The big news in the agent world this week is that the State of North Carolina is backing up its word that it is serious about enforcing its athlete agent law. The revelation is unsettling for those indicted and others who may have ignored the state’s law in recent years. However, for those agents conducting their businesses by the book, this seems to be a win (at least if they agree with the underlying theory behind the need for the law). This week on FORBES: (1) Mariano Rivera’s Farewell Tour Shifts From Baseball To Business; (2) San Francisco 49ers Key Players Dominate The Houston Texans In Jersey Sales According To Retailer Resource; and (3) Football Agent Terry Watson Facing 14 Felony Counts For Violating North Carolina Athlete Agent Law. And as always, the weekly wrap-up:
Football
- Concussion awareness is a big subject these days [Unequal Technologies Partners With NFL and Super Bowl MVP Kurt Warner].
- The results of an informal poll asking agents the teams they trust the most [The NFL’s 5 most trusted teams].
Baseball
- Has more faith in his own (massive) legal team [Rodriguez, Citing Missed Opportunities, Rejected the Players Union].
Basketball
- Joakim ending his relationship with Le Coq Sportif [Noah switching shoes likely to Adidas].
MMA
- Will do over 6 million Pay Per View buys in America this year [UFC CEO: we don’t need capital or partners].
Sports Business
- The list has been cut to 10 potential suitors [Talent agency IMG Worldwide narrows down buyer list].
Sports Law
- A fairly quick read by Marc Edelman in the DePaul Journal of Sports Law & Contemporary Problems [How Young American Athletes Can Best Challenge a Bureaucracy That Prevents Them from Earning a Living].
- Three special assistant district attorneys will be deputized [Orange DA adds staff to pursue sports agents; Georgia man charged in UNC probe].
