I'm certain the problem is that "Team Bush" is asking for quarterback-level dollars -- something like a $50 million signing bonus and $70 million contract -- and the Texans aren't going to pay that. So, enter Mario Williams. For draft first-timers, it's not the first time a defensive player would be picked number one. The Dallas Cowboys did it with Russell Maryland.
April 18, 2006, 11:28PM
ON PRO FOOTBALL
Flirtations before draft make Houston spin city
By JOHN MCCLAIN
Copyright 2006 Houston Chronicle
The Texans insist there's no guarantee they will use the first pick in the draft on running back Reggie Bush.
The Texans swear that those of us who believe Bush's name will be the first called by commissioner Paul Tagliabue on April 29 could end up being terribly wrong.
When team executives talk so glowingly about defensive end Mario Williams, they do so almost in unison, as if they're reading from a script.
You point out to them that they invited Williams to visit them one day after Bush and agent Joel Segal left town. You mention that even though both sides insist money was never brought up while Bush and Segal were in town, rumors are circulating that the agent mentioned figures so preposterous that they called Williams the next day.
Merely coincidences, the Texans claim. They say they really are as enamored of Williams as they are of Bush. They say they think both will be superstars. They insist that coming down the stretch, Williams has closed the gap with Bush, and it's a dead heat.
They also know hardly anyone believes them. And they're right.
Most of us can accept taking Bush over Vince Young. Bush has impeccable credentials. He's instant excitement. He has take-your-breath-away speed and quickness, and every time he touches the ball he's capable of scoring. And Bush has the fear factor in his favor. When the huddle breaks, the defense has to account for him all over the field.
Big and speedy
The Texans agree, but they counter that Williams (6-7, 295) runs a 4.70 40-yard dash, bench-presses 18-wheelers and has other impeccable credentials. When the ball's snapped, he's instant excitement, too. Just imagine him bearing down on Peyton Manning. Just imagine the kind of rush Williams will provide.
Yeah, but Williams doesn't score touchdowns. Bush will score a lot more than Williams prevents.
Still, during peak smoke-
screen season, when we know team executives around the league are lying because their lips are moving — what if the Texans are telling the truth?
What if coach Gary Kubiak really does believe Williams is the best prospect in the draft? Not the best defensive prospect, which everyone agrees on, but the best prospect overall. Perhaps even one of the best ever.
Kubiak loves to watch tape of players. When he hits the pause button, perhaps he leans back and thinks, "Would I rather use my first draft choice as a head coach on the next Reggie White or the next Barry Sanders?"
After leaving Philadelphia, White helped turn around a franchise and won a Super Bowl ring with Green Bay.
Sanders was one of the greatest and most exciting runners in history, but the closest he got to the Super Bowl was a big-screen television.
Still, White wouldn't have won a Super Bowl without Brett Favre. Perhaps Sanders would be wearing a Super Bowl ring if he had played with White or Favre.
Good predicament
The Texans say they're torn right now. And they say it with a straight face. When they say it, their fingers aren't crossed. Their toes aren't, either.
Perhaps owner Bob McNair really was serious last week when he said the Texans believe Williams can make the same kind of impact on defense that Bush can make on offense.
Williams plays the position that's ticketed for Anthony Weaver, the most expensive free agent signed this offseason.
But Williams is so good he can play the right side. In passing situations, imagine a scenario where Williams would move to left end when Weaver moved inside. Antwan Peek would come off the bench.
Bush, of course, could line up in the I-formation or one- and two-back sets. He also could line up at wide receiver or in the slot.
He can also return kickoffs and punts, which Williams can't do. At least, we don't think he can.
So this is what we've come to: Bush vs. Williams instead of Bush vs. Young.
Decisions, decisions.
No matter how much the Texans insist they've fallen in love with Williams and that it's not just a spring fling, here's something we can't get beyond: that the Texans' interest in Williams will disappear if Segal calls and says something like, "I really would like to get this deal done before the draft so Reggie and I can parade around Manhattan next week like a float in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade."
John McClain covers the Texans and the NFL for the Chronicle. john.mcclain@chron.com.
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
Monday, April 17, 2006
Vince Young On His Lawyer, Major Adams "He Means So Much To Me" - An Insite Into The Importance of Trust
This shed's light on the thinking behind the formation of "Team Vince."
This is from the blog: April 15, 2006, 11:39PM
NFL NOTEBOOK
Texans have to consider buzz factor
Team knows it's Bush or Young, not Williams, who will sell tickets
By JOHN MCCLAIN
Copyright 2006 Houston Chronicle
Major league
Houston attorney Major Adams is getting a lot of frequent-flier miles traveling around the NFL with his most famous client — quarterback Vince Young.
After the Jets work out Young in Houston this week, the quarterback and Adams visit Cleveland and Minnesota.
"Major means so much to me," Young said. "He's like a father to me. We have a good time together, even when it's not just business. I'm real close to him. He's got my best interests at heart."
Young has come under a lot of criticism for selecting Adams to represent him rather than a more established agent.
"Major's been around our family so long," Young said. "He and my uncle ( Keith) grew up together. I don't know what I'd do without them.
"I feel very comfortable with Major. He and my uncle work so well together. They take great care of me. They'll protect me. They know what I want for me and my family. We're going to stick together and make this work over the long haul.
"Some of those (agents) taking shots at Major started the same way he did with one client. I hope people come to respect him. He's been in the (law) business a long time. He wanted to do something different, and I felt like I could give him an opportunity to do that.
"I'm confident that Major can do the things that need to be done for me and my family."
This is from the blog: April 15, 2006, 11:39PM
NFL NOTEBOOK
Texans have to consider buzz factor
Team knows it's Bush or Young, not Williams, who will sell tickets
By JOHN MCCLAIN
Copyright 2006 Houston Chronicle
Major league
Houston attorney Major Adams is getting a lot of frequent-flier miles traveling around the NFL with his most famous client — quarterback Vince Young.
After the Jets work out Young in Houston this week, the quarterback and Adams visit Cleveland and Minnesota.
"Major means so much to me," Young said. "He's like a father to me. We have a good time together, even when it's not just business. I'm real close to him. He's got my best interests at heart."
Young has come under a lot of criticism for selecting Adams to represent him rather than a more established agent.
"Major's been around our family so long," Young said. "He and my uncle ( Keith) grew up together. I don't know what I'd do without them.
"I feel very comfortable with Major. He and my uncle work so well together. They take great care of me. They'll protect me. They know what I want for me and my family. We're going to stick together and make this work over the long haul.
"Some of those (agents) taking shots at Major started the same way he did with one client. I hope people come to respect him. He's been in the (law) business a long time. He wanted to do something different, and I felt like I could give him an opportunity to do that.
"I'm confident that Major can do the things that need to be done for me and my family."
62 Percent Of Houston Chronicle Readers Think Texans Should Pick Reggie Bush Over Vince Young
I just saw it on the Houston Chronicle's website. It's a landside election for the USC tailback and in Vince Young's back yard, Houston.
New Blog URL: www.nflbusinessblog.com
Yep. That's the new website adress of this blog. It's easier to remember than the other one.
So, bookmark www.nflbusinessblog.com
So, bookmark www.nflbusinessblog.com
Sunday, April 16, 2006
Mike Silver On Vince Young
SI's Mike Silver's got a great take on Vince Young's draft stock and why it's not really falling at all. You can read all of it with a click on the title of this post. Here's the first page below:
Still the one
No reason for Young's stock to fall since Rose Bowl
Posted: Friday April 14, 2006 12:04PM; Updated: Friday April 14, 2006 5:11PM
"The trouble with you is the trouble with me. You've got two good eyes but you still don't see...."
-- Grateful Dead, "Casey Jones"
Back when he was at UCLA, my father took a final exam in which the professor presented only a single hypothetical question requiring a yes or no answer, with the addendum, "If yes, explain."
Reasoning that the basic setup of the query begged for an affirmative response, each of my dad's classmates began scribbling furiously -- but my father simply sat at his desk and stared at the test. After a couple of minutes he went with his gut, wrote "No" in his blue book and, to the amazement of his fellow students, walked out of the room and headed straight to Santa Anita to bet on the Daily Double.
It was a hell of a gamble, and it spoke to a basic premise that applies to the NFL's bizarre courtship of former Texas quarterback Vince Young: If the available evidence tells you something is so, there's no need to overthink the question.
Or, to put it another way: Why do so many teams at or near the top of the NFL draft seem to be going to such great lengths to talk themselves out of picking Young?
Yeah, I know, Reggie Bush is fantastic, and his fellow ex-USC backfieldmate, Matt Leinart, is a ballsy leader who's probably going to be a heck of an NFL player. And while I can't say I've watched a whole lot of North Carolina State football recently, I'm sure 6-foot-7 defensive end Mario Williams has the potential to be a pass-rushing beast for some lucky team.
I'm also well aware that at the combine, Young reportedly had a subpar showing on the Wonderlic test, the same faithful measuring stick of intelligence that rated Ryan Leaf 11 points ahead of Dan Marino. And no, Young does not fit the traditional drop-back profile of a classic NFL quarterback, and he'll certainly have to adjust to the speed and complexity of pro defenses and may take some lumps in the process.
Fine. All of those points are valid. Now let me start by offering a two-word rebuttal: Rose Bowl.
Oh yeah, remember that game? My new friend LenDale White does -- more on our burgeoning relationship later -- and the ultra-confident former USC running back is still haunted by the sight of Young snatching a national title from the Trojans by the sheer force of his talent, will and poise.
Did CAA Give Leigh Steinberg "Six Figures" To "Walk Away" From Filing A Greivance Against The CAA / Tom Condon Team?
More on the Matt Leinart Matter. It seems that Chuck Price may have been the agent acting inappropriately. According to Florio at Profootball talk....
PRICE TAKING THE LEAD IN TEAM LEINART
The source that has been feeding us all sorts of interesting tidbits regarding the recent upheaval in the representation team handling USC quarterback Matt Leinart tells us that, while Leinart will replace Leigh Steinberg with Tom Condon of Creative Artists Agency, relative novice Chuck Price has strengthened his position significantly, and could be listed as the lead agent.
Indeed, it was Price's growing influence over the situation that prompted Matt Leinart and his father, Bob, to take a close look at adding a replacement other than Condon. Most observers believed that Leinart's existing relationship with CAA made the choice of Condon a no-brainer, but we're hearing from multiple sources that Ryan and Bruce Tollner, who currently are colleagues of Steinberg, also were under consideration for the Leinart representation. Steinberg, we're told, made a strong push to keep Leinart, and at least one other firm was in the mix.
Word is that the Tollners would have partnered up with Price, if Leinart had chosen to add the Tollners to the team. In fact, we hear that there's a still a possibility that the Tollners will join Price's shop. Some league insiders believe that, if this happens, there's a possibility that the Tollners will carry with them Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. (Of course, the Tollners might want to have a brief chat with David Dunn before trying to leave Steinberg's shop and taking with them one or more of Steinberg's existing clients.)
The winner to date in this process is Price. Widely regard as a wannabe, Price successfully has parlayed relationships with Steinberg and Leinart's personal quarterbacks coach, Steve Clarkson, into the prime spot in the representation team. We're told that Clarkson has now surprisingly been cast aside, too. Some league insiders are convinced that Price intentionally worked to undermine Clarkson with an eye toward getting him dumped.
We're also told that CAA has paid a six-figure sum to Steinberg in order to get him to go away without a fight. In theory, Steinberg could have filed an NFLPA grievance against CAA and/or Condon for tortious interference with the Steinberg-Leinart relationship. There's talk in league circles that Steinberg already has exercised his prerogative to file such a claim against Gary Uberstine, based upon the recent decision of USC offensive tackle Winston Justice to switch from Steinberg to Uberstine.
We've been trading phone messages with Steinberg over the past couple of days, and we hope to talk to him on Monday in order to clarify some of these issues. Stay tuned.
I too will check in on this. Whatever the story, it reads as sleezy acting on CAA's part. I think the NFLPA should step in and take action, period. Moreover, I think Leigh should get seven-figures for damages, not six. But I wonder if this really offer happened. It may have, and it may be that Leigh decided to reject it.
More soon.
PRICE TAKING THE LEAD IN TEAM LEINART
The source that has been feeding us all sorts of interesting tidbits regarding the recent upheaval in the representation team handling USC quarterback Matt Leinart tells us that, while Leinart will replace Leigh Steinberg with Tom Condon of Creative Artists Agency, relative novice Chuck Price has strengthened his position significantly, and could be listed as the lead agent.
Indeed, it was Price's growing influence over the situation that prompted Matt Leinart and his father, Bob, to take a close look at adding a replacement other than Condon. Most observers believed that Leinart's existing relationship with CAA made the choice of Condon a no-brainer, but we're hearing from multiple sources that Ryan and Bruce Tollner, who currently are colleagues of Steinberg, also were under consideration for the Leinart representation. Steinberg, we're told, made a strong push to keep Leinart, and at least one other firm was in the mix.
Word is that the Tollners would have partnered up with Price, if Leinart had chosen to add the Tollners to the team. In fact, we hear that there's a still a possibility that the Tollners will join Price's shop. Some league insiders believe that, if this happens, there's a possibility that the Tollners will carry with them Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. (Of course, the Tollners might want to have a brief chat with David Dunn before trying to leave Steinberg's shop and taking with them one or more of Steinberg's existing clients.)
The winner to date in this process is Price. Widely regard as a wannabe, Price successfully has parlayed relationships with Steinberg and Leinart's personal quarterbacks coach, Steve Clarkson, into the prime spot in the representation team. We're told that Clarkson has now surprisingly been cast aside, too. Some league insiders are convinced that Price intentionally worked to undermine Clarkson with an eye toward getting him dumped.
We're also told that CAA has paid a six-figure sum to Steinberg in order to get him to go away without a fight. In theory, Steinberg could have filed an NFLPA grievance against CAA and/or Condon for tortious interference with the Steinberg-Leinart relationship. There's talk in league circles that Steinberg already has exercised his prerogative to file such a claim against Gary Uberstine, based upon the recent decision of USC offensive tackle Winston Justice to switch from Steinberg to Uberstine.
We've been trading phone messages with Steinberg over the past couple of days, and we hope to talk to him on Monday in order to clarify some of these issues. Stay tuned.
I too will check in on this. Whatever the story, it reads as sleezy acting on CAA's part. I think the NFLPA should step in and take action, period. Moreover, I think Leigh should get seven-figures for damages, not six. But I wonder if this really offer happened. It may have, and it may be that Leigh decided to reject it.
More soon.
Friday, April 14, 2006
Matt Leinart On The Switch From Leigh Steinberg "It's Something I Would Prefer To Discuss Next Week"
I saw this on Leinart's ESPN Draft Diary today.
"My focus is 100 percent on my visit with the Jets early next week. Reporters have been asking a lot of questions about my agent situation. It is a subject that I would prefer to discuss next week."
He also says that he was in Atlanta, where I told you he ran into his ex-girlfriend....
"Editor's note: Former USC QB Matt Leinart will offer ESPN.com an exclusive look into his life in the days and weeks leading up to the NFL draft (April 29-30).
I haven't been sleeping much with all of the travel this week.
Monday, I was in Atlanta appearing for a network. Eli Manning, Matt Hasselbeck and I were appearing there and signing autographs. We went out to dinner afterwards. Eli wasn't at dinner because he had to leave town, but we hung out a lot that day. It was my first time in Atlanta. I enjoyed it. My flight from L.A. to Atlanta left at 6 a.m. on Monday morning."
"My focus is 100 percent on my visit with the Jets early next week. Reporters have been asking a lot of questions about my agent situation. It is a subject that I would prefer to discuss next week."
He also says that he was in Atlanta, where I told you he ran into his ex-girlfriend....
"Editor's note: Former USC QB Matt Leinart will offer ESPN.com an exclusive look into his life in the days and weeks leading up to the NFL draft (April 29-30).
I haven't been sleeping much with all of the travel this week.
Monday, I was in Atlanta appearing for a network. Eli Manning, Matt Hasselbeck and I were appearing there and signing autographs. We went out to dinner afterwards. Eli wasn't at dinner because he had to leave town, but we hung out a lot that day. It was my first time in Atlanta. I enjoyed it. My flight from L.A. to Atlanta left at 6 a.m. on Monday morning."
NFL Network draft expert Mike Mayock's Prospect List For the 2006 NFL Draft
(April 11, 2006) NFL Network draft expert Mike Mayock has put together his positional rankings for the 2006 NFL Draft:
Quarterback
1. Jay Cutler, Vanderbilt
2. Matt Leinart, USC
3. Vince Young, Texas
4. Charlie Whitehurst, Clemson
5. Brodie Croyle, Alabama
6. Tarvaris Jackson, Alabama State
Interesting
Reggie McNeal, Texas A&M
Omar Jacobs, Bowling Green
Others
Brent Basanez, Northwestern
Darrell Hackney, Alabama-Birmingham
Ingle Martin, Furman
Barrick Nealy, Texas State
Michael Robinson, Penn State (slash)
D. J. Shockley, Georgia (slash)
Brad Smith, Missouri (slash)
Marcus Vick, Virginia Tech
Running Back
1. Reggie Bush, USC
2. Laurence Maroney, Minnesota
3. DeAngelo Williams, Memphis
4. LenDale White, USC
5. Joseph Addai, LSU
6. Brian Calhoun, Wisconsin
7. Maurice Drew, UCLA
Others
P.J. Daniels, Georgia Tech
Andre Hall, South Florida
Jerome Harrison, Washington State
Taurean Henderson, Texas Tech
DonTrell Moore, New Mexico
Jerious Norwood, Mississippi State
Gerald Riggs, Tennessee
Lawrence Vickers, Colorado
Leon Washington, Florida State
Wide Receiver
1. Santonio Holmes, Ohio State
2. Chad Jackson, Florida
3. Sinorice Moss, Miami (FL)
4. Demetrius Williams, Oregon
5. Maurice Stovall, Notre Dame
6. Greg Jennings, Western Michigan
7. Brandon Marshall, Central Florida
8. Derek Hagan, Arizona State
9. Brandon Williams, Wisconsin
Others
Jason Avant, Michigan
Hank Baskett, New Mexico
Will Blackmon, Boston College
Jeremy Bloom, Colorado
Skyler Green, LSU
Mike Hass, Oregon State
Martin Nance, Miami (OH)
Cory Rodgers, Texas Christian
Travis Wilson, Oklahoma
Tight End
1. Vernon Davis, Maryland
2. Marcedes Lewis, UCLA
3. Anthony Fasano, Notre Dame
4. Joe Klopfenstein, Colorado
5. David Thomas, Texas
6. Leonard Pope, Georgia
7. Dominique Byrd, USC
Others
Owen Daniels, Wisconsin
Tim Day, Oregon
Garrett Mills, Tulsa
Tony Scheffler, Western Michigan
T.J. Williams, North Carolina State
Offensive Tackle
1. D'Brickashaw Ferguson, Virginia
2. Winston Justice, USC
3. Eric Winston, Miami (FL)
4. Daryn Colledge, Boise State
5. Andrew Whitworth, LSU
6. Marcus McNeill, Auburn
Others
Rashad Butler, Miami
Paul McQuistan, Weber State
Ryan OCallaghan, California
Jonathan Scott, Texas
Zach Strief, Northwestern
Jeremy Trueblood, Boston College
Interior Offensive Line
1. Nick Mangold, Ohio State (center)
2. Davin Joseph, Oklahoma (guard)
3. Max Jean-Gilles, Georgia (guard)
4. Deuce Lutui, USC (guard)
5. Chris Chester, Oklahoma (center)
6. Charles Spencer, Pittsburgh (guard)
7. Fred Matua, USC (guard)
8. Rob Sims, Ohio State (center)
Small Schools
Jahri Evans, Bloomsburg (PA) (guard)
Kevin Boothe, Cornell (guard)
Others
Ryan Cook, New Mexico (center)
Greg Eslinger, Minnesota (center)
Pat Ross, Boston College (center)
Jason Spitz, Louisville (guard)
Defensive End
1. Mario Williams, NC State
2. Mathias Kiwanuka, Boston College
3. Daryl Tapp, Va Tech
4. Tamba Hali, Penn State
5. Manny Lawson, North Carolina State
6. Parys Haralson, Tennessee
Others
Victor Adeyanju, Indiana
Mark Anderson, Alabama
Elvis Dumervil, Louisville
Ray Edwards, Purdue
Chris Gocong, Cal. State San Luis Obispo
Jason Hatcher, Grambling
Eric Henderson, Georgia Tech
Julian Jenkins, Stanford
Ryan LaCasse, Syracuse
Rob Ninkovich, Purdue
James Wyche, Syracuse
Defensive Tackle
1. Brodrick Bunkley, Florida St.
2. Haloti Ngata, Oregon
3. Claude Wroten, LSU
4. John McCargo, NC State
5. Gabe Watson, Michigan
Others
Barry Cofield, Northwestern
Dusty Dvoracek, Oklahoma
Orien Harris, Miami (FL)
Johnny Jolly, Texas A&M
Johnathan Lewis, Virginia Tech
Jesse Mahelona, Tennessee
Babatunde Oshinowo, Stanford
Montavious Stanley, Louisville
Kyle Williams, LSU
Rodrique Wright, Texas
Linebacker
1. A.J. Hawk, Ohio State
2. Ernie Sims, Florida St.
3. Chad Greenway, Iowa
4. Kamerion Wimbley, Florida St. (OLB)
5. D'Qwell Jackson, Maryland
6. Rocky McIntosh, Miami (FL)
7. DeMeco Ryans, Alabama
8. Bobby Carpenter, Ohio State
Others
Jon Alston, Stanford
Omar Gaither, Tennessee
Abdul Hodge, Iowa
Thomas Howard, UTEP
Clint Ingram, Oklahoma
Brian Iwuh, Colorado
A.J. Nicholson, Florida State
Kai Parham, Virginia
Freddie Roach, Alabama
Dale Robinson, Arizona State
Gerris Wilkinson, Georgia Tech
Cornerback
1. Michael Huff, Texas
2. Jonathan Joseph, South Carolina
3. Tye Hill, Clemson
4. Antonio Cromartie, Florida State
5. Jimmy Williams, Virginia Tech
6. Kelly Jennings, Miami (FL)
7. Richard Marshall, Fresno State
Others
Antoine Bethea, Howard
Will Blackmon, Boston College
Charles Gordon, Kansas
Cedric Griffin, Texas
Devin Hester, Miami (FL)
Marcus Hudson, North Carolina State
Darrell Hunter, Miami (OH)
Tim Jennings, Georgia
Danieal Manning, Abilene Christian
Marcus Maxey, Miami (FL)
DeMario Minter, Georgia
Anwar Phillips, Penn State
David Pittman, Northwestern State
Dee Webb, Florida
Ashton Youboty, Ohio State
Alan Zemaitis, Penn State
Safety
1. Jason Allen, Tennessee
2. Donte Whitner, Ohio State
3. Daniel Bullocks, Nebraska
4. Anthony Smith, Syracuse
5. Darnell Bing, USC
6. Ko Simpson, South Carolina
7. Roman Harper, Alabama
Others :
Greg Blue, Georgia
Tra Boger, Tulane
Reed Doughty, Northern Colorado
Dawan Landry, Georgia Tech
Calvin Lowry, Penn State
Bernard Pollard, Purdue
Dwayne Slay, Texas Tech
Scott Ware, USC
Pat Watkins, Florida State
Colts' Best Bet: UCLA's Maurice Drew - Reggie Bush's Key Rival
If the Indianapolis Colts -- in search of a running back to take over for the departed-for-Arizona Edgerrin James -- are concerned that they may not be able to get Reggie Bush, there's one player that may still be on the board by the time their turn at #30 comes around in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft: UCLA's Maurice Drew.
Here's Bush's workout stats:
40 yard dash - 4.33
225 lbs reps - 24
Vertical Jump - 40.5 inches
Now keep in mind that Bush did this at USC's Pro Day, a full month after the NFL Combine, where UCLA's Maurice Drew participated. This means that Reggie had a full month to workout to beat Drew's stats:
40 yard dash - 4.39
225 lbs reps - 18
Vertical Jump - 36 inches
Drew compares favorably with Bush, and like his rival can take over a game. If the Colts can get him, he's an even better value than Lendale White.
USC Running Back Lendale White Stands Up SI's Mike Silver; Suffers Decrease In Draft Status
Note to Lendale White: If you want to maintain your first round pick status in the 2006 NFL Draft, don't stand up Sports Illustrated Senior Writer and Cal Bear Michael Silver.
Now, you've got bad press.
But from a PR Perspective, there's just press, right?
Maybe White's bad hamstring was to blame. It could also be a part of an elaborate ploy to cause White to fall into the waiting arms of a winning organization.
The ploy could backfire.
Now, you've got bad press.
But from a PR Perspective, there's just press, right?
Maybe White's bad hamstring was to blame. It could also be a part of an elaborate ploy to cause White to fall into the waiting arms of a winning organization.
The ploy could backfire.
CAA's Tom Condon's Was Sued For Violation of NFLPA Regulation Section 3 (B) 3 In 2003
Yesterday, I reported that CAA's Football Agent Tom Condon, formerly of IMG, may have violated several sections of the National Football League Player's Association (NFLPA) regulations guiding agent conduct in the matter of USC Quaterback Matt Leinart.
Today, I uncovered this recent report by Liz Mullen of The Sports Business Journal, written September of 2003. It, combined with the more recent allegations involving Leinart, suggest player contact practices that should be reviewed by the NFLPA.
Mullen's report applies to NFLPA Regulation Section 3 (B) 3 -- Providing or offering money or any other thing of value to a member of the player's or prospective player's family or any other person for the purpose of inducing or encouraging that person to recommend the services of the Contract Advisor; Providing materially false or misleading information to any player or prospective player in the context of recruiting the player as a client or in the course of representing that player.
LAWSUIT TARGETS IMG FOOTBALL CHIEF CONDON
September 8, 2003
SportsBusiness Journal
By Liz Mullen
IMG Football President Tom Condon falsely told top NFL draft prospects that a rival agent "played the race card" in negotiations with NFL clubs in an effort to damage the agent and win recruiting battles, according to claims in a lawsuit filed in Philadelphia federal court.
NFL player agent Lamont Smith, who is black, claims in the suit that Condon, who is white, and Cleveland-based IMG slandered him in their efforts to win recruiting battles.
An IMG spokeswoman and an attorney for IMG both declined to comment. Condon did not return phone calls.
"It is a defamation of character, slander lawsuit stemming from a systematic pattern that Tom Condon has engaged in against me personally, and our firm," said Smith, a principal of All Pro Sports & Entertainment, which represents about 60 NFL players, including Eddie George, Jerome Bettis and retired running back Barry Sanders.
"He has basically stated to kids, repeatedly, that general managers have been reluctant to deal with me because of the interjection of race in negotiations, which is patently false," Smith said. "The apparent intent is to blackball. It leads a player to think you are not accepted in NFL circles, which could not be further from the truth."
The lawsuit claims that in the last three years, Condon told players Antonio Bryant, Kenyatta Walker and Larry Johnson, and/or their advisers, that Smith was known to use race in contract negotiations. The suit says the comments were made while Condon and Smith were competing to sign players before the 2001, 2002 and 2003 NFL drafts.
"Condon may have told other current and prospective NFL players... that they should not become clients of plaintiff Smith because Smith had alienated general managers of NFL clubs by 'playing the race card,' " the suit states.
The suit against Condon, who leads a practice that represents about 85 NFL players and who is widely considered to be the most powerful football agent in the country, is just the latest in a slew of lawsuits filed against or by major NFL player agents.
Octagon's football division was sued by three agents in the last two years, although one of those suits was dismissed for lack of evidence. Agent Hadley Engelhard has filed suit against his top recruiter, asking a court to enjoin the recruiter from working with his clients who were first-round NFL draft picks.
Last fall, NFL player agent Leigh Steinberg won a $44.66 million judgment against his former protégé, agent David Dunn, and his rival firm when a jury found that Dunn engaged in unfair competition.
George Croner, Smith's attorney, said the lawsuit could have a chilling effect on what is considered to be a widespread practice by agents of making negative comments about their rivals while recruiting athletes.
Croner said Condon's comments go far beyond standard competition.
"If you tell a kid that another agent has a problem with general managers... and if you embellish on it by saying the reason they don't like him is this highly inflammatory issue of playing the race card with general managers who are almost invariably white, you have created an explosive situation," he said.
Croner added that the result of the case "will not be found in documents. It will be found in the testimony of witnesses."
Roy Kessel, chairman of the Chicago Bar Association's Sports Law Committee and a certified NFL player agent, said Smith's case against Condon may be difficult to prove because Smith does not represent all the players named in the suit. Smith represents Bryant. Condon represents Walker. Agent Marvin Demoff represents Johnson.
"If you don't have the player, you will be hard-pressed for them to testify," Kessel said.
But Greg Genske, an attorney with San Francisco law firm Morgan Lewis who was part of the litigation team that won the $44.66 million judgment in the Steinberg case, noted that NFL players can be subpoenaed.
"I think it's easy to get to the truth with the players because at the end of the day they are not going to lie to protect an agent," said Genske, who cross-examined several NFL players during the Steinberg trial. "I don't think they would lie to protect Mr. Condon or lie to support trumped-up, fabricated allegations against Mr. Condon."
Again, the ball's in the court of the NFLPA.
Today, I uncovered this recent report by Liz Mullen of The Sports Business Journal, written September of 2003. It, combined with the more recent allegations involving Leinart, suggest player contact practices that should be reviewed by the NFLPA.
Mullen's report applies to NFLPA Regulation Section 3 (B) 3 -- Providing or offering money or any other thing of value to a member of the player's or prospective player's family or any other person for the purpose of inducing or encouraging that person to recommend the services of the Contract Advisor; Providing materially false or misleading information to any player or prospective player in the context of recruiting the player as a client or in the course of representing that player.
LAWSUIT TARGETS IMG FOOTBALL CHIEF CONDON
September 8, 2003
SportsBusiness Journal
By Liz Mullen
IMG Football President Tom Condon falsely told top NFL draft prospects that a rival agent "played the race card" in negotiations with NFL clubs in an effort to damage the agent and win recruiting battles, according to claims in a lawsuit filed in Philadelphia federal court.
NFL player agent Lamont Smith, who is black, claims in the suit that Condon, who is white, and Cleveland-based IMG slandered him in their efforts to win recruiting battles.
An IMG spokeswoman and an attorney for IMG both declined to comment. Condon did not return phone calls.
"It is a defamation of character, slander lawsuit stemming from a systematic pattern that Tom Condon has engaged in against me personally, and our firm," said Smith, a principal of All Pro Sports & Entertainment, which represents about 60 NFL players, including Eddie George, Jerome Bettis and retired running back Barry Sanders.
"He has basically stated to kids, repeatedly, that general managers have been reluctant to deal with me because of the interjection of race in negotiations, which is patently false," Smith said. "The apparent intent is to blackball. It leads a player to think you are not accepted in NFL circles, which could not be further from the truth."
The lawsuit claims that in the last three years, Condon told players Antonio Bryant, Kenyatta Walker and Larry Johnson, and/or their advisers, that Smith was known to use race in contract negotiations. The suit says the comments were made while Condon and Smith were competing to sign players before the 2001, 2002 and 2003 NFL drafts.
"Condon may have told other current and prospective NFL players... that they should not become clients of plaintiff Smith because Smith had alienated general managers of NFL clubs by 'playing the race card,' " the suit states.
The suit against Condon, who leads a practice that represents about 85 NFL players and who is widely considered to be the most powerful football agent in the country, is just the latest in a slew of lawsuits filed against or by major NFL player agents.
Octagon's football division was sued by three agents in the last two years, although one of those suits was dismissed for lack of evidence. Agent Hadley Engelhard has filed suit against his top recruiter, asking a court to enjoin the recruiter from working with his clients who were first-round NFL draft picks.
Last fall, NFL player agent Leigh Steinberg won a $44.66 million judgment against his former protégé, agent David Dunn, and his rival firm when a jury found that Dunn engaged in unfair competition.
George Croner, Smith's attorney, said the lawsuit could have a chilling effect on what is considered to be a widespread practice by agents of making negative comments about their rivals while recruiting athletes.
Croner said Condon's comments go far beyond standard competition.
"If you tell a kid that another agent has a problem with general managers... and if you embellish on it by saying the reason they don't like him is this highly inflammatory issue of playing the race card with general managers who are almost invariably white, you have created an explosive situation," he said.
Croner added that the result of the case "will not be found in documents. It will be found in the testimony of witnesses."
Roy Kessel, chairman of the Chicago Bar Association's Sports Law Committee and a certified NFL player agent, said Smith's case against Condon may be difficult to prove because Smith does not represent all the players named in the suit. Smith represents Bryant. Condon represents Walker. Agent Marvin Demoff represents Johnson.
"If you don't have the player, you will be hard-pressed for them to testify," Kessel said.
But Greg Genske, an attorney with San Francisco law firm Morgan Lewis who was part of the litigation team that won the $44.66 million judgment in the Steinberg case, noted that NFL players can be subpoenaed.
"I think it's easy to get to the truth with the players because at the end of the day they are not going to lie to protect an agent," said Genske, who cross-examined several NFL players during the Steinberg trial. "I don't think they would lie to protect Mr. Condon or lie to support trumped-up, fabricated allegations against Mr. Condon."
Again, the ball's in the court of the NFLPA.
Thursday, April 13, 2006
Profootballtalk.com Reports That Leinart Team Wanted Steinberg Fired Because Houston Would Not Trade Up To Get USC Signal Caller
I found this item at Profootballtalk.com:
LEINART CAMP TRYING TO PERSUADE TITANS TO TAKE MATT
The same source who tipped us off over the weekend to the looming termination of agent Leigh Steinberg by USC quarterback Matt Leinart tells us that the driving force behind the change was the lack of interest that the Titans were demonstrating in the 2004 Heisman winner.
The source says that Titans G.M. Floyd Reese is leaning toward Texas quarterback Vince Young, and Titans coach Jeff Fisher and offensive coordinator Norm Chow want Leinart.
The source also tells us that Chow recently informed Leinart that Reese won't trade up to the No. 1 overall spot in order to get Leinart.
Co-agent Chuck Price, who will remain a member of Team Leinart in the wake of the Steinberg termination, supposedly has told Reese that the failure to land Leinart will be the biggest draft gaffe in team history.
Apparently, Reese is now on the fence.
Per the source, Leinart will sign with Tom Condon after the five-day waiting period expires following Leinart's termination, and Condon and Price will work together. Condon's pitch, as we recently heard, was that he'll get either the Titans or the Jets to trade up to No. 1 with the Houston Texans.
The long-term plan, we're told, is for Price to learn the ropes of the agent business over the next couple of years, with an eye toward being the lead agent for Leinart's second contract. (We suspect that Condon hasn't gotten that memo.)
The broader question, as we see it, is whether these goings-on will raise a red flag for any team that otherwise will be interested in Leinart. There's already a question as to whether he has a sufficient passion for the pro game. And his pro day workout was hardly a show stopper.
So by trying to force his way into the No. 1 spot, the risk could be that Leinart slides even lower than he otherwise might have gone.
Stay tuned.
It still does not adress the matter of how Condon came to be hired by Team Leinart. Who gave Leinart the idea that Houston could be "made" to want to trade up? They didn't just come to that view after a night of reflection. All signs point to how Condon handled himself in this affair.
It's still up to the NFLPA.
LEINART CAMP TRYING TO PERSUADE TITANS TO TAKE MATT
The same source who tipped us off over the weekend to the looming termination of agent Leigh Steinberg by USC quarterback Matt Leinart tells us that the driving force behind the change was the lack of interest that the Titans were demonstrating in the 2004 Heisman winner.
The source says that Titans G.M. Floyd Reese is leaning toward Texas quarterback Vince Young, and Titans coach Jeff Fisher and offensive coordinator Norm Chow want Leinart.
The source also tells us that Chow recently informed Leinart that Reese won't trade up to the No. 1 overall spot in order to get Leinart.
Co-agent Chuck Price, who will remain a member of Team Leinart in the wake of the Steinberg termination, supposedly has told Reese that the failure to land Leinart will be the biggest draft gaffe in team history.
Apparently, Reese is now on the fence.
Per the source, Leinart will sign with Tom Condon after the five-day waiting period expires following Leinart's termination, and Condon and Price will work together. Condon's pitch, as we recently heard, was that he'll get either the Titans or the Jets to trade up to No. 1 with the Houston Texans.
The long-term plan, we're told, is for Price to learn the ropes of the agent business over the next couple of years, with an eye toward being the lead agent for Leinart's second contract. (We suspect that Condon hasn't gotten that memo.)
The broader question, as we see it, is whether these goings-on will raise a red flag for any team that otherwise will be interested in Leinart. There's already a question as to whether he has a sufficient passion for the pro game. And his pro day workout was hardly a show stopper.
So by trying to force his way into the No. 1 spot, the risk could be that Leinart slides even lower than he otherwise might have gone.
Stay tuned.
It still does not adress the matter of how Condon came to be hired by Team Leinart. Who gave Leinart the idea that Houston could be "made" to want to trade up? They didn't just come to that view after a night of reflection. All signs point to how Condon handled himself in this affair.
It's still up to the NFLPA.
