Corliss Williamson, the former Univ. of Arkansas star who
was the 13th pick of the NBA Draft, announced on Friday that he
will sign with Little Rock-based Llama Sports Management, sixteen
days after he had left Stephens Sports Management, also of Little
Rock. Williamson had been with Stephens since mid-April, but
made the decision to switch citing a desire to take advantage of
Llama's "encompassing services." Williamson also mentioned the
NBA's proposed salary cap as a reason for leaving Stephens, as
under the proposed CBA, he will make $800,000 his rookie year,
far less than if he had left college earlier. Llama will handle
his contract negotiations, endorsements and marketing.
PLANS FOR CORLISS: Shannon Johnson, Marketing Director at
Llama, told THE SPORTS BUSINESS DAILY that "Corliss liked having
everything under one roof." Johnson added that, despite the NBA
lockout, Williamson felt he "lost a lot of marketing dollars ...
he could have generated within the state." Johnson said they are
in the process of signing a deal with All-Tel Mobile Telephones,
and trying to link Williamson with various charity events
throughout Arkansas. Llama will handle Williamson's marketing
after he signs with Sacramento, with a West Coast marketing blitz
planned. Johnson, on a lack of marquee "star power" in the West:
"The west coast is wide open. ... The sky is the limit." Llama
was founded by Alice Walton, daughter of the late Wal-Mart
founder Sam Walton. Johnson also noted the potential marketing
endorsements with the national chain.
RESPONSE: Kevin Scanlon, Exec VP & COO of Stephens Sports
Marketing, said the NBA lockout and looming rookie cap posed some
problems in their relationship, but he added that Corliss was
confined to a hospital bed much of the summer due to back
surgery, which made marketing difficult. Scanlon objected to
Llama's claim they could provide everything under "one roof,"
adding that Stephens provides "full-service representation" for
their clients. Stephens represented Williamson through the draft
and his signing of card deals with Signature Rookies and Classic
Score Cards. Although Scanlon called the timing "very
interesting," he said Williamson left on good terms. Scanlon:
"We wish Corliss well. We think the world of him" (THE DAILY).
