In this brief but informative Q&A, Gary breaks down the key issue causing all the strife, explains how undrafted free agents are being affected, and offers his prediction for whether regular season games will ultimately be missed.

MSF: Many of our readers are interested in the current status of the lockout, but have neither the time nor the patience to follow every litigious detail currently being reported. In layman’s terms, where do things currently stand between the players and owners, and what is the next key date/decision that fans should be looking toward?

Gary Glick: The next key date is June 3^rd when the Federal Court Judge will hear oral arguments from both the NFL and the NFLPA (Players). At that point the Court would have a number of options including making a ruling on that same date.

At this point, there are a number of issues but only a few of them seem to be key; and believe it when I say, we as agents aren’t being kept abreast of many of the developments any better than the general public.

From all we have discussed, it seems that the owners opted out of the current CBA (as they apparently had the right to do) because of what they felt was the unequal split of gross revenues between the players who were getting close to 57% and the owners who were getting approximately 43%.  The owners were allowed to take $1 billion off the top before the split and now want $2 billion.   The players seemed to convey they were open to a different split of the gross revenues but the owners had to “open up their books” to show that the gross revenues they were talking about really reflected a certain total ($9 billion) and not more.  The owners have declined to do so.

There are other issues such as a rookie pay cap and an 18-game season and health benefits, but ultimately it all comes back to the big issue of the money.

MSF: On a scale of 1-100, what do you think are the chances that any regular season football is missed in 2011?

Gary Glick: I think the chances of missing any REGULAR season games is very slim. In fact, I’ll commit and say a 10 out of 100.  The fear right now is that we miss training camp and run the risk of our undrafted players passing up other opportunities and then failing to be offered anything when the lockout ends.

MSF: A group that is being overlooked by many people are undrafted free agents, none of whom can sign with teams during the lockout. How are you advising your undrafted clients and do you see any long-term impacts on players or the league because of this long post-draft wait where none of these undrafted players can be signed to fill out rosters?

Gary Glick: For me personally, the undrafted players present a huge challenge because the teams can’t talk to us about them so we can’t get a feel as to whether there is an interest in signing them once the lockout ends.  What makes it even a greater challenge is the fact that the CFL and UFL are making offers to these players, which presents a choice: either take the offer on the table from one of these two leagues and be guaranteed a paycheck and a place to play this season or turn down the offer and hope the lockout ends AND a team intends to sign that player.

I represent certain undrafted players I felt were considered Priority Free Agents by teams. Many of these players actually had private workouts during the pre-draft period.  We have talked about it, and for now they are awaiting the end of the lockout.  We have also decided for certain other players that, as there is no guarantee of an NFL contract even at the end of the lockout,  we would sign with a CFL or UFL team.

I see several effects. For one thing, the lockout may well boost the quality of players seen in the UFL and the CFL. These are two very good and somewhat underappreciated leagues. The UFL has NFL-experienced head coaches such as Jim Fassel, Dennis Green, and Marty Schottenheimer, and quality football.

Also, if the lockout drags on too long, it will shorten or eliminate the time when rookies would normally be in training camp learning the system.  Likewise, teams with new coaches will have a very limited time teaching their new offenses/defenses to the players (veterans and rookies).  I have heard some coaches actually considering cutting down their playbooks.

MSF: Give us an update on your players currently on NFL rosters.

Gary Glick: Interesting year so far.  We had several that were released and several doing well.  One of the ones to watch is Mike Adams at Arizona (#27).  He is small at 5’8” but has been very effective on special teams and is a very sure tackler.

MSF: How does the beginning of the UFL influence your  landscape? Is this a place where you are going to actively direct your clients who cannot make it on an NFL roster right now? Is the UFL immediately on par, better than, worse than the CFL?

Gary Glick: I was unsure about the UFL until I started talking with some of the coaching staff. In particular, I have gotten to know and have a lot of respect for Coach Fassel. It doesn’t appear that the UFL is trying to compete with the NFL.  In fact, in some instances, it looks like a place for players as well as coaches who would like another opportunity in the NFL.  I have placed several players so far and watched the games. It’s a good brand of football and I hope it takes off.

The UFL and CFL have their pros and cons.  The CFL is widely scouted by the NFL teams but is an 18-game season.  Also, once a player enters a contract, they cannot break the contract even if an NFL wants them. Along those lines, most CFL teams try to have the player sign a two-year deal.  That would lock the player out of the NFL for a significant time.

The UFL is new and currently only has a six-game season, so players are free to try for the NFL much quicker than they would if they were in the CFL.

On the other hand, the CFL is more established than the UFL. I guess time will tell the success of the UFL and the players who choose to participate.

MSF: Regarding the Dez Bryant story, there has been speculation that Deion Sanders might be working as a de facto “runner” for Eugene Parker.  I know that you cannot comment on the specifics, but can you at least describe to our readers what a “runner” is and what the NCAA’s rules are to prevent “runners” and agents from getting close to college athletes.

Gary Glick: In general, “runners” work for agencies and are usually persons who will attend games and work behind the scenes to meet players for the agencies.  It’s a way to bend (break) the rules as to when an agenct may make contact with a player.  It’s widespread and really places agencies on uneven playing fields, especially if the person serving in the “runner” capacity is a famous athlete.

I am not saying Deion is doing this but it does raise eyebrows when Deion was involved with the Crabtree decision to choose Eugene Parker as his agent and now offers training to another highly sought after prospect in Dez Bryant.  Not coincidentally, Eugene Parker was Deion’s agent so there is a natural connection.

MSF: In your experience, speaking generally, have you seen former NFL players use their stature and “cred” to cozy up to athletes with the implicit or explicit goal of “handing” them to specified agents? Is this typically something they are compensated for, either over- or under-the-table?

Gary Glick: Yes to both.  It’s a very common practice for agents’ clients to use their stature to recruit athletes-especially at their alma mater.

MSF: One of the most disappointing developments of the college football season so far has been the injuries to Sam Bradford and Jermaine Gresham, both of whom would have been top 10 picks had they come out prior to this season.  What would you have advised them to do last year? Do you think their injury problems this year will prompt players currently on the fence to go pro? Do you think it should?

Gary Glick: It’s easy in retrospect.  Honestly, I would have advised Bradford to come out.  He was a lock to be the 1^st overall pick.  As we can see, there is a huge injury risk in returning.  That’s not to say that he still won’t be recognized as the best QB in the country (in my opinion he is) but we will have to see what longer range effects his injury will have.

Gresham, on the other hand, is a TE, and although he is widely thought to be the best TE in the country, there was no guarantee as to where he would have been drafted.  I would have advised him to give it serious thought but do what he felt he should do.

I am fairly high on players getting their education and developing in college unless the player will be a top 5 or 10 pick.  It seems like every year players who should stay in do just the opposite and come out and, vice versa, those that probably should come out choose to stay in (see Matt Leinert).

Go to the Sports Agent Corner page to view past editions, and feel free to send an email to the Sports Agent Corner if there is a specific question you would like Gary to address in future weeks. You can also respond in the comments section and I’ll be sure that Gary sees your responses.)

——————–

MSF: What players are you representing this year in the 2009 NFL Draft?

Gary Glick: Kirby Freeman (QB); Joe Ganz (QB); Dexton Fields (WR); Aubrey Bell (WR); Thomas White (WR); Braxton Kelly (LB); Andrew Mooney (TE/FB); Jake Ratcliff (DE/LB); Dan Titchener (P); Cory Long (K)

MSF: Describe what the week leading up to the draft is like?

Gary Glick: It’s VERY hectic. There is a great deal of last-minute marketing and maneuvering as well as speaking to the teams about draft day contact information. Also talking to the players to keep up their confidence as well as speaking with the press. The Dallas Morning News (Todd Archer) did a nice article on Thomas White after his workout with the Cowboys and the press from the various cities in the colleges where the players attended have draft questions.

MSF: How will you spend your Saturday and Sunday this weekend?

Gary Glick: Saturday is more laid back than Sunday. I will be manning the phones and watching the draft somewhere other than the office.

On Sunday, I will start with a mass e-mail to all of the teams again reminding them of them of my players. I will be at the office monitoring the draft and making contact with whoever I can with the teams. The “fun” starts IMMEDIATELY after the last pick in the draft. For players who are not drafted, it is the time to try and have them signed as Free Agents. We have a team of people making calls to every contact we have in the league.

MSF: What do you find yourself doing more: managing the expectations of players who think they will be drafted higher than they probably will, or pumping up guys who think they have no chance to get picked — but who might?

Gary Glick: A little of both but probably the focus is on calming nerves and keeping the guys pumped up. Even if they are not immediately signed, there is always the chance.

MSF: For all of the fans who do not understand it, describe a little more about what happens after the last pick of the second day. What is the ensuing scramble to get your undrafted players into camps like?.

Gary Glick: Most of the Undrafted Rookie Free Agents (those players not drafted) are signed within 2-3 hours after the draft. It is imperative that we start calling at the end of the 7th round and make as many calls and as quickly as possible to all of the NFL contacts we have. I usually have 2 phones going at the same time! I have never seen so many calls being made so quickly.

Go to the Sports Agent Corner page to view past editions, and feel free to send an email to the Sports Agent Corner if there is a specific question you would like Gary to address in future weeks. You can also respond in the comments section and I’ll be sure that Gary sees your responses.)

__________

MSF: “Superagent” Leigh Steinberg was arrested last week for public intox. As a fellow sports agent, when you see a story like that about another agent with such a high profile, what is your reaction?

Gary Glick: Honestly, I don’t give much thought to that. All of us have a drink or two at times and it sort of falls into the category of “there but for the grace of God go I.” If it was a more serious charge of DWI, or domestic violence, or a charge relating to drug use it would be a big concern.

MSF: There is a lot of uncertainty right now regarding the future of the NFL’s relationship with the NFLPA due to the impending expiration of the CBA. Do you foresee an uncapped year? If so, what are the ramifications for the NFL?

Gary Glick: It would be difficult to imagine the NFL allowing things to proceed to the point of an uncapped year. That would have the potential of allowing players to essentially name their price and put football contracts up there with baseball contracts. I really do not foresee an uncapped year.

MSF: How is the NFLPA currently operating without a “true” leader after the passing of Gene Upshaw? Who do you think, or better yet, who do you want to see take over as NFLPA president?

Gary Glick: I had not had any direct dealings with Mr. Upshaw and to date, do not believe there has been the situation in which we have been able to see a positive or negative impact. I have not really noticed a difference yet. I continue to deal with those same individuals with whom I have always dealt. I believe at the time the heat of the CBA negotiations is turned up, we will see the difference. There are so many qualified individuals who would be qualified and who I believe could lead the next generation of the NFLPA. It would need to be an intelligent, former player. I have yet to hear any individuals being mentioned as strong candidates. I always thought Ray Farmer (the current Director of Pro Personnel for the Kansas City Chiefs) would be a perfect fit (I haven’t heard his or any other name being mentioned). But again, I deal with so many individuals directly or indirectly involved in the NFL that would be good for that position.

MSF: What are some recommendations you would give to the next NFLPA president.

Gary Glick: Somewhat consistently, the NFLPA (the NFL players’ union) is considered to be a weak union, at least relative to the other major sports. I believe its important for the next president to somehow quell that perception and to fight for stronger guaranteed contracts for players. Moreover, it would be good to see the union put up a stronger fight for players as well as former players without jeopardizing relations with the owners to the extent the fans are punished.

From an agent’s standpoint, Id like to see the NFLPA create a more equal footing for agents to compete. There is so much unregulated recruiting by agents who give players incentives to sign with that agency and rarely is anything done about it.

MSF: Let’s talk about some of the great football being played in your home state of Texas. UT-Texas Tech: What were your general impressions of the game? How does Graham Harrell compare to Colt McCoy as an NFL prospect? And how amazing is Michael Crabtree? What would you give up for a year to have Crabtree as a client?

Gary Glick: Generally, I can’t think of a college game I enjoyed watching as much as this one. Not only did it live up to the hype, it previewed 2 outstanding teams having outstanding seasons. From the previous seasons of following the Big 12 and watching Graham Harrell, I did not want to believe he was the “real deal”; but this year, I think he has proven that he is not only for real, but that he is more than just a “system” QB.

Previous QB’s at Texas Tech have had outstanding statistics, but could not make it in the NFL because their success in college was more of a result of the Texas Tech offensive system than it was because they were actual, legitimate NFL-caliber QB’s. Graham Harrell seems to be different. He makes good reads, has a very good pocket presence, never seems to panic, and picks up blitzes and executes as well as any QB in the country.

I believe Graham Harrell and Colt McCoy will probably be neck and neck in the NFL Draft and it will probably come down to the preference of an NFL team as well as the performance of each at the NFL Combine. Both are top quality QB’s who have really come on in their senior seasons.

As far as Crabtree, I can only say Wow! He has everything an NFL team could want: speed, good hands, strength, and ability to make yards after the catch. More than that, he appears to be a quality person off the field as well. I would definitely make sacrifices to have him as a client…I might even give up beer! He is the type of quality player on and off the field that an agent would be lucky to represent.

[tags]sports agent, nflpa[/tags]

Go to the Sports Agent Corner page to view past editions, and feel free to send an email to the Sports Agent Corner if there is a specific question you would like Gary to address in future weeks.)

__________

Midwest Sports Fans: From a scout’s perspective, projecting forward with respect to his potential NFL career, how good of an overall on- and off-field prospect is Colt McCoy?

Gary Glick: Honestly, I’m not as familiar with Colt McCoy as I should be because last year, I simply did not see him as that good of a QB. In fact, I have spoken with NFL Scouts who thought that Stephen McGee (Texas A&M) was a better Pro Prospect. Colt McCoy has really turned it around this year and looks to be not only a versatile QB who can pass and run the ball, he looks to be the leader of the team on Offense. From those persons with whom I’ve spoken, he seems to be a sincere player who is strong in his beliefs and convictions. I will be curious to watch the scouting reports and to see how far he moves up.

MSF: Colt McCoy recently stated that he is planning to return for his senior season. What are your thoughts on his decision, and players leaving school early in general?

Gary Glick: First, I am a big advocate of education and getting a degree. With that said, it’s easy enough and quite common for a player to return later and obtain their degree. Personally, I hardly EVER recommend a player leave school early. On the other hand, each player has his own individual needs and considerations. There are those that know they will be drafted and are in such a financial position they do not feel they have a choice. They may sacrifice the potential for a higher payday if they were to wait another season; however, in their mind, they may feel they have no choice and the temptation of a minimum salary of $310,000 when in financial trouble can be hard to resist; not to mention the risk of injury.

On the other hand, as mentioned, I place a high degree of importance on finishing college. I believe it’s important to the player’s development and it’s important to the coaches. Further, a person only gets to live that “college life” one time. For those of us making a living day-to-day in the real world, the memories made in those four years of college (well, for some make that 5-7 years) can never be replaced. Players like Matt Leinert are willing to take the risk of sacrificing draft dollars to play out their senior season.
I admire Colt McCoy for that decision and hope it works for him. Although as an Aggie, Colt may be one player we would like to see leave early!

MSF: Have you been surprised at all by the divergence of the paths of Colt McCoy and Chase Daniel over the past few weeks?

Gary Glick: Absolutely. I was fortunate enough to have followed Chase Daniel’s career all the way back to high school at Southlake (in Dallas, TX). And I guess I was unfortunate enough to watch him on several occasions dismantle my former high school team (Lake Highlands) even when LH was a decent team. I’ve scouted Missouri and have watched as Chase Daniel has become a legitimate Heisman Trophy candidate. He is a team leader and although by NFL standards he is considered by many to be too small, he plays with a ton of heart. He reminds me of the QB version of Wes Welker.

On the other hand, Colt McCoy, until this season, did not look the same after being knocked out of the Texas A&M game a few seasons ago. Again, I will be curious to see how the scouts grade him but in my opinion, he is one of the better college QB’s I have seen this season (I’m a Dallas Cowboys fan and he may be better than some Pro QB’s as well…not to mention any names).

MSF: If you could choose any of the Big 12 QB’s for a client, who would it be and why? And where would Baylor freshman Robert Griffith fall in the hierarchy?

Gary Glick: It probably WOULD be Griffith, but he is only a Freshman so there’s time. Of the other QB’s, I would probably choose Sam Bradford at OU as he is in a Pro Style offense in a very tough conference and is incredibly successful. Additionally, OU seems to excel at the preparation of their players for the next level. Off the field, Bradford also has a good reputation. His size and ability seem to mesh well with the prototypical NFL QB’s.

MSF: You are a Texas A&M grad. What are three things Mike Sherman needs to do to get the program turned around?

Gary Glick: Touchy subject! I would say that recruiting is a huge first step. I know that Coach Sherman has made some good choices in the people he has surrounded himself with such as Tim Cassidy, an excellent recruiter of talent in the state of Texas. Next, and something I believe Coach Sherman has done, is surround himself with a good coaching staff. Finally, utilize the talent that he has. For this year, although it appears the talent level is lower than in years past, and the Win/Loss record is not terribly favorable, you would still like to see them play as they did in the first half of the Texas Tech game. They were scrappy and determined and looked for awhile like they might have a chance for an upset.

As I am an Aggie, I can speak for those I know when I say that the Aggie faithful are getting impatient. I do believe that Coach Sherman will turn it around once he has had an opportunity to institute his system with players he and his staff recruit.

MSF: What goes into recruiting an athlete from the point of his senior year in college through his signing with an NFL team?

Gary Glick: The answer is a little vague in that it differs from player to player. We are at a point at Synergy Sports where we get a number of players by word-of-mouth. On the other hand, there are a number of ways a player can be recruited.

Most schools now have what’s called “Player/Agent” week where agents registered with the secretary of state and with a particular school are invited to meet with the Seniors in a controlled environment. Of course, it’s ultimately the players’ choice as to whom they want to meet. After the meeting, an agent is allowed to communicate with a player through the school’s athletic compliance office. Once a relationship is established, the agent gets to know the player through this series of communications. The player can then sign a Representation Agreement with the agent after the last game of his season (that includes Bowl Games). That’s when the fun begins.

Generally the agent will fund the players’ training for the NFL Combine, the school’s Pro Day, etc. Some agents make repayment a part of the contract with the player. The ultimate goal is to put the player in the best position to get drafted or to be signed as an undrafted Free Agent.

[tags]sports agent, nfl, college football, colt mccoy[/tags]

Midwest Sports Fans: One of your players is Maurice Purify of the Cincinnati Bengals, who has found his share of trouble. You have said that too big a deal has been made out of his off-field issues. How so?

Gary Glick: Maurice Purify transferred to Nebraska at a rough time in his life and although I make no excuses for a player’s behavior, Mo had 4 close relatives pass away during that time. He was accosted by a bouncer at a club and got into a fight and was charged with assault. During his probation, he received a DUI and then subsequently during a house party, he and his uncle (a school counselor from Missouri) were watching an ESPN special in the basement of a friend’s house when the police burst in and asked people to leave. The people in the basement (including Mo) did not hear the request and were issued citations (even his uncle). The citation constituted a violation of his probation.

When looked at as a whole, his “offenses” do not appear that egregious and surely do not constitute the seeming “black balling” he received on Draft day.

For those who read this, try to keep in mind that Maurice Purify was a college kid and try to remember the things you did in college, whether you got caught or not.

I have gotten to know him and have seen a humble guy that is incredible with fans and with children. To actually know Maurice Purify is to realize that he is not this player with ridiculous “off the field issues” but a good guy that wants to succeed and has the ability to succeed with the Cincinnati Bengals and in the NFL.

MSF: Maurice has been hurt, and the Cincinnati Bengals offense has been terrible. What is his outlook for the rest of the season?

Gary Glick: Mo split the webbing in his hand during training camp and received 9 stitches, which caused him to miss significant time in training camp and preseason games. He came back too early from the injury and re-split it, causing him to miss even more time. Maurice was placed on the Practice Squad, but all indications from speaking with team officials are that he is well-received and is expected to contribute positively to the Cincinnati Bengals. As you may be aware, when a player is on the Practice Squad, they are eligible to be picked up by any NFL team and placed on that team’s roster; so if Maurice does his job, we feel sure he will be on the Cincinnati Bengals or another roster relatively quickly.

MSF: Can Maurice succeed in Cincinnati, or would his chances improve by going to a better team or one without such experienced wide receivers?

Gary Glick: I really believe that Maurice Purify can succeed on any team that gives him the opportunity. He has been an incredible athlete and contributor wherever he has played. In fact, he was even an All-State basketball player in California before transferring to Nebraska. He has the size (6’ 3 1/2” and 220lbs) and the speed (4.4 in the 40) to be an effective NFL player. His “off the field” problems are more of a perception than a reality due to the fact that as an athlete each incident, regardless of the degree, was documented in the press.

The Cincinnati Bengals are really a talented group and I can think of few QB’s that I feel could work with and develop the success of Maurice Purify more than Carson Palmer. They are somewhat strong at WR, which was not the case when Mo signed a contract. In fact, at the time, Chad Johnson had indicated he was absolutely not coming back, Chris Henry was suspended and it was our understanding that he was also not coming back, so they were relatively thin at WR, especially in terms of depth. There are teams that are indicating an interest so we will not know exactly where Mo will be in the near future, but feel comfortable that he is liked by the Cincinnati Bengals, knows the system, and has an excellent QB in Carson Palmer who can only make him better.

MSF: What did you think when the Bengals undercut the purported wishes of head coach Marvin Lewis and brought Chris Henry back?

Gary Glick: I have a great deal of respect for Marvin Lewis and can never be sure of the “behind closed doors” conversations between coaches and personnel. From my own beliefs and even for somewhat selfish reasons, I was disappointed.

Selfishly, I feel it took a roster spot away from a WR which might have been filled by Maurice Purify. In fact, as I mentioned, when we signed it seemed that the Bengals were not intent on bringing Chris Henry back.

From a standpoint of beliefs, I feel everyone should be given a second chance; but when a player starts earning third, fourth and fifth chances, its time to have an “enoughs is enough” attitude. There are literally scores of talented players just waiting for an opportunity to try out for a team. It’s a shame that those who could make a team and who have a good, criminal-free reputation are on the outside looking in while players who continue deviant activities are given multiple opportunities.

MSF: What is your philosophy on taking a player like Chris Henry or Adam “Pacman” Jones. Worth the trouble or no?

Gary Glick: I am a firm believer that everyone deserves a chance–even a second chance. On the other hand, once a player has proven himself to be a habitual trouble-maker, it is time to cut ties. With both of these players, Chris Henry and Pacman Jones, ample opportunity was given for them to make amends. In the case of Pacman Jones, I think it is appalling that he is in the league. He was blessed with incredible talent (which is obviously the only reason he has been given so many chances) but has proven time after time that he is not deserving of the NFL and all the league should stand for.

Numbers of children watch the NFL and emulate these talented players. What does it say to a child when a player has been arrested six times in three years and has had an additional seven run-ins with the police? To me it says that no matter what you do or how many crimes you commit, its acceptable if you are a good enough athlete.

Visit their website to learn more about Gary Glick and Synergy Sports, Inc.

You can also contact Gary Glick by email.

[tags]cincinnati bengals, gary glick, sports agent, maurice purify[/tags]