KNKX sports commentator Art Thiel has some concerns about something Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman recently revealed. Sherman plans to act as his own agent in negotiating his contract. Art talked with Morning Edition host Kirsten Kendrick.
'Difficult Thing'
Thiel said he sees problems with Sherman acting as his own agent.
"Richard said he doesn't think agents earn their three percent. That's the typical fee that they charge," he said.
"It's a lot of money for an agent. Of course, agents would like to continue to be employed. And very few players feel comfortable negotiating."
"And one of the reasons they don't feel comfortable negotiating is because the team will offer critiques of the player's performance that, really, the player doesn't necessarily have to hear."
"That's what an agent does: He buffers between the team and the player so that feelings don't get hurt and that it's a professional business negotiation."
"That's going to be a difficult thing for Richard because most players don't deal well with that kind of direct critique."
"And I also think the agents do serve a value to most players most of the time."
"It's a difficult job. And Richard has to do two difficult jobs - play cornerback in the NFL and negotiate his contract."
Taking It Personally
"I see difficulties because Richard is the kind of guy who will take a critique as some sign of disrespect and develop an alienation toward the Seahawks that they don't like him anymore."
"And that really isn't the case. They're trying to get the best deal possible."
"The Seahawks, never short of drama, are going to have another layer if Richard's his own agent next season."
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