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Labor and Agents

NFL Agent Sues Former Protege, Roc Nation Sports Over Handling Of Miller, Ingram

NFL agent and Vanguard Sports Group founder Joby Branion has filed a lawsuit against his former colleague, Athletes First NFL agent Carmen Wallace, and Roc Nation Sports in L.A. federal court. Branion is suing Wallace, with whom he co-represents Broncos LB Von Miller, alleging defamation and intentional interference with prospective economic advantage. Branion also is alleging intentional interference with prospective economic advantage against Roc Nation Sports. The lawsuit seeks unspecified compensatory and punitive damages, the amount to be determined at trial. Branion alleges that Wallace made false and defamatory statements about Branion to the Super Bowl MVP's father, Von Miller Sr. Branion and Wallace worked together at Athletes First from its founding in ‘01 until ‘14, when Branion left that agency to form Vanguard. Vanguard represents Miller in contract work; Athletes First and Vanguard co-represent him for marketing work. Branion also alleges that Wallace prevented Chargers LB Melvin Ingram from re-signing with Branion and helped Roc Nation Sports sign him. Ingram, who is expected to be a top free agent next year, was Branion's client, but fired him and signed with Roc Nation Sports’ agents Ari Nissim, Kim Miale and John Thornton in September. Originally, Ingram was Branion's client until ‘14, but fired Branion and signed with Wallace. Ingram then this year fired Wallace and told Branion he was going to re-sign with him. According to the lawsuit, Ingram signed a standard representation agreement with Branion, but told him not to send it in to the NFLPA until after Ingram met with another agency. Wallace made a "side deal" with Ingram and Roc Nation Sports in which he will receive a 0.5% commission and did not tell Athletes First about the deal, the lawsuit alleges. Neither Wallace, Roc Nation Sports nor Athletes First returned a request for comment. Branion's attorney, Andrew Kim, said the lawsuit speaks for itself and declined further comment.

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