Darren Adam Heitner, Esq., is a preeminent sports attorney and the founder of Heitner Legal, P.L.L.C., a Fort Lauderdale-based law firm specializing in sports law, contract negotiations, intellectual property, and arbitration. He earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Florida Levin College of Law in 2010 and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, magna cum laude, from the University of Florida in 2007, where he was named Valedictorian of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Admitted to practice in the state bars of Florida, New York, and the District of Columbia, as well as multiple federal courts, Darren also serves as a certified arbitrator with the American Arbitration Association.
As an adjunct professor, Darren imparts his expertise through teaching Sports Law at the University of Florida Levin College of Law and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) at the University of Miami School of Law in the Entertainment, Arts, and Sports Law LL.M. program. His scholarly contributions include authoring several books published by the American Bar Association, such as How to Play the Game: What Every Sports Attorney Needs to Know, and numerous articles in prominent publications like Forbes, Inc. Magazine, and Above the Law. His thought leadership in NIL has earned him recognition as one of the foremost experts by The Wall Street Journal, USA TODAY, and On3, and he has been lauded as a “power player in NIL deals” by Action Network and a “top sports trademark attorney” by Sportico.
Darren’s passion for sports law led him to establish Sports Agent Blog on December 31, 2005, initially titled “I Want To Be A Sports Agent.” The platform, created as a New Year’s resolution, has grown into a cornerstone of the sports agency community, offering in-depth analysis of industry trends, legal disputes, and agent-player dynamics. His commitment to the field is further evidenced by his representation of numerous athletes and sports agents, as well as his prior role as an Adjunct Professor at Indiana University Bloomington, where he developed and taught a course on Sport Agency Management from 2011 to 2014.
Darren’s contributions have been recognized with prestigious honors, including the University of Florida’s 40 Under 40 Award, the University of Florida Levin College of Law’s Outstanding Young Alumnus Award, and designation as the best lawyer in Fort Lauderdale by Fort Lauderdale Magazine. He remains an active voice in the sports law community, sharing insights through his weekly NIL newsletter and his X posts, engaging a broad audience on legal developments in sports.
View Archive →
3 replies on “Twitter Fight: Howard Shatsky vs. John Phillips”
Kenrick Ellis is tough on the field & will be a great player. He deserved to go in the 3rd round. Off the field, he is gentle & sweet human being.
I think Kenrick deserved to go higher, but my point is unrelated to the player. I wish him much success and luck with his pending criminal issues (if he is innocent). He needs leadership like the rest of these young men. They need to be mentored into family-sustaining adults.
I simply do not understand people in the professional world not leading by example. The “oh snap” and name calling is not proper for a gentleman nearing his 50’s. In fact, it is preposterous. Despite working for the NFLPA, Howard was reprimanded by the NFLPA (http://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Journal/Issues/2008/06/20080623/Labor-Agents/NFLPA-Issues-Letters-Of-Reprimand-To-9-Agents-Over-Junior-Rule.aspx). I also know other agents have had plenty to say about him, although that is not germane to this post. The 78% bankruptcy rate, the massive disability rate, the mental health and suicide issues will not solve themselves. Those representing athletes should be more mature and focused than silly name calling.
So, it isn’t a war. It was simply me stating an opinion and what appears to be a very insecure, immature series of retorts (that I had to be told about by one of my employees because he apparently has me blocked).
Keep up the good work DH.
“I simply do not understand people in the professional world not leading by example”
You mean like editing the video of an interview with an SEC coach’s wife? Thanks for following Harvey Updykes example and further making Alabama fans look bad.