Thomas' patience being tested by Browns - 07/24/07 10:44 PM
Thomas Article
Hey, it's a slow news time. I thought this might be a bit interesting...
Mike Lucas: Unsigned, Thomas' patience being tested by Browns
Mike Lucas — 7/24/2007 9:19 am
When Alando Tucker, the leading scorer in University of Wisconsin men's basketball history, began evaluating various sports management teams, he talked with some NBA players who had working relationships with specific agents. One of his contacts was former Duke University guard Jason (now Jay) Williams, whose pro career was interrupted by a motorcycle accident. Williams had nothing but good things to say about BDA Sports Management and that helped sell Tucker on the firm and one of its reps, Kevin Bradbury.
In the end, Tucker wanted to be treated fairly as a person and player. Everything else, he figured, would take care of itself, including his first NBA contract. And so it all has, due in large part to the league's rookie scale. Tucker signed with the Suns less than 10 days after they drafted him in the first round (29th overall). According to the Arizona Republic, Tucker will make $776,600 his first year, $834,900 his second year, $893,100 his third year (team option) and $1.6 million on a fourth year (also team option).
Tucker gained additional financial security prior to the June 28th NBA draft when he signed a shoe contract with Converse. "That was big, that was big,'' Tucker admitted on draft night. "I met with Nike (which oversees Converse) and adidas and we were going back and forth. I just saw myself with the Converse marketing scheme because it provided the best opportunity. It felt good, too, to know that a company was willing to pay me to wear their shoes.''
While Tucker was still at Wisconsin, it was often suggested figuratively that he walked in the same shoes -- which would be the adidas brand in the UW context -- as Outland Trophy winner Joe Thomas, the All-American left offensive tackle. Tucker and Thomas were not only marquee players in their respective sports but they were priceless goodwill ambassador's for the athletic department, the school and the state of Wisconsin.
Upon embarking on pro careers, Tucker and Thomas anticipated being in a state of flux. But whereas Tucker is now working for his employer, Thomas is still unsigned and his NFL career is on hold. A recent headline in the Cleveland Plain Dealer -- "Trouble looms in signing Thomas'' -- spelled it out. A pre-training camp rookie orientation got under way Monday and the Browns were minus their top three picks: Thomas, the No. 3 selection overall in the draft; Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn (No. 22 in the first round) and UNLV defensive back Eric Wright, a second-round pick.
Thomas is represented by Denver-based All Pro Sports and Entertainment. When he was asked about his choice, he cited the role that his agent, Peter Schaffer, played in the decision-making. "One of the big things I really liked,'' Thomas said, "he (Schaffer) respected everyone, no matter how important or unimportant they were in the process. He never wanted anyone to feel like they were being taken advantage of. I think a lot of big-time agents go on power trips after they have big-time clients, but he has never done that. My goal was to find a firm that had top prospects, but yet hasn't turned into a super megafirm where you don't get the personalized service that you're looking for.''
Regarding Thomas and a potential hold-out -- the Browns open training camp on Friday -- Schaffer told the Plain Dealer on June 24, "We have a history of getting clients in on time and we have one (Thomas) that wants to be (signed and in camp). But it takes two to tango and it's only going to happen if a fair contract can be agreed to ... the numbers are pretty clear.''
Schaffer was referencing the contract numbers (the really big $$$) for the three previous athletes drafted in the No. 3 slot of the draft. "As much of a great advantage it was to win the coin toss (with Tampa Bay), we were also aware of the contract situation at that spot,'' Cleveland general manager Phil Savage told the Plain Dealer on Sunday. "It's not a pretty picture in terms of trying to negotiate an offensive lineman versus a quarterback and two top-echelon receivers who were thought to be by many to be the top players in their draft.''
A year ago, the Tennessee Titans drafted Texas quarterback Vince Young in the No. 3 hole and Young signed a five-year deal, with an option for a sixth year, for a reported $58 million, $25.7 guaranteed. Young signed on July 27, thereby avoiding a holdout.
Two years ago, the Cleveland Browns took Michigan wide receiver Braylon Edwards with the No. 3 pick and Edwards, who was represented by Lamont Smith and All Pro Sports and Entertainment (same as Thomas), missed the first 12 days of training camp before agreeing to a five-year deal, reportedly worth $40 million, $20 mil guaranteed.
Three years ago, the Arizona Cardinals used the No. 3 pick to take Pitt receiver Larry Fitzgerald, who signed an outrageous six-year deal, reportedly worth $60 million ($20 million guaranteed). Fitzgerald, who was represented by Eugene Parker, got more than the No. 1 overall pick (quarterback Eli Manning) and the No. 2 pick (offensive tackle Robert Gallery). Fitzgerald ended up missing only two practices. (Parker, it should be noted, is also the agent of the Green Bay Packers' first-round pick, defensive tackle Justin Harrell).
Before leaving the Madison campus, Thomas stressed the importance of showing up on time for his first pro training camp; a sentiment and a commitment that he passed along to his agent. However, such potentially tricky negotiations -- measuring Thomas' worth with skill position players like Young, Edwards and Fitzgerald -- could slow down the process. An avid fisherman, Thomas knows the value of patience, which may serve him well, especially since he's in such uncharted waters.
Hey, it's a slow news time. I thought this might be a bit interesting...
Mike Lucas: Unsigned, Thomas' patience being tested by Browns
Mike Lucas — 7/24/2007 9:19 am
When Alando Tucker, the leading scorer in University of Wisconsin men's basketball history, began evaluating various sports management teams, he talked with some NBA players who had working relationships with specific agents. One of his contacts was former Duke University guard Jason (now Jay) Williams, whose pro career was interrupted by a motorcycle accident. Williams had nothing but good things to say about BDA Sports Management and that helped sell Tucker on the firm and one of its reps, Kevin Bradbury.
In the end, Tucker wanted to be treated fairly as a person and player. Everything else, he figured, would take care of itself, including his first NBA contract. And so it all has, due in large part to the league's rookie scale. Tucker signed with the Suns less than 10 days after they drafted him in the first round (29th overall). According to the Arizona Republic, Tucker will make $776,600 his first year, $834,900 his second year, $893,100 his third year (team option) and $1.6 million on a fourth year (also team option).
Tucker gained additional financial security prior to the June 28th NBA draft when he signed a shoe contract with Converse. "That was big, that was big,'' Tucker admitted on draft night. "I met with Nike (which oversees Converse) and adidas and we were going back and forth. I just saw myself with the Converse marketing scheme because it provided the best opportunity. It felt good, too, to know that a company was willing to pay me to wear their shoes.''
While Tucker was still at Wisconsin, it was often suggested figuratively that he walked in the same shoes -- which would be the adidas brand in the UW context -- as Outland Trophy winner Joe Thomas, the All-American left offensive tackle. Tucker and Thomas were not only marquee players in their respective sports but they were priceless goodwill ambassador's for the athletic department, the school and the state of Wisconsin.
Upon embarking on pro careers, Tucker and Thomas anticipated being in a state of flux. But whereas Tucker is now working for his employer, Thomas is still unsigned and his NFL career is on hold. A recent headline in the Cleveland Plain Dealer -- "Trouble looms in signing Thomas'' -- spelled it out. A pre-training camp rookie orientation got under way Monday and the Browns were minus their top three picks: Thomas, the No. 3 selection overall in the draft; Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn (No. 22 in the first round) and UNLV defensive back Eric Wright, a second-round pick.
Thomas is represented by Denver-based All Pro Sports and Entertainment. When he was asked about his choice, he cited the role that his agent, Peter Schaffer, played in the decision-making. "One of the big things I really liked,'' Thomas said, "he (Schaffer) respected everyone, no matter how important or unimportant they were in the process. He never wanted anyone to feel like they were being taken advantage of. I think a lot of big-time agents go on power trips after they have big-time clients, but he has never done that. My goal was to find a firm that had top prospects, but yet hasn't turned into a super megafirm where you don't get the personalized service that you're looking for.''
Regarding Thomas and a potential hold-out -- the Browns open training camp on Friday -- Schaffer told the Plain Dealer on June 24, "We have a history of getting clients in on time and we have one (Thomas) that wants to be (signed and in camp). But it takes two to tango and it's only going to happen if a fair contract can be agreed to ... the numbers are pretty clear.''
Schaffer was referencing the contract numbers (the really big $$$) for the three previous athletes drafted in the No. 3 slot of the draft. "As much of a great advantage it was to win the coin toss (with Tampa Bay), we were also aware of the contract situation at that spot,'' Cleveland general manager Phil Savage told the Plain Dealer on Sunday. "It's not a pretty picture in terms of trying to negotiate an offensive lineman versus a quarterback and two top-echelon receivers who were thought to be by many to be the top players in their draft.''
A year ago, the Tennessee Titans drafted Texas quarterback Vince Young in the No. 3 hole and Young signed a five-year deal, with an option for a sixth year, for a reported $58 million, $25.7 guaranteed. Young signed on July 27, thereby avoiding a holdout.
Two years ago, the Cleveland Browns took Michigan wide receiver Braylon Edwards with the No. 3 pick and Edwards, who was represented by Lamont Smith and All Pro Sports and Entertainment (same as Thomas), missed the first 12 days of training camp before agreeing to a five-year deal, reportedly worth $40 million, $20 mil guaranteed.
Three years ago, the Arizona Cardinals used the No. 3 pick to take Pitt receiver Larry Fitzgerald, who signed an outrageous six-year deal, reportedly worth $60 million ($20 million guaranteed). Fitzgerald, who was represented by Eugene Parker, got more than the No. 1 overall pick (quarterback Eli Manning) and the No. 2 pick (offensive tackle Robert Gallery). Fitzgerald ended up missing only two practices. (Parker, it should be noted, is also the agent of the Green Bay Packers' first-round pick, defensive tackle Justin Harrell).
Before leaving the Madison campus, Thomas stressed the importance of showing up on time for his first pro training camp; a sentiment and a commitment that he passed along to his agent. However, such potentially tricky negotiations -- measuring Thomas' worth with skill position players like Young, Edwards and Fitzgerald -- could slow down the process. An avid fisherman, Thomas knows the value of patience, which may serve him well, especially since he's in such uncharted waters.
