Top Ad
I DIG Radio
www.idigradio.com
Listen live to the best music from around the world!
I DIG Style
www.idigstyle.com
Learn about the latest fashion styles and more...

Zion filing vs. ex-agent alleges early recruitment

Written by 
Published in Basketball
Wednesday, 21 August 2019 16:49

Attorneys for New Orleans Pelicans rookie Zion Williamson filed additional amendments to a lawsuit that is attempting to enforce the termination of a signed agreement with a Florida marketing company.

The amendments, filed in U.S. District Court in North Carolina by Williamson's New York-based lawyer, Jeffrey Klein, on Wednesday, include further details of alleged violations of North Carolina state sports-agent laws by the Florida company, Prime Sports Marketing, and its president, Gina Ford. Prime Sports filed a suit in Florida court in June, shortly after Williamson's filing, that seeks $100 million in damages from Williamson and his current representation, Creative Arts Agency, for "breach of contract."

The amended complaint on Williamson's behalf toward Prime Sports include an allegation that Ford and Prime Sports began recruiting Williamson as early as January 2019, when he was still engaged with his freshman basketball season at Duke. Prime Sports and Ford were not certified by the National Basketball Players Association or registered in the state of North Carolina, which is at the crux of Williamson's case to enforce termination of his agreement with Prime Sports.

Many states, including North Carolina and Florida, require by law that agents are registered to recruit or sign prospective professional athletes.

After breaking with Prime Sports, Williamson signed with CAA for his contractual and marketing representation.

The amended suit also includes claims of fraudulent inducement and violations of the North Carolina Unfair and Deceptive Trade Practices Act. Williamson's attorneys are also seeking attorneys fees.

According to the suit filed in federal court in North Carolina on June 18, Williamson signed a marketing deal with Ford and Prime Sports on April 20, five days after he had declared his intention to enter the NBA draft.

That agreement included a clause that it could not be terminated for five years. Williamson's family told Ford and Prime Sports on May 31 that it was ending the agreement. The agency responded by saying that if Williamson terminated the deal, it would sue for damages in excess of $100 million. Williamson had since signed with CAA Sports.

According to the original suit, the agreement was unlawful under North Carolina's Uniform Athlete Agents Act because Prime Sports is not certified by the NBPA or a registered athlete agent in North Carolina or Florida. Additionally, the agreement failed to contain a conspicuous notice in boldface type in capital letters informing the athlete that by signing the agreement he was losing his eligibility to compete as a student-athlete, as required under the UAAA.

Klein, Williamson's attorney, told ESPN in a statement at the time of the June 18 filing: "Prime Sports Marketing's actions towards Mr. Williamson blatantly violated the North Carolina statute specifically designed to protect student athletes. Mr. Williamson properly exercised his rights under the law to void his business dealings with Prime Sports Marketing. Prime Sports Marketing's continued threats against Mr. Williamson made necessary the filing of this lawsuit."

Read 429 times

Soccer

Utd chief: Club aiming for the top under Amorim

Utd chief: Club aiming for the top under Amorim

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsManchester United are aiming to get back "to the top of domestic an...

Real Madrid president blasted in Ballon d'Or row

Real Madrid president blasted in Ballon d'Or row

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsA Namibian journalist criticised by Florentino Pérez for failing to...

Barça to close singing section due to unpaid fines

Barça to close singing section due to unpaid fines

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsBarcelona will close a section behind the goal at the Olympic Stadi...

2026 FIFA


2028 LOS ANGELES OLYMPIC

UEFA

2024 PARIS OLYMPIC


Basketball

Malone rips into Nuggets after Knicks put up 145

Malone rips into Nuggets after Knicks put up 145

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsAfter his Denver Nuggets "got embarrassed" in a 145-118 blowout los...

C's celebrate Porzingis' return with dominant win

C's celebrate Porzingis' return with dominant win

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsBOSTON -- In his first game since helping the Celtics win the NBA c...

Baseball

Starter or reliever? Stay with the Phillies or go elsewhere? All-Star Jeff Hoffman opens up on free agency

Starter or reliever? Stay with the Phillies or go elsewhere? All-Star Jeff Hoffman opens up on free agency

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsJeff Hoffman is one of the most sought-after relievers in this offs...

Rays asked to declare stadium decision by Sunday

Rays asked to declare stadium decision by Sunday

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsThe Tampa Bay Rays have until Sunday to declare whether they want t...

Sports Leagues

  • FIFA

    Fédération Internationale de Football Association
  • NBA

    National Basketball Association
  • ATP

    Association of Tennis Professionals
  • MLB

    Major League Baseball
  • ITTF

    International Table Tennis Federation
  • NFL

    Nactional Football Leagues
  • FISB

    Federation Internationale de Speedball

About Us

I Dig® is a leading global brand that makes it more enjoyable to surf the internet, conduct transactions and access, share, and create information.  Today I Dig® attracts millions of users every month.r

 

Phone: (800) 737. 6040
Fax: (800) 825 5558
Website: www.idig.com
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Affiliated