Several athletes have "taken control of their finances
by getting pointers from successful colleagues or money
pros," according to Travis Poling of the SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-
NEWS, who examined financial advisors working with today's
athletes. Many advisors said they recommend stocks, bonds
and money markets for their clients, instead of "riskier
investments" like start-up restaurants and night clubs.
Advantage Int'l Investments advisor Frank Zecca said that his
firm -- which "handles the money" of about 200 athletes,
"takes an approach that helps athletes avoid the pitfalls and
sets them for life, even with a short career." Zecca
recommends an allocation of 50% bonds, 40% stocks and 10%
cash and advises against business ventures. But some
athletes have been successful investing outside the financial
markets. Spurs G Vinny Del Negro has "made a killing" in
developing condominiums and apartments on Lake Michigan.
Also, Cowboys RB Emmitt Smith's successful business ventures
include: the Emmitt Zone, which licenses his name to
companies; Emmitt Inc, a trading card and collectors items
firm; and Emmitt Smith Communications Corp., a pager and
cellular phone company (SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS, 11/22).
