Role Reversal: Agent Leaves Player

Not exactly something you see everyday, not that I follow the scene too closely. Usually it’s the player leaving the agent in search of greener pastures — or golden nuggets, shall I say. Sometimes a player leaves an agent because he wants to pursue a Hollywood angle and get some representation that specializes in TV and media appearances. Whatever the reason, it’s usually the player leaving the agent. After all, what kind of message does it send to clients if agents are walking away from their clients? Not a good one, especially if that agent has dreams of ever signing clients in the future. That’s why it was so strange to read what Florio posted at Pro Football Talk. Apparently Rams running back Steven Jackson was fired by his agent, Gary Uberstine.

The report comes from Sports Business Journal, and what makes this story increasingly strange is that Jackson’s entering a contract year. Why would an agent walk away from sure millions? Florio adds some other interesting notes:

This isn’t the first time that Jackson has been involved in an eyebrow-raising situation when it comes to his agent. Jackson’s first agent was Rocky Arceneaux, who also represented at the time Marshall Faulk, the incumbent starter when Jackson was picked by the Rams in round one of the 2004 draft. The conflict of interest was palpable, but Arceneaux continued to represent both men. He was criticized privately in league circles for the value of the initial contract that he negotiated for Jackson.

If that’s the case, then Jackson sure is a weird one when it comes to an agent. How do you sign with the guy that represents your competition for the starting gig? This story just seems way too weird, I’d really like to hear more on it. I can’t even think of a reason why an agent would leave a player set to make millions.