the pro-bowl problem

[rayzor]

read this in an andrew brandt column today (was VP for the packers for about a decade and considered an expert in sports law and negotiations (lectures at Wharton School of Business)).

anyway, he has an interesting perspective on the pro-bowl.

After what can be charitably called some lackluster effort at the Pro Bowl Sunday night, I thought I’d outline a few issues surrounding the game, a game many think should not even be played.

While there was little action on the field, the action around the Pro Bowl is off the field. There is no gathering on the NFL calendar, including this week’s Super Bowl, quite like it. It is a toxic mix of superstar players and their families, agents there to either protect their assets or poach on new ones, and assorted others.

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In managing player contracts, I always dreaded the week after the Pro Bowl. That is when players returned to the mainland with lots of new opinions and demands learned from their trip to the islands. The calls from players and agents about what they learned in Hawaii would usually come in starting right about…now.

The real action at the Pro Bowl – whether at the pool, the hotel lobby or around the half-hearted practices – is the search for the hearts, minds and wallets of these elite players. The "whisper crews" – agents, financial managers, marketing reps, advisors, enablers, family members, sycophants, etc. – are in players’ ears with thoughts on how their team is not treating them properly, how they are underpaid, how their agent should be fired due to lack of aggressiveness in pursuing a better contract, how the player needs more personal attention, better treatment, etc.

The player hotel at the Pro Bowl is swarming with agents, some "playing defense" to protect their Pro Bowl player asset and others poised to strike on potential new marks. These "enterprising" agents find ways to visit with players who may be potential targets for future representation, using their significant powers of persuasion, sometimes accompanied by striking women.

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The Pro Bowl atmosphere plays on the emotions and heartstrings of top NFL players, especially ones making their first trip due to this great reward. One rule of negotiating that I always keep at the forefront: never underestimate the power of ego and insecurity. They are powerful emotions.

hopefully marty isn't getting any calls this morning from any agents.