo Bills.  Terrell Owens and his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, accepted a 1-year, $6.5 million deal.  It is a little bit colder in Buffalo than Dallas.

What’s The NFL Free Agency Word? from Sports Agent Blog - Sports Business, Sports Law, Sports Negotiations, NCAA Rules

Sean Avery

Avery’s actions have led many throughout the hockey world to chastise him as being bad for a sport which takes pride in limiting these types of incidents.  Comparisons have been drawn between Avery and Terrell Owens.  This comparison leads me to wonder, would Drew Rosenhaus be a good fit to represent Avery?  Next question.

“He wants to play hockey,” his agent, Pat Morris, said. “He wants to come back and help Dallas in the sense of putting them in a position to move him along.”  Well he won’t be helping Dallas anytime soon, but expect to see him back in a Rangers uniform within the next few weeks.  Avery’s first game with Hartford went well; he had several scoring chances and his presence elicited a fight on his second shift (surprise, surprise).

Avery’s agent obviously keeps busy, but at what cost?  There certainly aren’t any companies waiting in line to sign Avery to an endorsement contract.  Even local appearances are a long shot.  On the other hand, just like T.O., Avery sells tickets.  Hartford’s average attendance this season is 3,844.  The attendance on the night of Avery’s return was 5,899.  Fans could be seen wearing Avery’s number 16 Rangers jersey in the stands, eagerly anticipating his return, for better or worse.  Could Avery be something of a marketing tool for Morris?  “I represent Sean Avery, so I have dealt with the worst of the worst and, just like I have done for him, I will always be able to find you a team, ” Morris could say.

Misunderstood is a good word to describe Avery.  He loves the game and wants it to grow as much as possible.  Most of what he says and does is for that reason.  Apparently he’s just too dumb to realize he’s going about it the wrong way.

The Superpest Returns from Sports Agent Blog - Sports Business, Sports Law, Sports Negotiations, NCAA Rules

Next Question is actually the second book written by Rosenhaus.  His first title, A Shark Never Sleeps, focused primarily on his early years as a University of Miami undergrad student, Duke law school student, and eventually a figure in the Miami scene, hawking UM and Miami Dolphins practices in an attempt to win over potential clients.  While A Shark Never Sleeps seems to be written to be an interesting story, Next Question’s purpose is to act as more of a lesson book on how to succeed in the business, using personal stories as examples.  I must give Drew credit for being very thorough in his personal accounts, laying a lot of information previously held in privacy so that readers could learn and understand how many of his negotiations went down.

If you are reading this blog, then I am sure that you have heard the phrase, Next Question before.  Only three days into starting this blog (yes, way back on Jan 2, 2006), I focused on the famous T.O. press conference where Drew answered almost 90% of the questions directed his way with, “next question.”  The conference drew so much press that apparently Rosenhaus has now made the phrase a part of his philosophy (and the title of his second book).  Not surprisingly, the first two chapters (roughly one-sixth of the entire book) revolves around Terrell Owens and Drew’s role in his negotiations.  One common thread throughout the book is that somehow Drew always comes out on top.  I am not saying that Rosenhaus has not had a very impressive record, but it also helps when you write the book.

The many pages devoted to Drew’s karate instructor were very touching, but the real interesting parts of Next Question concern his tips to successful negotiating and advice on how to be the best.  Here are chosen sentences from page 70 that I particularly enjoyed reading:

You have to trust one person to help you get drafted high and to negotiate your contract.  You can make enough money with that one contract to provide you and your family with financial security for the rest of your life.  Are you gonna hire some kid stil in law school?  Are you gonna hire someone your age?  How could I accomplish the impossible while competing against established experienced agents twice my age?  Why would anyone hire me to be their agent while I was still in law school?  They would if I was the best agent out there.

Pretty inspiring stuff.  I could not help but think about how similar of a situation I am in when talking to potential clients that are my age or older and speaking to their parents who are more than twice my age.  But as Rosenhaus says, if you know your stuff and believe in yourself, you can do it.  On page 123, Rosenhaus also states that If you want to be an NFL agent, there is no better place than South Florida to make your headquarters.  Again, that point truly hits home.  But enough about my own personal connections to Drew’s story.

In the beginning of this post I mentioned that Drew really does love himself.  I’ll stick by that point.  At the same time, though, he shows another side of him in Next Question.  He highlights the times that he has been fired or passed over for a rival agent.  And he makes sure to point out that in defeat, he takes it like a man and does not scream profanities to the player or other agent.  By staying poised, calm, and persistent, he has been able to win many of those players back in the longrun.  But in true Rosenhaus form, a few pages later, he talks about turning into a vegetarian, but notes that he “still likes to chew up and spit out sports agents.”

Overall, I thought that Next Question was a terrific read.  To tell you the truth, I went into reading it hoping that it would be sub-par.  I will admit that I have tried to contact Drew Rosenhaus in the past to absolutely no avail.  I take pride on the number and value of the relationships that I have created in the sports agent world, and have found it miraculous that my attempts to contact a fellow local colleague have resulted in no response in the past.  Anyway, I still think that he wrote a terrific story that in the end, even gives some helpful advice regarding the differences in signing bonuses.  Go pick up the book and leave your comments below.

Book Review: Next Question from Sports Agent Blog - Sports Business, Sports Law, Sports Negotiations, NCAA Rules