Source: At least one agent reaches out to unsigned player. Jack Bechta
Any time a blue-chip player like Michael Crabtree commits to an agent, you’ll find several other agents who will say, “I almost had him. I was his second choice.”
It now appears that at least one other agent group is circling in the water like sharks smelling blood, hoping Crabtree will change his mind about his agent, Eugene Parker, however unlikely that may be.
APA lot has happened since the 2009 NFL Draft.
A reliable source in the agent community has told me that that at least one other agent has reached out to Crabtree to see if he can “offer any assistance” to end the stalemate with the 49ers.
Any time a player is having tough time with a negotiation, you can almost count on other agents reaching out to him, wanting to play the role of white knight. The agents assume very little risk in making this move because the player doesn’t want to report him to his current agent or the NFL Players Association. The player simply doesn’t want to go through the hassle of being part of an intense grievance process and being looked upon by his peers and teammates -- some of whom may be working with the soliciting agent -- as a snitch.
During the recruiting process, a losing agent may have built a great relationship with the player, his family or even his best friend. I can virtually guarantee you that some calls and texts have been fired in the direction of Crabtree and his people by these agents.
AP
I’ve heard that there’s a great deal of depth and strength in the relationship between Parker and Crabtree. But I also know that as time lapses and the stakes mount, their relationship will be tested. Eugene will and has become an easy target for other agents because of this particular impasse. Regardless of the strategy, philosophy and motivations of the Crabtree-Parker camp, agents will spin this holdout on the recruiting trail as an ill-advised move orchestrated solely by Parker.
From a public relations standpoint, Crabtree -- if he listens to the whispers and opts to make a change -- can fire Parker and use him as a scapegoat, placing the entirety of the blame for the stalemate on the agent. But Eugene is no fool; he knows this is a possibility, which leads me to believe the holdout might be driven by the player.
I don’t know Parker personally, but I know of his reputation, his history and his philosophy. He’s known as a tough but fair negotiator and an architect. He’s all about the art of the deal. He doesn’t play concierge like other high-profile agents. He’s not seeking fame. He simply focuses his attention on putting together superior deals without worrying about other agents, the media or next year’s recruiting class. He’s a seasoned and cerebral pro who’s made millions of dollars for himself and his clients.
He’s also a cool character, so if the sharks indeed are circling, he’ll remain calm and stick to his plan.
Follow me on Twitter: jackbechta
"without worrying about ........ next year’s recruiting class." Really? I find this hard to believe. For a "first round agent" like Parker this is his bread and butter, his calling card per se.
Superb take on something that happens all the time. There exists in the agent community a couple of high profile agents who specialize in claim jumping- grabbing players in tough negotiations with clubs.
Jack, I am not convinced this holdout is driven by Crrabtree, given Parker's history of holding out players. If Parker is having trouble getting Crabtree to agree to a deal, why is he still representing him when he is not obligated to? I personally think Parker is trying to bust the slotting system and is using Crabtree as a guinea pig to do it.
Jack,
I assume agents get some sort of contract with a player. Is it standard like a player contract or is each one different? Would the player be able to terminate at will or would he need grounds? If Crabtree sacked Parker, would Parker still get a piece of this deal, since he worked on it so long?
You mentioned the "sharks" possibly being referred to the union for claimjumping. Is it actually against the rules to solicit another agent's clients? I don't recall ever hearing of an agent being penalized for this.
Personally, this lifelong Niner's fan hopes Crabtree takes a dive of the Golden Gate and goes swimming with the Bay Area's great whites. Prove your worth before complaining you're not getting paid enough. Coach Singletary may keep the door open for the golddigger, but as far as I'm concerned the Jets can have him. I'll never root for him, no matter what color jersey he wears.
what, exactly, is parker's plan? the niners aren't blinking in case he and crabtree haven't noticed. as a matter of fact, i don't think singletary, in particular, can blink.
He should switch agents. Then sign immediately.
TWO WORDS: MIKE WILLIAMS!!!!!
Hopefully Michael Crabtree 's agent made him aware that Mike Singletary won a Super Bowl ring with Bell and Harris holding out the entire seasonon the 85 Bears.
Great article
Thanks
Michael Crabtree won the Texas lottery and turned it down, he said that the New York lottery pays more, thus Texas lottery officials should give him more $$$ beause he deserves it
who cares?
crabtree is crying because he would only make like $4mill a year and a normal person makes about $40,000 man would someone slap this guy
Crabtree and Parker are probably upset that the 49r's are 2-0. Tuff break for such superstars to handle.
Blue chip? You seem to like that term.
Is it possible to trade him without signing him?
I'd do that, the Raiders would be dumb enough to give a 2nd and 3rd next year.
Like any other NFL football player, You don't deserve anything untill you earn it as a NFL player, What you did in the past got you too the door of the NFL, Now show what your worth as a NFL player, You ain't showen me nothing yeat.
What are the chances Crabtree does not sign this yr, re-enters next yrs draft -- but no team drafts him? My guess zero -- but if it did happen, what would the repercussions be?
The repercussions would be my death due to laughing so hard.
I am not a 49er fan, but I would love to see them win a superbowl with Crabtree sitting out the whole season. The whole situation with the NFL and rookies is insane. At some point it would be great if the NFL would set some rules about what the unproven players get and be done with it. Although I doubt it, it would be just as nice to see Crabtree have to re-enter the draft and get picked in the 7th round or not at all. I remember Parker had Biakabatuka sit out most of his first season for the Panthers and it was a lost year and he didn't get much more for the what it cost in team respect and career momentum. Surprised any teams draft this guys players without upfront agreement in hand.
Yawn. Crabtree will eventually sign for millions- which he isn't worth nor had earned. And Parker will get millions and, next year, even more "clients" (now that's a euphemism for sure) to continue the ridiculous NFL policy of paying unproven players tons of money for having done squat. I'm laughing at the "seriousness" of these columns about this looney system.
Jack:
Since you put on the Reporters hat, why didn't you call Parker and ask him for comment?
It may have sharpened the knife of conjecture.
Is Eugene Parker the new Howard Slusher?
Crabtree has a much worse injury than thought (as in 2nd surgery imminent) and wants a contract w/o having to meet with the team docs, etc. That's what is holding this up.
I'm not too knowledgeable about these contract issues. But this situation puzzles me,
He is passing up many millions because he thinks he should have been drafted higher and thus received more millions,
He is willing to lose a year's salary to do this.
So: Isn't the amount he will lose in one year's wages as large or larger than the amount he hopes to gain?
So: If the owners lock out the teams next year doesn't he stand to lose even more--or at least go longer without the paycheck.
So: If the league does away with the ridiculous rookie "million dollar handouts" Won't his salary be MUCH less?
So: Doesn't a year of non football activiy lessen one's value if the player is a veteran?And isn't the implication that an idle almost-a-rookie lose even more value?
So: Doesn't foolish, selfish behavior like this dissuade some teams from even thinking about acquiring a baggage laden player?
I'm one who believes I should be paid a fair salary. I also believe in thinking through my options and their two sided results.
Maybe M C should have taken a few classes that instilled logical thinking and intelligence while getting the full ride (Full ride! Must be habit forming since he seems to be looking again.
Simplejim
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Sep 23, 2009
07:26 AM
Parker is also known for having the most clients who hold out. He's the agent for football players who don't enjoy playing football. So yeah he and Crabs seem like a perfect pair.