The National Basketball Players Association is investigating whether agents may have violated its regulations as it relates to the federal investigation into corruption in college basketball, the union’s general counsel confirmed.
“We are actively looking into allegations about several agents,” NBPA General Counsel Gary Kohlman said. He declined further comment on the union’s inquiry.
Andy Miller, who voluntarily relinquished his NBPA agent certification last year, is the one NBPA-certified agent who has been linked to the federal investigation, as the FBI raided his offices last year. Miller has not been charged, but a former employee of his agency ASM Sports, Christian Dawkins, was arrested by federal authorities last September and charged with several felonies.
Dawkins, who was a recruiter, or a “runner” as it is commonly known in the business, was charged with bribery conspiracy, honest services fraud conspiracy, honest services fraud, wire fraud conspiracy, wire fraud, travel act conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy.
The NBPA had no authority over Dawkins, since he was not certified. Sources said the NBPA had been investigating Miller’s activities before he voluntarily surrendered his certification in December. Kohlman had no comment on that.
Under NBPA agent regulations, agents agree to abide by the law and conduct business in an ethical manner. Agents must act in accordance with the regulations in order to be certified by the union, which allows them to negotiate player contracts with NBA clubs.
NBPA ADDS 94 AGENTS: The NBPA will be adding 94 new player agents after a record number of prospective agents took the test last month.
A total of 179 people took the NBPA agent test and 94 passed, for a pass rate of 52.5 percent. The exam tests applicants’ knowledge of the NBA collective-bargaining agreement and agent regulations, among other things.
The NBPA first began administering a test, which is similar to the one that the NFL Players Association gives to its prospective agents, last year.
This year’s group of applicants is a large increase over the number who took the test in 2017. Last year 93 people took the exam and 52 passed, a pass rate of 55.9 percent.
Dues for NBA agents are a minimum of $2,500 annually, but the agents who took the test in February will only pay $1,250, reflecting the fact that they will not become officially certified until mid-year.
CAA Sports has signed Atlanta’s Taurean Prince.getty images
CAA SIGNS PRINCE: CAA Sports has signed Atlanta Hawks forward Taurean Prince for representation in all areas. Prince will be represented by a team of agents led by Dave Spahn and Steven Heumann. He was formerly represented by Impact Sports.
Prince was the No. 12 pick in the 2016 NBA draft. He is averaging over 12 points and five rebounds a game and participated in the Rising Stars Challenge at NBA All-Star this year.
PENSACK SIGNS McCULLOUGH: Pensack Sports Management Group has signed Washington Wizards forward Chris McCullough, who will be an unrestricted free agent this summer, for representation. NBA agent Adam Pensack will represent McCullough. He was formerly represented by ASM Sports.
McCullough was a first-round pick in 2015, but he will be an unrestricted free agent because the Wizards elected not to pick up their fourth-year option on him last October.
“Chris is special because he just turned 23 years old and is very long at 6-9 with a 7-3 wingspan and elite athleticism,” Pensack said. “His overall skill level is also rapidly improving, including becoming a better 3-point shooter.”
MONTAG SIGNS ROBINSON: The Montag Group has signed former NBA guard Nate Robinson for broadcasting, speaking and other off-the-court work. TMG agent Gideon Cohen is representing him. He was not previously represented for broadcasting.
Liz Mullen can be reached at lmullen@sportsbusinessjournal.com. Follow her on Twitter @SBJLizMullen.
