Sources – Agent allegedly offered gifts to get players drafted

The NFL Players Association is investigating agent David Canter for allegedly trying to get teams to choose players for him to represent in last month’s NFL draft, sources told ESPN on Friday.

Canter, a longtime agent and president of football at GSE Worldwide, reportedly contacted several teams during NFL draft weekend and offered to use his and his wife’s vacation homes if the team drafted one of his clients, sources told ESPN . Sources described Canter’s actions as “a form of bribery”.

Canter’s attorney, Adam Kenner, later released a statement to ESPN on behalf of his client Friday, saying, “We are aware that the NFLPA is investigating communications between my client and various executives of certain NFL teams. Mr. Canter has not complied with any wrongdoing and he is fully cooperating with the NFLPA. We assume that the situation will be clarified shortly.”

Although attempting to incentivize a team to recruit a player is not specifically prohibited by the NFLPA, the players’ union investigation will determine whether Canter’s behavior violates at least three different articles in its contract advisor regulations, including one who prohibits “engaging in” unlawful conduct and/or conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deception, misrepresentation, or any other activity that adversely affects his/her fitness as a contract counselor or jeopardizes his/her effective representation of NFL players .”

Pending the results of the investigation, Canter’s disciplinary action could include fines, a suspension or the revocation of his agent’s certification.

The Committee on Agent Relations and Discipline (CARD), a small group of current and former players selected by NFLPA President JC Tretter and directed by the NFLPA Legal Department, would establish any discipline for Canter. Such investigations can sometimes be lengthy, but the committee has the power to immediately revoke or suspend an agent’s certification in “extraordinary circumstances.”

Canter and GSE Worldwide represented 21 athletes in the 2023 draft class, including wide receivers Jayden Reedchosen by the Green Bay Packers in the second round and Mr. Irrelevant, defensive tackle Desjuan Johnsondesigned by the Los Angeles Rams. Canter also boasts an extensive list of veteran NFL customers including: Miami Dolphins cornerback Xavien Howard, Dallas Cowboys defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence And Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Asante Samuel Jr.

Canter has a previous disciplinary record with the NFLPA that includes several recent incidents, sources told ESPN, and the past is expected to inform the committee’s decision.

Although Canter’s alleged actions are unprecedented, sources told ESPN that the NFLPA has previously imposed disciplinary action on other agents. In 2016, CARD voted unanimously to revoke agent Ben Dogra’s certification for at least three years after a disciplinary complaint on 38 counts; The nature of the complaints was not made public. Dogra, who previously represented players including Adrian Peterson and Robert Griffin III, was allowed to continue representing his clients during the appeals process and was reinstated in February 2017.