‘Mandatory malpractice insurance may thin NFL agent ranks,’ by David Shemilt.

The article reviewed here focuses on sports agents, specifically those within the National Football League [NFL] and Major League Baseball [MLB]. One such example is Kurt Varricchio, a certified attorney representing NFL players. Even though Kurt has just signed an NFL player to the ‘big time’ it appears that it maybe his last. Why? Well, staying within the realms of the NFL, agents now have to take out malpractice insurance coverage with the NFL players association which most stereotypical blood sucking agents would not take too kindly too. Alongside the standard fee agents pay to the NFL Players Association [NFLPA], there is also the possibility of agents fees being cut from 3% to 2%. Hence, why would anyone want to get into this business?
Well the truth is, where there is money to be made, there will always be sporting agencies. With elite NFL athletes such a commercial and viable commodity in today’s world, the need for sports agents will always be there. The introduction of mandatory malpractice insurance will surely just ensure agents are doing their jobs properly and will only help to improve the quality by whittling away the rest from the best.

In comparison MLB agents appear to have a free, independent reign from it’s governing Players Association. As opposed to the NFL, there are no such restrictions imposed by the MLBPA on the agencies. Why is this? Are MLB players aware of their agents dealings? Why do such mainstream sports have such different boundaries and restrictions upon agents? And do these inconsistencies exist throughout different sports?
Adversely, are sporting agents a luxury or a necessity? An alternative view might suggest that players should be educated themselves to deal with their own branding, commercial rights and other such affairs?

Within the realms of sporting agencies, the world is a competitive, yet diverse and conflicting one? Do you think it’s fair that certain sports agents are more constrained in what they are doing than others? What about the agents themselves, are they a must for any elite athlete, or are they an extravagance that athletes can do without? What do you think?