Conflicts of interest?

Posted on March 19, 2012 by Ed Poll

One rule for us and a different rule for everyone one else?

Interesting and well-written article in today's LA Times, written by Sam Farmer. He describes the scramble in the passing-oriented National Football League created by Peyton Manning' search for a new team. His indecision to date has created chaos for other quarterbacks in the free agency pool. Until Manning gets settled, other free agent quarterbacks aren't sure of their future.

But one case is of particular note.  Manning interviewed quietly with San Francisco 49ers, and took a physical exam; meanwhile, Alex Smith, their quarterback last year (his best season to date) and currently a free agent, has been talking with the team about a new contract.  But, if Manning signs with SF, Smith is out of a job.

So far, business as usual.   ....  But, both Manning and Smith are represented by the same agent, Tom Condon. Shouldn't Condon be pushing SF to sign Smith? Or is o.k. for an agent to act as nothing more than a distributor carrying several competitive products with no loyalty to any?

A lawyer who did this would definitely be guilty of violating the rules of professional conduct ... Obviously, sports agents are not governed by such "rules." But, isn't there a degree of professionalism and ethics violated by such an agent. Shouldn't he have to withdraw or create a "Chinese wall?" Something just doesn't smell right ... at least not the way Sam Farmer describes it.

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