Confessions of a former NFL Agent

[DeToxRox]

Confessions of former NFL agent Josh Luchs - SI.com - Magazine (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/magazine/10/12/agent/index.html?eref=sihp)

Just a sample part relevant to current issues:

Gary used his contacts in the coaching community to help him get players. This has recently come into public view, as the NCAA and the state of North Carolina are investigating the Tar Heels football program and whether John Blake, a Carolina assistant coach since 2007, steered players to Gary and received money from him. It's no secret in the agent business that some college coaches steer players to certain agents. I laughed when I heard Gary deny in the media that John ever worked with Pro Tect.

When I was with Gary, John worked hand in hand with us, and Gary called him his "partner." John was the defensive line coach of the Dallas Cowboys when they won Super Bowls XXVIII and XXX, and the head coach at Oklahoma from '96 through '98. He was one of the best recruiters I'd ever seen. He was just electric, and I leveraged him to get clients whenever I could. In '02 two of the biggest clients we got were due, in large part, to John. He went with Gary and me to meet with Fresno State defensive lineman Alan Harper, and Gary and I had John work out defensive end Kenyon Coleman from UCLA before his senior year. That was an NCAA violation, but it wasn't like paying a kid. It was helping Kenyon become a better player.


Another part I chuckled at:

If you were a good player at UCLA, I made a run at you. I tried to get can't-miss NFL left tackle prospect Jonathan Ogden as a client, but he wouldn't take my money. He did, however, go with me to a Janet Jackson concert. My girlfriend got two tickets, and I told her, "Sorry, I need those tickets for J.O. He's a big Janet Jackson fan." Instead of going to the concert with my girlfriend, I went with a 6'9" guy who weighed more than 300 pounds and who screamed "Janet!" the whole night like a teenage girl.

[Ksyrup]

That was a fascinating read.

When I went to law school at FSU, I had naive notions of trying to get into sports/entertainment law. But those notions quickly went away when the reality of the job description became clear.

[MrBug708]

Seems like he recruited the whole west coast

[molson]

That was a fascinating read.

When I went to law school at FSU, I had naive notions of trying to get into sports/entertainment law. But those notions quickly went away when the reality of the job description became clear.

I think it would be a step below ambulance chaser. 1 out of 10,000 make millions, the rest are pretty much just scum.

[dacman]

Very interesting read and it confirms everything I thought and feared about how dirty the agent game has become.

[jbergey22]

Very interesting. Thanks for the link.

[Pyser]

great read

love that he blows up mel kiper

[DeToxRox]

Some fallout has begun as Ohio State compliance is looking into the Santonio Holmes allegations.

[SteveMax58]

great read...thanks.

[johnnyshaka]

I'm sure Leaf could use that 10K he doesn't remember giving Josh. What a douche.

[Ksyrup]

I loved that part of the follow-up - Leaf recalling this dude as "someone with aspirations" of being an agent. By 1996, hadn't this guy been an agent for 6 years?! Ha!

[molson]

Dana Stubblefield has an interesting morality specturm. He REFUSES to take money from an agent, but has no problem with performance-enhancing drugs and lying to federal investigators.

[Ksyrup]

He refused to take money from THIS agent. That's about the extent of what we know.

[molson]

He refused to take money from THIS agent. That's about the extent of what we know.

That's true, he might just not have any room in his apartment for more cash.

[dawgfan]

So, how does this article change anyone's perceptions of the penalties USC got from the NCAA over Reggie Bush?

[MacroGuru]

So, how does this article change anyone's perceptions of the penalties USC got from the NCAA over Reggie Bush?

To me, not that much....I think it boils down to we all know it is happening...but the whistle is now starting to be blown on programs and they are going to get it pretty hard...Really, I am waiting to see what comes out of Boise State...I mean my hell, what are they doing to get the talent to that shit hole...:D ;)

[Crapshoot]

All it proves is that college athletes should be able to benefit from their labor, just like all the hangers-ons do from them (coaches, staffers, universities), etc etc.

[Crapshoot]

Seems like he recruited the whole west coast

Honest question- do you feel any remorse for your constant ragging on USC's payments and Bush now? Seems like there is something that is going on all the damn time at all the schools - no one less guilty than the other.

[molson]

Really, I am waiting to see what comes out of Boise State...I mean my hell, what are they doing to get the talent to that shit hole...:D ;)

Hey, we have some of the best indy drive-up burger joints in the country!!!

[SirFozzie]

Doesn't change my thoughts on USC. NCAA was looking for a high profile target in a (utterly futile) attempt to show its member schools "Yo, you really have to follow the rules.."

These coaches are not babysiiters, or substitute parents... to adequately enforce the NCAA's provisions, you'd need to give every player their own hall monitor, with the ability to selectively tell folks "No, you can't see them"

[JonInMiddleGA]

you'd need to give every player their own hall monitor, with the ability to selectively tell folks "No, you can't see them"

Which is why I'd like to see athletics-only dorms returned to the options schools have.

[Swaggs]

Good read.

Pretty cool that he named names (and SI actually followed up with them and few of them disputed his charges). I've always thought that there could be an enjoyable text sim made about sports (or entertainment) agents.

[SirFozzie]

Which is why I'd like to see athletics-only dorms returned to the options schools have.

Really wouldn't help. The hall monitor would have to follow them around 24/7.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Really wouldn't help. The hall monitor would have to follow them around 24/7.

Ask UGA how much of a difference it makes. It at least limits access as well as providing additional peer pressure to avoid screwing up.

[Izulde]

Good read.

Pretty cool that he named names (and SI actually followed up with them and few of them disputed his charges). I've always thought that there could be an enjoyable text sim made about sports (or entertainment) agents.

There was one made years ago. What They Didn't Teach You At Harvard Business School or something like that.

It was very shallow and linear, though.

[MrBug708]

"Kiper's ratings on Oct. 21st of future Wichard clients w/ actual draft spot in parenthesis: Clausen - 12th (48), T.Mays - 4th (49)"

"More Kiper ratings of Wichard clients: Benn: 18-20th (in Dec. 2009) (39), Everson Griffen: 11th (100)"

[MrBug708]

Honest question- do you feel any remorse for your constant ragging on USC's payments and Bush now? Seems like there is something that is going on all the damn time at all the schools - no one less guilty than the other.

No, why would it?

[MacroGuru]

Hey, we have some of the best indy drive-up burger joints in the country!!!

Hey, I have been to Boise..You must hide them real good ;)

I jest, Peterson has done a great job up there...

[stevew]

Confirms my suspicions that Santonio Holmes was totally miscast as a member of the Steelers. I guess we get one WR of suspect character every 5 years(see Plax)

[CU Tiger]

Basically nothing here surprises me.
Nor does this do anything to change my opinion of thee Bush deal. The NCAA knows the story, they turn a half blind eye to $10,000/year...when you cross the 7 figure threshold, and refuse to self assess...well you get what you deserve.

[Logan]

"Kiper's ratings on Oct. 21st of future Wichard clients w/ actual draft spot in parenthesis: Clausen - 12th (48), T.Mays - 4th (49)"

"More Kiper ratings of Wichard clients: Benn: 18-20th (in Dec. 2009) (39), Everson Griffen: 11th (100)"

You'd have to compare that to what other "experts" were projecting for that to be useful in any way. Clausen was always projected high by everyone up until he actually started slipping, and Mays was considered a lock to be top 10 in the preceding draft if he came out. It wasn't until his coverage skills were exposed throughout the year that prompted his fall. Benn was highly ranked all over as well, and I don't remember what happened with Griffen (outside of him being a 5* recruit).

[Sun Tzu]

Wait wait wait...college players take money from agents? WHEN DID THIS START HAPPENING?

[BishopMVP]

So, how does this article change anyone's perceptions of the penalties USC got from the NCAA over Reggie Bush?No. I think there's always a bit of "there but for the grace of god go I", but my school's moment of national prominence has been tarred and feathered by everyone, so I enjoy it whenever a BCS school gets tagged. I also think that USC had a level of brazenness and arrogance (see: Mike Garrett's comments) that makes it hard to feel sympathetic to them.

[MrBug708]

ESPN looking into Mel Kiper's relationship with Gary Wichard | ProFootballTalk.com (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/10/12/espn-looking-into-mel-kipers-relationship-with-gary-wichard/)

Wonder if "Viper" is going to lose his cushy job with ESPN

[I. J. Reilly]

Kiper was on Mike & Mike this morning, basically saying that he had to have agents as friends to gain access to athletes so he can do his job. He never explained why he needs access to grade players. Every story like this just reinforces the fact that pro sports are manned exlusively by jock-sniffers and ambulance chasers.

[Easy Mac]

What I never understood is, how do guys have agents literally the second they declare pro, even if it's like immediately after their last game. Surely they don't just meet them on the spot and select based on who's first.

[cuervo72]

Kiper was on Mike & Mike this morning, basically saying that he had to have agents as friends to gain access to athletes so he can do his job. He never explained why he needs access to grade players. Every story like this just reinforces the fact that pro sports are manned exlusively by jock-sniffers and ambulance chasers.

Yeah, Feinstein thinks that's bunk: Feinstein On The Brink (http://www.feinsteinonthebrink.com/index.php?id=7638072231194682558)

Kiper’s defense is that being friends with agents helps him get to know players. Here’s my question, why does someone who is supposed to be analyzing players need to know them? And, if Kiper wants to taIk to a player for some reason, you’re telling me they won’t talk to him? They all think he’s a star, a very important guy. That’s a complete copout. He doesn’t NEED agents to do his job.

[Ronnie Dobbs2]

Wouldn't be surprised in the least, whether there's anything to this or not, if ESPN uses this to push Kiper out in favor of the surely cheaper and less egotistic McShay.

[Logan]

Kiper was on Mike & Mike this morning, basically saying that he had to have agents as friends to gain access to athletes so he can do his job. He never explained why he needs access to grade players.

To evaluate the "intangibles", obviously...

[Dr. Sak]

Luchs was on Dan Patrick this morning and Patrick tripped him up with a few of his questions. I read the article before hearing the interview and preinterview I thought Luchs did all this for the right reasons. Now after hearing the interview he sounded more like Jose Canseco. A guy who got burnt wanting to get back at the sport.

[SackAttack]

Luchs was on Dan Patrick this morning and Patrick tripped him up with a few of his questions. I read the article before hearing the interview and preinterview I thought Luchs did all this for the right reasons. Now after hearing the interview he sounded more like Jose Canseco. A guy who got burnt wanting to get back at the sport.

I got that feeling a little bit listening to him on "All Night" with Jason Smith last night.

He says it's about clearing his name for when his children start Googling him, but that's not at all how he comes across when he's actually talking about it.

[albionmoonlight]

That was a fascinating read.

When I went to law school at FSU, I had naive notions of trying to get into sports/entertainment law. But those notions quickly went away when the reality of the job description became clear.

The way that it was explained to me is that it is impossible to do what an agent needs to do these days while staying in compliance with the ethical canons.

[Ksyrup]

Yeah, I figured that out pretty quickly.

[DaddyTorgo]

Luchs was on Dan Patrick this morning and Patrick tripped him up with a few of his questions. I read the article before hearing the interview and preinterview I thought Luchs did all this for the right reasons. Now after hearing the interview he sounded more like Jose Canseco. A guy who got burnt wanting to get back at the sport.

Which is fine by me.

[RedKingGold]

Which is fine by me.

Same, actually. I don't really care what his motivations were so long as the information provided is accurate.

[MrBug708]

It probably is. I mean, who gives money to Ryan Fien?

[Desnudo]

Luchs was on Dan Patrick this morning and Patrick tripped him up with a few of his questions. I read the article before hearing the interview and preinterview I thought Luchs did all this for the right reasons. Now after hearing the interview he sounded more like Jose Canseco. A guy who got burnt wanting to get back at the sport.

Whatever the reasons he's got a lot of confirming statements, unlike Jose.

[molson]

It probably is. I mean, who gives money to Ryan Fien?

The whole business doesn't make much sense to me. It seems any athlete worth anything (and quite a few that aren't) get money from many different agents, but they usually just sign with some big firm.

Is it really more just a loan sharking thing? Give these kids money, and then blackmail them for it later (plus interest). Threaten to go forward with all the fun times you guys had together back in school?

[DanGarion]

This is mostly funny due to the UCLA fans that are going have to shut their mouths when they speak of USCs allegations...

[SteveMax58]

The whole business doesn't make much sense to me. It seems any athlete worth anything (and quite a few that aren't) get money from many different agents, but they usually just sign with some big firm.

Is it really more just a loan sharking thing? Give these kids money, and then blackmail them for it later (plus interest). Threaten to go forward with all the fun times you guys had together back in school?

Yeah, I was trying to piece together a business model out of it myself while reading the article. I couldn't get past the idea that it takes a LOT of players & upfront capital to hopefully strike it rich. But when you consider the cap he mentions (5% I believe)...it really doesn't sound very lucrative unless you have Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, etc. Especially when you consider that the 5% then has to pay expenses, other people, players who will amount to nothing, etc.

I'm sure there is a business model there...it just seems to escape me how paying players works unless you are a better scout of NFL talent than NFL GMs & Coaches.

[MrBug708]

This is mostly funny due to the UCLA fans that are going have to shut their mouths when they speak of USCs allegations...

Why would we need to shut our mouths? Or do you actually believe the Dog Killer?

[DanGarion]

Why would we need to shut our mouths? Or do you actually believe the Dog Killer?

Honestly I don't know what you are talking about, who is a dog killer? The reason UCLA should shut their mouths is the fact that their players were mentioned the most. Just because the NCAA can't penalize you because it's past the time of doing it, doesn't mean you guys are any more innocent than USC.

[MrBug708]

Honestly I don't know what you are talking about, who is a dog killer? The reason UCLA should shut their mouths is the fact that their players were mentioned the most. Just because the NCAA can't penalize you because it's past the time of doing it, doesn't mean you guys are any more innocent than USC.

The coach at USC who lied to the NCAA and has a conviction for animal abuse related to dogfighting. Sure there players were mentioned and I'm sure they took money from the agents, but what does that change about Reggie Bush and his relationships with those agents and Todd McNair? Did Fuchs mention a UCLA coach involved with his connections to UCLA players?

[Chief Rum]

Honestly I don't know what you are talking about, who is a dog killer? The reason UCLA should shut their mouths is the fact that their players were mentioned the most. Just because the NCAA can't penalize you because it's past the time of doing it, doesn't mean you guys are any more innocent than USC.

No school is innocent. The specifics revealed is news, but that it's happening is not.

No transgressions I have yet read about come close to the level of what Bush and fam were getting.

And in any case, there was so much more going on at USC and everyone around the program knows it. Bush and Mayo was just what the NCAA could really push. But they knew about the other stuff, things like SUV-gate and Jarrett's amazingly rent-free stay at USC and so forth.

No matter what school I support, I can still call a spade is a spade.

[jbergey22]

I think the NCAA is going to realize that they wont be able to come down on all of these programs or there wont be any teams to watch.

It seems pretty stupid to me that they come down hard on certain programs when it seems all of them cheat.

[MrBug708]

I think the NCAA is going to realize that they wont be able to come down on all of these programs or there wont be any teams to watch.

It seems pretty stupid to me that they come down hard on certain programs when it seems all of them cheat.

How many programs have told the NCAA to go fuck themselves?

[Groundhog]

More food for thought than anything really, but can anyone picture a future where college sports (as a path to the pros) is replaced by sports academies similar to what we have in Australia and in Europe, that don't need to pretend to be about academics? Just get all the best of the best together, train them as much as they want too, recruit them however they like, pay them whatever they like.

I couldn't see college sports ever dying out, but I think something along the lines of "USC Sports Academy" is at least a semi-realistic outcome if the schools decide to tell the NCAA to go fuck themselves.

[MrBug708]

Too much money in how it is now

[BishopMVP]

Never going to happen - too much money and cache tied up in the schools. The University of Texas or Notre Dame derive so much of their prestige from their athletic (mainly football) programs that they and their alums would never give it up. You could switch the entire rosters of Nebraska, Alabama, etc to minor league teams in Omaha, Birmingham, etc and you wouldn't get one tenth of the attention or revenue.

Plus for all its faults the NCAA has shown a willingness to adapt when its dominance is threatened. The two sports that have seen a strong competing model are soccer and hockey, and in both the NCAA has made significant concessions. For hockey the NCAA reacted to losing so many kids to Junior A that they extended the season to nearly the entire school year (started last weekend, ends after the basketball Final Four) and in soccer - the more precarious of the two because of the international aspect - they just changed the rules to allow players to play in games with/against professionals without losing eligibility (as they still do in basketball iirc).

There may be a high number of college presidents and people on the academic side that want college sports returned to the non-scholarship D3/Ivy model, but there are too many boosters, alums and power players who realized what they have to lose that won't allow the golden goose to be killed.

[DanGarion]

No matter what school I support, I can still call a spade is a spade.

I guess I can call you a spade too.

[Chief Rum]

I guess I can call you a spade too.

That's your prerogative, but that doesn't mean your school ain't dirty as he'll, nor does it mean I am wrong to point it out. Sorry u feel so persecuted, mr. Live on the hog for 10 years, but u reap what u sow.

[DanGarion]

That's your prerogative, but that doesn't mean your school ain't dirty as he'll, nor does it mean I am wrong to point it out. Sorry u feel so persecuted, mr. Live on the hog for 10 years, but u reap what u sow.

Just because you guys haven't been caught doing the same shit doesn't mean UCLA is any better. We all know it's happening everywhere, UCLA isn't any holier than the rest, they just play football shittier.

[MrBug708]

Just because you guys haven't been caught doing the same shit doesn't mean UCLA is any better. We all know it's happening everywhere, UCLA isn't any holier than the rest, they just play football shittier.

Just because a lot of guys cheat on their wives, doesnt mean any guy who hasnt been caught, does

[DanGarion]

Just because a lot of guys cheat on their wives, doesnt mean any guy who hasnt been caught, does

You both are delusional if you think UCLA is a clean program.

[MrBug708]

You both are delusional if you think UCLA is a clean program.

Kinda like we were delusional that USC had some funny business going on a few years back?

You're not hearing too many stories like players living rent free, driving around in a brand new car, partying with an assistant coach and an agent and lying about it to the NCAA, getting cash from the basketball coach et al...

[RedKingGold]

As a neutral party, I believe any UCLA fan is delusional if they think the UCLA program (or any major college football program) is completely squeaky clean.

I am a Penn State fan, and I believe if people dug deep enough, they would see shady stuff going on underneath the Coke Bottle glasses.

[MrBug708]

I guess it depends on what is clean. Agents running around the program? Movie stars on the sidelines? Or a recruiting violation that happens one minute too late?