Andre Smith Signs With Priority Sports For Representation
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Smith Ends Speculation, Signs
With Priority For Representation |
NFL prospect OT ANDRE SMITH, a projected first-round pick in Saturday’s NFL Draft, signed with Priority Sports & Entertainment for representation last night, citing the large, long-time NFL and NBA agency’s reputation as the reason. “I really feel fortunate to be working with Priority Sports,” Smith said in a statement to SportsBusiness Journal. “Their reputation, experience and track record was a big draw. I feel like its the best business decision I could have made.” Priority in a statement said, "We feel privileged to have the chance to represent Andre. He is an excellent football player and will have a bright future in the NFL." Priority's RICK SMITH is said to be the lead agent representing Smith. Andre Smith had been represented by NFL agent ALVIN KEELS until Smith fired him about 10 days ago. Priority, which SportsBusiness Journal ranked the fifth-largest sports agency in '08 for total gross value of team sports playing contracts, has represented a number of first-round picks in recent years, including Steelers RB RASHARD MENDENHALL, Packers LB A.J. HAWK, Ravens DT HALOTI NGATA, Colts WR ANTHONY GONZALEZ, 49ers OT JOE STALEY, Raiders OG ROBERT GALLERY and Bengals OT LEVI JONES. In addition to Rick Smith, Priority's stable of agents includes MARK BARTELSTEIN, DERYK GILMORE, TONY HICKOMBOTTOM, MIKE MCCARTNEY and KENNY ZUCKERMAN (Liz Mullen, SportsBusiness Journal).
DEJUAN BLAIR SIGNS AGENT: In Pittsburgh, Ray Fittipaldo reports NBA Draft prospect F DEJUAN BLAIR Monday signed with Immortal Sports’ HAPPY WALTERS for representation. Blair declared for the NBA Draft on April 8, and he “drew criticism” for signing a contract with Pittsburgh-based attorney JAMES COOK III on the same day. Walters said that Cook was “retained to help the family for a few weeks while they decided on an agent and that Cook no longer represents Blair’s local marketing and advertising interests.” Walters “will handle those aspects” (PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE, 4/22).
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