Comments on: CAA MIRED IN CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

Comments on: CAA MIRED IN CONFLICTS OF INTEREST http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/04/17/caa-mired-in-conflicts-of-interest/ The Best Pro Football Scoop on the Internet Thu, 04 Dec 2008 21:39:36 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.3.2 By: m_p_v_13 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/04/17/caa-mired-in-conflicts-of-interest/#comment-17336 m_p_v_13 Sat, 19 Apr 2008 07:19:45 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/04/17/caa-mired-in-conflicts-of-interest/#comment-17336 I have an idea that would help solve the runaway high 1st round bonusus/salaries. I think part of the problem is the unbalanced treatment of the situation where the drafted player is not signed prior to the next draft. Change the rules regarding the treatment of the situation where the drafted player is not signed prior to the next draft. Currently the team looses rights to the player and pick. Let the team that could not sign its drafted player to be compensated with another pick. For example the new pick could be directly after where the unsigned player is redrafted the following year (which is a wash for other teams). This sort of change would give the teams better leverage for negotiating those early pick contracts (until an NBA style cap can be implemented). It is simple and seems to be fair. I don't know if this change would be prohibited by the current CBA. Florio, what do you think? I have an idea that would help solve the runaway high 1st round bonusus/salaries. I think part of the problem is the unbalanced treatment of the situation where the drafted player is not signed prior to the next draft.

Change the rules regarding the treatment of the situation where the drafted player is not signed prior to the next draft. Currently the team looses rights to the player and pick.

Let the team that could not sign its drafted player to be compensated with another pick. For example the new pick could be directly after where the unsigned player is redrafted the following year (which is a wash for other teams).

This sort of change would give the teams better leverage for
negotiating those early pick contracts (until an NBA style cap can be
implemented). It is simple and seems to be fair.

I don’t know if this change would be prohibited by the current CBA.

Florio, what do you think?

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]]> By: Sportsfan1029 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/04/17/caa-mired-in-conflicts-of-interest/#comment-16936 Sportsfan1029 Fri, 18 Apr 2008 03:00:08 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/04/17/caa-mired-in-conflicts-of-interest/#comment-16936 This is not Condon's rule it is Upshaw's NFLPA rule. Blaming Tom Condon is like blaming Colin Powell for Iraq. More to this than the 5 day rule, it was designed as a cool down period and a way for the Agent/Client to get things worked out. The most important thing is any player can still negiotiate for themselves. There is nothing in the CBA that says a player must retain an agent. Tom is the best at his craft and is well respected by most GM's as well as fellow agents. I for one would rather have Tom Condon on my side verses anyone else. This is not Condon’s rule it is Upshaw’s NFLPA rule. Blaming Tom Condon is like blaming Colin Powell for Iraq. More to this than the 5 day rule, it was designed as a cool down period and a way for the Agent/Client to get things worked out. The most important thing is any player can still negiotiate for themselves. There is nothing in the CBA that says a player must retain an agent. Tom is the best at his craft and is well respected by most GM’s as well as fellow agents. I for one would rather have Tom Condon on my side verses anyone else.

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]]> By: empty13 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/04/17/caa-mired-in-conflicts-of-interest/#comment-16918 empty13 Fri, 18 Apr 2008 01:53:42 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/04/17/caa-mired-in-conflicts-of-interest/#comment-16918 Interesting. Is this why a bunch of UCLA hoopsters just declared for the NBA draft and refuse to get agents? Also, re capo gino, condon is on the board for the retired players pensions etc. condon is on gino's personal payroll, capiz... condon doesnt represent former players. what tf is going on here? in a normal industry, condon would be in court / fired etc with respect to (wrt) ever having such a position. Interesting. Is this why a bunch of UCLA hoopsters just declared for the NBA draft and refuse to get agents?

Also, re capo gino, condon is on the board for the retired players pensions etc. condon is on gino’s personal payroll, capiz…

condon doesnt represent former players. what tf is going on here?

in a normal industry, condon would be in court / fired etc with respect to (wrt) ever having such a position.

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]]> By: DozenDeuce http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/04/17/caa-mired-in-conflicts-of-interest/#comment-16875 DozenDeuce Fri, 18 Apr 2008 00:04:27 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/04/17/caa-mired-in-conflicts-of-interest/#comment-16875 Once again Florio hints at what may be the most serious problem that faces the NFL. As I've commented before, while the owners are forbidden to collude with each other, nothing stops agents from colluding. To the detriment of their clients, the 32 franchises and the league as a whole. The worst part is that while people are starting to recognize that Gene Upshaw should not be the head of the NFLPA, what most don't realize is that he's the waterboy of a small group of high-powered agents furthering their agenda under the guise of what's best for the long term interests of the union. As Florio has also pointed out, a few of those individuals have higher ranking positions in the NFLPA than does Upshaw! How do the players take control of their union, when it's the agents that are dictating policy to the players and negotiating contracts on their behalf without being required to tell them what's being offered?! Once again Florio hints at what may be the most serious problem that faces the NFL. As I’ve commented before, while the owners are forbidden to collude with each other, nothing stops agents from colluding. To the detriment of their clients, the 32 franchises and the league as a whole. The worst part is that while people are starting to recognize that Gene Upshaw should not be the head of the NFLPA, what most don’t realize is that he’s the waterboy of a small group of high-powered agents furthering their agenda under the guise of what’s best for the long term interests of the union.

As Florio has also pointed out, a few of those individuals have higher ranking positions in the NFLPA than does Upshaw! How do the players take control of their union, when it’s the agents that are dictating policy to the players and negotiating contracts on their behalf without being required to tell them what’s being offered?!

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]]> By: Raider http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/04/17/caa-mired-in-conflicts-of-interest/#comment-16861 Raider Thu, 17 Apr 2008 23:28:43 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/04/17/caa-mired-in-conflicts-of-interest/#comment-16861 So if a player fires his agent can he negotiate with a team during the 5 days in which he is forbidden from hiring another agent? Jusy wondering. So if a player fires his agent can he negotiate with a team during the 5 days in which he is forbidden from hiring another agent? Jusy wondering.

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]]> By: wingnut http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/04/17/caa-mired-in-conflicts-of-interest/#comment-16802 wingnut Thu, 17 Apr 2008 21:08:22 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/04/17/caa-mired-in-conflicts-of-interest/#comment-16802 Hey KGleits, then tell me why, there is only 9 comments? Hey KGleits, then tell me why, there is only 9 comments?

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]]> By: KGleits http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/04/17/caa-mired-in-conflicts-of-interest/#comment-16684 KGleits Thu, 17 Apr 2008 18:03:21 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/04/17/caa-mired-in-conflicts-of-interest/#comment-16684 Wingnut: Are you serious? Where else will you find articles like this coming from an author who practices in the legal field? Maybe you should stick to SI for Kids. Wingnut:

Are you serious? Where else will you find articles like this coming from an author who practices in the legal field? Maybe you should stick to SI for Kids.

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]]> By: Jack in the Jack http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/04/17/caa-mired-in-conflicts-of-interest/#comment-16630 Jack in the Jack Thu, 17 Apr 2008 16:39:34 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/04/17/caa-mired-in-conflicts-of-interest/#comment-16630 The league should have a salary chart in place for rookies prior to the draft. It should be based on where a particular player is selected. After the player is picked, then he should be able to hire an agent to negotiate his next contract. This will give the player the opportunity to show his team and city that he is deserving a fat pay increase. There are too many busts that come into the league and I believe this will eliminate over spending for someone who hasn't proven themselves. I never buy a car without test driving it first. The league should have a salary chart in place for rookies prior to the draft. It should be based on where a particular player is selected. After the player is picked, then he should be able to hire an agent to negotiate his next contract. This will give the player the opportunity to show his team and city that he is deserving a fat pay increase. There are too many busts that come into the league and I believe this will eliminate over spending for someone who hasn’t proven themselves. I never buy a car without test driving it first.

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]]> By: Stinkfist http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/04/17/caa-mired-in-conflicts-of-interest/#comment-16625 Stinkfist Thu, 17 Apr 2008 16:26:40 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/04/17/caa-mired-in-conflicts-of-interest/#comment-16625 Another thing we can do is put all the drafted players on one side of the field and the agents on the other side. Have someone yell "GO!" and whoever gets to their player first gets his rights. Group them up into "heats" by draft round and air it the day after the draft....or maybe instead of commercials, it can be aired between the rounds. "Coming up next, will Tom Condon's 6.2 time he displayed in warmups cause cost him millions as his draft #'s fall?" Damn, that'd lead to the agents paying their players money to get them the top picks. Imagine Chad Johnson VS Randy Moss VS Devin Hester. Another thing we can do is put all the drafted players on one side of the field and the agents on the other side. Have someone yell “GO!” and whoever gets to their player first gets his rights. Group them up into “heats” by draft round and air it the day after the draft….or maybe instead of commercials, it can be aired between the rounds.

“Coming up next, will Tom Condon’s 6.2 time he displayed in warmups cause cost him millions as his draft #’s fall?”

Damn, that’d lead to the agents paying their players money to get them the top picks. Imagine Chad Johnson VS Randy Moss VS Devin Hester.

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]]> By: Stinkfist http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/04/17/caa-mired-in-conflicts-of-interest/#comment-16616 Stinkfist Thu, 17 Apr 2008 16:20:17 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/04/17/caa-mired-in-conflicts-of-interest/#comment-16616 drhanniballector: I came in to post the same thing, but i think one of the benefits of having the agents before the draft is access to (limited) money to get to the combine, workout, etc etc. Maybe when they redo the CBA, they can have each team set aside X amount of money to be divided evenly amoung all players that declare for the draft to cover only expenses for hotel, airfare, etc. Only thing then is i'm not sure if that breaks any NCAA rules and would kill their eligibility. Still, figure out a way to get these prospects infront of agents and coaches then ban them from signing with an agent before the draft. drhanniballector:

I came in to post the same thing, but i think one of the benefits of having the agents before the draft is access to (limited) money to get to the combine, workout, etc etc. Maybe when they redo the CBA, they can have each team set aside X amount of money to be divided evenly amoung all players that declare for the draft to cover only expenses for hotel, airfare, etc. Only thing then is i’m not sure if that breaks any NCAA rules and would kill their eligibility.

Still, figure out a way to get these prospects infront of agents and coaches then ban them from signing with an agent before the draft.

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]]> By: drhanniballector http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/04/17/caa-mired-in-conflicts-of-interest/#comment-16595 drhanniballector Thu, 17 Apr 2008 15:56:39 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/04/17/caa-mired-in-conflicts-of-interest/#comment-16595 they should ban players from getting agents until after the draft in addition banning pre-draft negotiations. they should ban players from getting agents until after the draft in addition banning pre-draft negotiations.

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]]> By: Klutch http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/04/17/caa-mired-in-conflicts-of-interest/#comment-16590 Klutch Thu, 17 Apr 2008 15:50:26 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/04/17/caa-mired-in-conflicts-of-interest/#comment-16590 Just more proof rookies should have an already determined salary. I get so sick of the drama for weeks and weeks about the pay. Just more proof rookies should have an already determined salary. I get so sick of the drama for weeks and weeks about the pay.

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]]> By: Streetlight http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/04/17/caa-mired-in-conflicts-of-interest/#comment-16562 Streetlight Thu, 17 Apr 2008 15:24:36 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/04/17/caa-mired-in-conflicts-of-interest/#comment-16562 There no reason why an NFL agent shouldn't follow exactly the same conflict-of-interest rules as set out in the rules for professional conduct for attorneys. Under no circumstances could a law firm (or solo) accept direct representation of a second client with exactly the same financial and professional interests. In this case meaning regardless of position. (In some states if the attorney gets the permission of the first client it'll pass -- nevertheless these kids don't understand the ins and outs of conflict-of-interest -- making any such disclosure a meaningless exercise.) The NFL should step in and resolve this obvious conflict-of-interest. Certainly given how Upshaw governs the NFLPA, he doesn't have a clue about the rules of professional conduct. There no reason why an NFL agent shouldn’t follow exactly the same conflict-of-interest rules as set out in the rules for professional conduct for attorneys. Under no circumstances could a law firm (or solo) accept direct representation of a second client with exactly the same financial and professional interests. In this case meaning regardless of position. (In some states if the attorney gets the permission of the first client it’ll pass — nevertheless these kids don’t understand the ins and outs of conflict-of-interest — making any such disclosure a meaningless exercise.)

The NFL should step in and resolve this obvious conflict-of-interest. Certainly given how Upshaw governs the NFLPA, he doesn’t have a clue about the rules of professional conduct.

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]]> By: wingnut http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/04/17/caa-mired-in-conflicts-of-interest/#comment-16531 wingnut Thu, 17 Apr 2008 14:54:00 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/04/17/caa-mired-in-conflicts-of-interest/#comment-16531 To Long Florio, get it Long, and dull, I fell asleep reading this. To Long Florio, get it Long, and dull, I fell asleep reading this.

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]]> By: cincyeaglefan http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/04/17/caa-mired-in-conflicts-of-interest/#comment-16526 cincyeaglefan Thu, 17 Apr 2008 14:46:28 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/04/17/caa-mired-in-conflicts-of-interest/#comment-16526 The kind of info you just don't get from any other site. Interesting take. But it could be worse. His agent could be Master P. The kind of info you just don’t get from any other site. Interesting take. But it could be worse. His agent could be Master P.

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]]> By: Scout http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/04/17/caa-mired-in-conflicts-of-interest/#comment-16520 Scout Thu, 17 Apr 2008 14:35:42 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/04/17/caa-mired-in-conflicts-of-interest/#comment-16520 Why would the next CBA take the agents' feelings into account? It's an agreement between management and union, neither of which player agents are a part of. They've squeezed agents before in regards to how much commission they get. I also see no reason a player (Jake Long in the hypothetical) who is offered a contract by the team with the first pick needs an agent. If the agent won't negotiate the contract, fire him and do it yourself. Any money the player loses will be offset by the 3% he now gets to keep. Why would the next CBA take the agents’ feelings into account? It’s an agreement between management and union, neither of which player agents are a part of. They’ve squeezed agents before in regards to how much commission they get.

I also see no reason a player (Jake Long in the hypothetical) who is offered a contract by the team with the first pick needs an agent. If the agent won’t negotiate the contract, fire him and do it yourself. Any money the player loses will be offset by the 3% he now gets to keep.

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]]> By: pat in philly http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/04/17/caa-mired-in-conflicts-of-interest/#comment-16517 pat in philly Thu, 17 Apr 2008 14:30:14 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/04/17/caa-mired-in-conflicts-of-interest/#comment-16517 Can you explain the reasoning that the 5 day wait is in place? If you could explain what the arguement is for this wait period and then attack that arguement in addition to what you have suggested, it would be much more effective. For all we know, there is other issues at hands that would be effected by eliminating the 5 day period. Anyone know? Can you explain the reasoning that the 5 day wait is in place? If you could explain what the arguement is for this wait period and then attack that arguement in addition to what you have suggested, it would be much more effective. For all we know, there is other issues at hands that would be effected by eliminating the 5 day period.

Anyone know?

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]]> By: brotherjive http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/04/17/caa-mired-in-conflicts-of-interest/#comment-16516 brotherjive Thu, 17 Apr 2008 14:23:34 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/04/17/caa-mired-in-conflicts-of-interest/#comment-16516 In regards to your statement that "Because the team is required per the Collective Bargaining Agreement to deal exclusively with Condon", are you saying that Jake Long couldn't deal directly with the Dolphins management and get a deal done? to me that seems like a serious flaw in the system. In regards to your statement that “Because the team is required per the Collective Bargaining Agreement to deal exclusively with Condon”, are you saying that Jake Long couldn’t deal directly with the Dolphins management and get a deal done? to me that seems like a serious flaw in the system.

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