It’s about time… An athlete talks about agents and the “wonders” they do for your career! I thought this was some kind of secret code that only those athletes with agents knew about and then kept to themselves. Well it kind of still is really…
But it’s great that a high-profile sprinter speaks out about agents warning you of some downsides behind the “glitz and glamour.” Sanya Richards, recent World Champion in the 400m this past summer, wrote The Ugly Side of Sports that was posted on Track & Field News about the “beef” she has with agents. She is currently being sued by an agent because she failed to recognize the tiny print in her contract that stated that she had to give up a portion of her earnings indefinitely (track or no track) to this agent. What all do they do for you anyway?
- Contract Negotiations
- Event Management
- Financial Planning
- Immigration (visas)
- Marketing
- Media
- Post-Career Counseling
- Travel Bookings
- …and much more
That is a pretty hefty list for an athlete to do on their own and still stay fully focused on their sport. I think it’s definitely necessary to have an agent and I am in no way knocking them at all. But, what Sanya is going through makes me not even consider having an agent represent me in the near future (which is why her mother is her agent right now I suppose…hmmmm great idea!)
The agent wasn’t there during the rough times when you first asked for help, when you were struggling to get your career moving, when you needed some guidance and help…but they were there at your door when the clock all of a sudden showed sub 10. They just met you and then believe you owe a percentage to them. They come into the picture well after you already put in the hard work and then want to take what you earned away.
I will soon be in the boat of dealing with agents and contracts. I contacted a few agents before I began the season…and basically it was a “You’re not good enough” kind of response. But they’re right, WHO AM I? I haven’t done anything special…(yet).
I am very glad though that Sanya Richards gave athletes of all sports a “heads up” into the world of sports management. I have a great support system of family and friends behind me, so that when the time does come, everything is done moral and fair. Hopefully, things do change so this ugly side can turn pretty!
