Agent Boras Scrutinized

Since making it big by representing players like Barry Bonds and Alex Rodriguez ("A-Rod), competing agents have hoped for a day to catch agent Scott Boras in illegal activity. Boras has dominated the baseball market for many years, making it difficult for other agents to compete. Well now, those agents may have a chance for a little break...

Boras is now being questioned for making illegal payments to prospective players in the Dominican Republic. The NY Times reports that Boras has made payments to prospects in the Dominican that violate the Union's rules for agents. Agents are only allowed to give loans of less than $500 to prospects unless disclosed to the Union. This regulation is designed to minimize the dependence a prospect has on an agent. Boras allegedly provided players in the Dominican of upwards of $70,000!

It is unclear what punishments, if any, Boras will receive from the Union, but this activity will not go unnoticed.

Note: Boras' alleged payments to Dominican prospects are more carefully scrutinized than those made by investors and hedge funds as reported earlier this week. This is due to the additional dependency players have on the expertise of agents, as well as, the regulations agents are subject to within the confines of the Union.

Interrupting the Entertainment

While fans were getting their favorite beers and snacks ready for the kickoff of the NFL 2010 season, the anticipation for an escape into the world of football was interrupted by the players of the Vikings and Saints walking onto the field together with hands raised with the number 1. This act was intended to be a symbol of solidarity for the players during this period of labor negotiations with the league.

The collective bargaining agreement ("CBA"), the agreement that governs the relationship between the NFL (league and owners) and the players, is set to expire at the end of the season. (The players are part of a union that is in direct negotiations with the league.) The parties have begun negotiations and hope for a new CBA prior to the end of the season. This hope, however, is quite grim as there are many issues at play here that are far from being resolved. (And yes, all of the issues come down to money.)

The players acting in unison last night was intended to show that they are one unit working together to negotiate a new CBA. Although, this act had minimal impact, it was something that I just did not want to be bothered with as I was escaping into my football fantasy land for the night. At a time when unemployment is at crazy highs, I didn't want to be disturbed by the players' pleas for more money. Sure, both the players and the owners need to negotiate a CBA that will provide each party with what they deserve, but this discussion should not burden the fans. All the fans see are guys who make millions of dollars for a dream job complaining about money. The players need to make sure that they do not alienate their fans with these "acts of solidarity." Stay strong as a unit, but pick a different forum in which to exemplify your strength. The fans watch football for an escape and do not want to be burdened with the players' financial struggles, especially when those of the fans are much more severe.