Agent Carl Carey Files For TRO Against Other Agents After Being Fired By Rams' Pick

The recently fired agent of Rams first-round draft pick Robert Quinn has asked a federal judge to issue a temporary restraining order preventing agents he alleges interfered in his relationship with Quinn from communicating or negotiating a deal with the Rams. U.S. District Judge Nancy Atlas has set a hearing for Thursday on agent Carl Carey’s motion for a temporary restraining order that would prevent agents Mitch Frankel and Tony Fleming from talking to the Rams about a deal for Quinn. Carey filed the suit yesterday in a Houston federal court, alleging tortious interference with contract, conspiracy, defamation, and slander per se, among other things, against defendants Frankel; Fleming; their company, Impact Sports; Quinn; and the player's business manager, Christina White. With NFL clubs being able to sign drafted and undrafted rookies starting today, it is unclear what impact, if any, it could have on the Rams' ability to sign Quinn, who was selected No. 14 overall in this year's NFL Draft. The Rams, contacted last night, were not aware that Quinn had terminated Carey. "We have not received notification from Robert or his representatives," said Rams Senior Dir of Communications Ted Crews. Frankel, in a brief telephone interview last night, said neither he nor Fleming was representing Quinn. Told of the lawsuit, Frankel said, “That’s unfortunate, but we haven’t signed him." Attempts to reach Carey for comment were unsuccessful. Quinn signed with Carey on Dec. 4, but fired him last Friday, according to the lawsuit that alleges Quinn fired him because of actions by the other defendants. “Defendants invaded into (Carey's) Plaintiff’s interest in his reputation and good name by making false statements to Quinn and others working to induce Quinn away from Plaintiffs’ representation agreement.”

WAITING PERIOD BEFORE DECERTIFICATION: Before the NFLPA decertified as a union, there was a five-day waiting period before a player who fired his old agent could sign with a new agent, and disputes between agents and players were handled by the NFLPA. The lawsuit states the fact the NFLPA is currently decertified and cannot resolve agent and player disputes is a reason Carey needs a restraining order. Carey’s application for a temporary restraining order states, “Plaintiff (Carey) requests the court to restrain Defendants from signing a Standard Representation Agreement with Quinn, communicating with the St. Louis Rams and Quinn, and attempting to act as Quinn’s contract advisor until the NFLPA is certified and in a position to offer guidance in resolving how the parties’ relationship may go forward and what actions the parties may take in this situation.” Carey is also seeking actual damages of $600,000. The suit states that Carey loaned Quinn money during the lockout, and that Quinn “holds $300,000.00 that belongs to Plaintiff.”