Professionalism and Ethics
There are numerous rules in place governing the conduct of both agents and players (especially those about to enter the professional ranks from college). However, the reality is that regardless of the rules and regulations, there are rumors of violations at every level. In the quest to justify the fees being paid by players to their agents, the agents are allegedly offering lavish gifts to the player, their families, and their friends (to include homes, cars, jobs, etc.) and willing to do anything from making travel arrangements to picking up the laundry.
It has almost become axiomatic that agents expect to lavish players with gifts and the players have no hesitation in asking the potential suitor for some “loot.” To get around some of the regulations, Agents now are rumored to offer money directly to outgoing collegiate players under the guise of an “endorsement” bonus.
Players need to treat an agent, first and foremost as a business partner, not a friend. In the end, all the agent really does is negotiate a contract (even if he is willing to buy you a car, pick up your laundry, set up vacations, or give your relative a job).
The NFL is a business. The agent/attorney over the years has morphed his duties, from simply negotiating the contract, into becoming a personal assistant to the player thereby trying to legitimize the tens of thousands of dollars paid in commissions. Treat the agent as a business partner and not as a million dollar personal assistant. Pay for what you get and if you need a personal assistant you will have plenty of money left over to hire one.