N.Y.-based agent ANDY MILLER's "campaign to woo" St.
John's Univ. G ERICK BARKLEY has been "aided by [Miller's]
celebrity and his connection to" Wilhelmina Models,
according to allegations cited by Judy Battista of the N.Y
TIMES. Two sources "familiar with" an NCAA "inquiry" into
the Miller/Barkley relationship said that "investigators
have asked Barkley" if rapper JAY-Z, an "associate" of
Miller, "lobbied Barkley on Miller's behalf" (N.Y. TIMES,
3/26). Also in N.Y., Everson & O'Keeffe cited a source as
saying that Miller "tried to land" Barkley by "fixing him up
with sexy models and offering him other improper benefits."
But Miller calls the allegations "outrageous and untrue."
Barkley has not yet signed with an agent but "may be
pitting" Miller against agent MITCH FRANKEL. Assist Sports
Management agent ERIC FLEISHER filed last year a $30M
lawsuit against Miller, alleging that Miller "seduces
clients with 'promises of romantic liaisons with beautiful
models'" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 3/25). (See THE DAILY, 12/15).
OTHER SIGNINGS: In N.Y., Mitch Lawrence reports that
Frankel has signed Univ. of NC G ED COTA (N.Y. DAILY NEWS,
3/26)....The SPORTSBUSINESS JOURNAL's Dan Weil reports that
Univ. of Cincinnati F KENYON MARTIN "will be represented" by
L.A.-based agent DAN FEGAN, who will handle Martin's
contract/endorsement deals (SPORTSBUSINESS JOURNAL, 3/27).
