Written by Andrew Brandt at MMQB.com
As a former agent and team executive, I have no problem with LaVar Ball . . . yet.
There, I said it.
The reality of the business of sports is that there are hundreds, if not thousands, of LaVar Balls out there, of all shapes, sizes, gender, race and age. The difference is that LaVar is more vocal (although some are just as loud) and more public (although most would love to have his forum). As anyone who has worked as a sports agent or for a sports team knows, it is simply part of the job to deal the LaVar Balls of the world, an occupational hazard that can be challenging yet also rewarding.
Leading the Herd
I learned long ago, when representing NFL and NBA players, that when an agent represents a client he takes on a lot more than him or her (I represented WNBA players as well). Behind, or in some cases in front of the player, come various versions of what I refer to as the “herd.”
This herd, which I also have referred to as the “whisper crew,” consists of but is not limited to: parents, siblings, cousins, advisors, wives, girlfriends (sometimes wives and girlfriends), high school or AAU coaches and assorted friends and associates from the player’s childhood, college or more recent times. I have seen the good, the bad and the ugly of the herd. My frustration, even to this day, is seeing them being concerned with their best interests than those of the player.
Agents serve many roles; one increasingly important role has become serving as the “no guy.” Players are constantly approached with requests for any number of things, from ticket requests to loans to business opportunities, etc. Experience has taught me that most players, especially at a young age, want to help and say yes. Absent a strong figure in the player’s life to play this role, it becomes the agent’s job to be the “no guy,” to swat away requests that aren’t in the best interests of the player. Even with that buffer, the player may still overrule the “no guy” in the name of loyalty or family.
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