The problem is what happens when something that's in the interest of Client A is detrimental to the interest of Client B?
(I'd actually really like to know what the "rules" are for that in the sports agent world. How is an agent supposed to manage a conflict like that? In the legal world a lawyer would have to drop one or both of the clients. I know that's not what happens with sports agents, but how is it handled?)
Interesting question. Even if it seems oxymoronic, there must be a "Code of Ethics" for "Sports and Entertainment Agents." My guess is that the code comes down to "you know it if you see it" and is self-policing. If an Agent acts against the interests of a client, it will be transparent because all Professional Sports Player Contracts are public and because the Agent business is a cut throat business, where these people are all over each other all the time. If an Agent screws a client, it won't stay secret for long.
If the unsubstantiated stories are true that the Pats attempted to negotiate a cap friendly deal with Garoppolo in the off season which would allow the Pats to keep both TB and JRG (I think he's now earned the right not to be referred to as "JAG"), then Yee didn't let Garoppolo sign a deal that was against his interests. Ethically, that seems solid to me. assuming that Garoppolo was aware of the risk of a career-ending injury on the practice or playing field, of which he clearly was aware.
You could make the argument that that was
against Tom Brady's interests, because the Pats then had to decide between Brady and Garoppolo. Or, you could make the argument that that was
in Tom Brady's interests, because there was now no way they would ever let Brady go. As it turned out, the latter was the case. In either case, Yee would be negotiating any future Brady contracts, with the Pats or anyone else. So, it was all the same to him.
The only risk Yee was taking was that JRG would suffer a season-ending injury on the practice or playing field, before he had the opportunity to negotiate a contract for him. Otherwise, Yee was in a "win win" situation.
He gave his client JRG the proper advice not to sign a below market contract, which momentarily put his client TB at some statistically measurable risk, but which would most likely not have a negative impact on Brady.
JRG's fate was then out of Yee's hands until next spring, when the Pats would either Franchise or release him. If he was franchised, Yee still collects his commission. If he was released or traded, he would ultimately get to negotiate the contract and collect his commission.
Now I understand why one of my kids wants to be a sports agent.
