Allen's agent is to blame for contract woes

Hammock Parties · 04-05-2007, 02:48 PM

http://www.realfootball365.com/nfl/a...oes050407.html

Chiefs fans' patience may have run out with defensive end Jared Allen. According to a report last week, Allen will not attend the team's mandatory offseason workouts, and he will not sign his one-year tender offer until the eve of training camp.

It's strange behavior for someone who had previously been so well-liked in Kansas City and had caused precious few problems other than two DUI infractions. Because of this contract holdup, Allen is now being painted as a bad guy -- especially after it came out that he won't play for the Chiefs beyond 2007.

But I don't buy for one second that Allen has suddenly transformed into a money-hungry mercenary eager to dump a town that embraced him. There's been something fishy about these proceedings the entire time.

And Ken Harris reeks of corruption.

Harris is Allen's agent. When contract talks between the fourth-year defensive end and the Chiefs broke down, it was reported that a trade was demanded. Later, Allen said Harris exaggerated that request.

I'm guessing neither Allen nor his agent are dumb. They both know, as the rest of us do, that Allen's DUI problems make a long-term contract a risky proposition for the Chiefs.

But despite that, they're still looking for big money. Somehow, Harris has convinced Allen that he's worth it, and the Chiefs are the bad guys in this scenario, denying a proven player his reward after three years of hard work and solid production.

Why has Harris done this? Because he, too, wants to get paid.

A glance at Harris' Web site (it appears to have been designed by a teenager) shows the agent has precious few clients compared to some of the larger firms. Other than Allen, Harris has negotiated deals for such marquee players as Ken Rumph, Mel Mitchell, Jon Dorenbos, Sean Bubin and Von Hutchins. There are five kickers and a long-snapper on the list at http://www.optimumsportsmgmt.com. Obviously, these guys aren't signing record-breaking contracts.

It's quite clear that Allen is the headliner. He's Harris' best chance to strike his first big deal with a player who could become a huge star and cash in on a major payday in the process. He's evidently going to stop at nothing to do it.

Allen's best chance at a big payday and a long NFL career is to eat his humble pie now and sign his one-year tender. He has to take responsibility for his off-the-field transgressions.

Once he proves he can behave, I'm sure the Chiefs will be more than happy to show him the money. And Chiefs General Manager Carl Peterson has always taken care of players who deserve it.

Harris simply doesn't have Allen's best interests at heart. That's why negotiations have gone badly and may not even take place (with the Chiefs, anyway) next offseason.

This is just another case of Allen using poor judgment -- as he did in deciding to drive while intoxicated. He's chosen poorly in picking an agent to represent him.

Meanwhile, quarterback Trent Green, despite the fact he will almost certainly end up playing for another NFL franchise next season, reported to offseason workouts at Arrowhead Stadium this week. Jim Steiner, his agent, isn't telling Green to shun the Chiefs even though that's basically what they're doing to him.

Coincidentally, Steiner has plenty of other big-time players on his list. He was Jerry Rice's agent and is Mike Alstott's. He currently represents Warrick Dunn and Shaun Alexander, among others.

Green didn't furiously demand a trade when the Chiefs asked him to take a pay cut this offseason, and the team has never had a problem negotiating contract issues with him or his agent.

The same goes for running back Larry Johnson. Despite his surly nature and desire for a new contract, there have been no incidents in negotiations (even if they have been slow to this point) with agent Alvin Keels. Johnson didn't even ask for a new contract after rushing for a franchise-best 1,750 yards in 2005.

And as far as I can tell, GMG Football (Keels' company) doesn't even have a Web site. That doesn't sound like someone too caught up in promoting his business, looking to leech a bunch of money off a player's big contract.

Green and Johnson both have good agents -- men who have their clients' best interests at heart.

Allen has a devil on his shoulder, whispering in his ear.

rageeumr · 04-05-2007, 02:52 PM

When I click that link I get a screen that says the webpage is being updated. Coincedence??

Hammock Parties · 04-05-2007, 02:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rageeumr

When I click that link I get a screen that says the webpage is being updated. Coincedence??

I noticed that, too. I'd love to think I was a divining rod for social change.

Molitoth · 04-05-2007, 02:56 PM

Good article.

Stewie · 04-05-2007, 02:57 PM

Nice find GoChiefs.

"He's chosen poorly in picking an agent to represent him."

I've never heard of Ken Harris. How did Allen end up with him?

crazycoffey · 04-05-2007, 03:02 PM

Good job GC, nice read.

crazycoffey · 04-05-2007, 03:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoChiefs

I noticed that, too. I'd love to think I was a divining rod for social change.

Well, social change?

How about a well placed, and deserving kick in the pants to one Ken Harris.

Hammock Parties · 04-05-2007, 03:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stewie

I've never heard of Ken Harris. How did Allen end up with him?

I believe they've been together since college.

trndobrd · 04-05-2007, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoChiefs

And Ken Harris reeks of corruption.

This is probably an unfair assumption. "Corruption" would imply that he is doing something illegal or immoral, like taking money on the side from an NFL franchise or getting payoffs from bookmakers.

A better word would be "incompetence". Apparently Allen's agent has done little or no research on Carl Peterson. Nor does he seem to understand that his long term commission will be larger shopping a 'stand up' guy with 20 sacks (dare to dream) on an open free agent market.

Don't assign to foul motive what can be explained by mere incompetence.

Hammock Parties · 04-05-2007, 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trndobrd

This is probably an unfair assumption. "Corruption" would imply that he is doing something illegal or immoral, like taking money on the side from an NFL franchise or getting payoffs from bookmakers.

A better word would be "incompetence". Apparently Allen's agent has done little or no research on Carl Peterson. Nor does he seem to understand that his long term commission will be larger shopping a 'stand up' guy with 20 sacks (dare to dream) on an open free agent market.

Don't assign to foul motive what can be explained by mere incompetence.

Corruption was probably the wrong word - although I do think he has more or less corrupted Allen's approach to getting a new contract this offseason.

jidar · 04-05-2007, 03:12 PM

nice read.

It's something I had wondered about.

trndobrd · 04-05-2007, 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoChiefs

Corruption was probably the wrong word - although I do think he has more or less corrupted Allen's approach to getting a new contract this offseason.

True. Although I think you can also make an argument that you have a relatively unknown agent trying to make a name for himself as some kind of 'hardball agent' at Allen's expense. I suppose that would be an improper motive.

siberian khatru · 04-05-2007, 03:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trndobrd

This is probably an unfair assumption. "Corruption" would imply that he is doing something illegal or immoral, like taking money on the side from an NFL franchise or getting payoffs from bookmakers.

A better word would be "incompetence". Apparently Allen's agent has done little or no research on Carl Peterson. Nor does he seem to understand that his long term commission will be larger shopping a 'stand up' guy with 20 sacks (dare to dream) on an open free agent market.

Don't assign to foul motive what can be explained by mere incompetence.

Beat me to it. Excellent post.

**the Talking Can** · 04-05-2007, 03:17 PM

border line slander....."reeks of corruption"

is there a single relevant fact in the "article"?

Hammock Parties · 04-05-2007, 03:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the Talking Can

is there a single relevant fact in the "article"?

It's an opinion column. I'm not a reporter.

04-05-2007, 02:48 PM
Hammock Parties I'll be back. Join Date: Nov 2002 Casino cash: $4720478	Allen's agent is to blame for contract woes http://www.realfootball365.com/nfl/a...oes050407.html Chiefs fans' patience may have run out with defensive end Jared Allen. According to a report last week, Allen will not attend the team's mandatory offseason workouts, and he will not sign his one-year tender offer until the eve of training camp. It's strange behavior for someone who had previously been so well-liked in Kansas City and had caused precious few problems other than two DUI infractions. Because of this contract holdup, Allen is now being painted as a bad guy -- especially after it came out that he won't play for the Chiefs beyond 2007. But I don't buy for one second that Allen has suddenly transformed into a money-hungry mercenary eager to dump a town that embraced him. There's been something fishy about these proceedings the entire time. And Ken Harris reeks of corruption. Harris is Allen's agent. When contract talks between the fourth-year defensive end and the Chiefs broke down, it was reported that a trade was demanded. Later, Allen said Harris exaggerated that request. I'm guessing neither Allen nor his agent are dumb. They both know, as the rest of us do, that Allen's DUI problems make a long-term contract a risky proposition for the Chiefs. But despite that, they're still looking for big money. Somehow, Harris has convinced Allen that he's worth it, and the Chiefs are the bad guys in this scenario, denying a proven player his reward after three years of hard work and solid production. Why has Harris done this? Because he, too, wants to get paid. A glance at Harris' Web site (it appears to have been designed by a teenager) shows the agent has precious few clients compared to some of the larger firms. Other than Allen, Harris has negotiated deals for such marquee players as Ken Rumph, Mel Mitchell, Jon Dorenbos, Sean Bubin and Von Hutchins. There are five kickers and a long-snapper on the list at http://www.optimumsportsmgmt.com. Obviously, these guys aren't signing record-breaking contracts. It's quite clear that Allen is the headliner. He's Harris' best chance to strike his first big deal with a player who could become a huge star and cash in on a major payday in the process. He's evidently going to stop at nothing to do it. Allen's best chance at a big payday and a long NFL career is to eat his humble pie now and sign his one-year tender. He has to take responsibility for his off-the-field transgressions. Once he proves he can behave, I'm sure the Chiefs will be more than happy to show him the money. And Chiefs General Manager Carl Peterson has always taken care of players who deserve it. Harris simply doesn't have Allen's best interests at heart. That's why negotiations have gone badly and may not even take place (with the Chiefs, anyway) next offseason. This is just another case of Allen using poor judgment -- as he did in deciding to drive while intoxicated. He's chosen poorly in picking an agent to represent him. Meanwhile, quarterback Trent Green, despite the fact he will almost certainly end up playing for another NFL franchise next season, reported to offseason workouts at Arrowhead Stadium this week. Jim Steiner, his agent, isn't telling Green to shun the Chiefs even though that's basically what they're doing to him. Coincidentally, Steiner has plenty of other big-time players on his list. He was Jerry Rice's agent and is Mike Alstott's. He currently represents Warrick Dunn and Shaun Alexander, among others. Green didn't furiously demand a trade when the Chiefs asked him to take a pay cut this offseason, and the team has never had a problem negotiating contract issues with him or his agent. The same goes for running back Larry Johnson. Despite his surly nature and desire for a new contract, there have been no incidents in negotiations (even if they have been slow to this point) with agent Alvin Keels. Johnson didn't even ask for a new contract after rushing for a franchise-best 1,750 yards in 2005. And as far as I can tell, GMG Football (Keels' company) doesn't even have a Web site. That doesn't sound like someone too caught up in promoting his business, looking to leech a bunch of money off a player's big contract. Green and Johnson both have good agents -- men who have their clients' best interests at heart. Allen has a devil on his shoulder, whispering in his ear.
Posts: 277,840

04-05-2007, 02:52 PM	#2
rageeumr Veteran Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: St. Louis :( Casino cash: $9989900	When I click that link I get a screen that says the webpage is being updated. Coincedence??
Posts: 2,313

04-05-2007, 02:56 PM	#4
Molitoth Mahomes Fanboi Join Date: Apr 2004 Casino cash: $2974969	Good article.
Posts: 19,475

04-05-2007, 02:57 PM	#5
Stewie MVP Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: West of the Equator Casino cash: $1919901	Nice find GoChiefs. "He's chosen poorly in picking an agent to represent him." I've never heard of Ken Harris. How did Allen end up with him?
Posts: 13,604

04-05-2007, 03:02 PM	#6
crazycoffey .......... Join Date: Dec 2006 Casino cash: $5197901	Good job GC, nice read.
Posts: 28,330

04-05-2007, 03:12 PM	#11
jidar MVP Join Date: May 2005 Location: a Casino cash: $10004900	nice read. It's something I had wondered about.
Posts: 5,502

04-05-2007, 03:17 PM	#14
the Talking Can Supporter Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: street Casino cash: $10022208	border line slander....."reeks of corruption" is there a single relevant fact in the "article"? __________________ Clark Hunt: "Thank god for the Dominican pool boy"
Posts: 51,585