Relativity Sports has named veteran agents Roosevelt Barnes and Doug Hendrickson co-Presidents of Relativity Football, the agency’s NFL representation practice. Barnes and Hendrickson replace Eugene Parker, who died March 31 after a brief battle with kidney cancer. Relativity Sports Chair Ron Burkle made the announcement. Barnes is the longtime business partner and lifelong friend of Parker, while Hendrickson joined Relativity Sports in ‘14 from Octagon. Relativity Football represents dozens of NFL players, including Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald, Bears WR Alshon Jeffery, Saints DE Cameron Jordan and Bills WR Sammy Watkins (Liz Mullen, Staff Writer).
REMEMBERING A LEGEND: In Indiana, Frank Gray reported around 1,500 people attended Parker's funeral Saturday in his hometown of Ft. Wayne, including "dozens of the professional athletes Parker represented." That included Pro Football HOFers Deion Sanders, Rod Woodson and Curtis Martin. Woodson remembered Parker as a "very spiritual man who made him into a better football player and a better person." Barnes said that Parker "was a pioneer who changed the way negotiations were conducted in the NFL" (Ft. Wayne JOURNAL GAZETTE, 4/17). Martin said when he was facing a major life decision, Parker was the "first person I'd call." Martin: "He was the best person I knew." Sanders referenced his famous nickname, saying of Parker, "I would never have been Prime if it wasn't for his time" (NEWS-SENTINEL.com, 4/16).
