The NFL Players Association (NFLPA) has reportedly questioned the long-time NFL agent David Canter for allegedly contacting some teams throughout the draft weekend and offering them to select players he represents during the NFL Draft 2023 in April.
Canter represented 21 draft prospects this year, including the Green Bay Packers’ second-round draft pick wide receiver Jayden Reed, and the Los Angeles Rams’ seventh-round draft pick defensive end Desjuan Johnson.
NFLPA Investigating Agent David Canter for Alleged Gift Scheme during NFL Draft 2023
According to ESPN’s Brooke Pryor, the high-profile sports agent David Canter is rumored to be engaged in a “form of bribery” during the NFL draft last month as he offered access to ‘vacation properties’ to several franchises in exchange for drafting one of his clients.
However, giving incentive to a team for drafting a player is not explicitly prohibited by the NFLPA, the source said that the players’ union will investigate if David violated at least three different articles in the regulations for agents, including one that may prohibit “engaging in unlawful conduct and/or conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit, misrepresentation, or other activity which reflects adversely on his/her fitness as a Contract Advisor or jeopardizes his/her effective representation of NFL players.”
The president of football for the New York-based agency GSE Worldwide’s attorney, Adam Kenner, released a statement after the incident to proclaim his client’s innocence saying they expect the issue to be “resolved shortly.”
“We are aware that the NFLPA is looking into communications between my client and various management personnel of certain NFL teams. Mr. Canter did not engage in any wrongdoing and he is fully cooperating with the NFLPA. We expect the situation to be resolved shortly,” the statement read.
If proven true, these allegations could have far-reaching implications for the league and David’s discipline could see him getting fines, suspension, or the revocation of his agent’s certification. Alongside the rookie client, the NFL agent’s portfolio includes highly touted football stars like the Dallas Cowboys defensive end Demarcus Lawrence and the Miami Dolphins cornerback Xavien Howard.
The NFL Draft is a highly anticipated event every year, with teams vying for the top prospects to improve their rosters and this latest development is sure to cast a shadow over the proceedings.
Fan’s eyes will be on the NFLPA and the league’s management to see how they handle this scandal and ensure that the draft remains free from any form of corruption or malpractice.
