Representatives for Dez Bryant are in a power struggle that could be impeding progress on contract extension talks between the wide receivers and Dallas Cowboys, according to reports.
Bryant, who scored a career-high 16 touchdowns last season, switched representation from Eugene Parker to Roc Nation Sports last fall. That switch reportedly upset Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, who apparently liked Bryant’s previous management structure.
Even though Bryant was represented by Parker (whom he fired in favor of Drew Rosenhaus but later rehired in 2012), he always had one person on his team the whole time: David Wells.
The Dallas Morning News describes Wells as a mentor, adviser, and head of security for Bryant at various points throughout the receiver’s pro career. The two live nearby each other in DeSoto, Texas, and they began working together before Bryant was drafted. Jones is extremely comfortable with Wells, a former bail bondsman, who has worked with several Cowboys in the past such as Pacman Jones and Michael Irvin. He probably liked when Wells was involved with Bryant’s life and able to maintain close ties to both the receiver and team to ensure he was staying out of trouble. But the problem is that Bryant is now attempting to cut ties with Wells.
The Morning News reports that an attorney representing Bryant sent Wells a cease and desist letter in February telling him to discontinue representing the wide receiver in all ways. The attorneys are also attempting to end Wells’ power of attorney with Bryant. In addition to Wells, Bryant’s new representatives also cut ties with the wide receiver’s former social media manager.
Though Bryant is obviously trying to cut ties with his former adviser, Wells is not going down without a fight. Wells says he has an agreement with Bryant that runs through 2018 and he is looking to make sure he gets paid for what he has set up for Bryant. Roc Nation is trying to combat this issue by sending letters to all of Bryant’s endorsement and brand partnership companies instructing them to communicate strictly with Roc Nation for the future.
Why is Bryant trying to end association with people who seemingly have strengthened his career? The Morning News speculates on the matter:
After extensive interviews with many close to Bryant, a difference of opinion remains as to why the receiver is making the changes. Some say Bryant made the shift midway through last season as part of a growing maturity that should warrant more freedom. Others say it is driven by Roc Nation and falls in line with any professional athlete changing representatives.
Regardless of what happens between his representatives, it is unlikely that Bryant will attend the Cowboys’ first voluntary workout of the offseason Monday. Bryant was franchise-tagged by the Cowboys and will be under contract with them for the upcoming season.
In February when all of this was going down, all the chatter was that a mysterious video could be holding up the deal. Another report suggested that Bryant’s old agent was paying hush money for the video and threatening to blackmail Dez.
Whether or not the alleged video has anything to do with it, it seems certain that Bryant’s old representative wants to ensure he gets his cut before he gets pushed out of the picture. We saw golfer Rory McIlroy have a down season while his representatives were involved in major legal battles after his switch to Nike. Hopefully the same won’t happen with Bryant.
