As someone who’s spent years navigating the overseas basketball scene, nothing frustrates me more than hearing stories of players being taken advantage of by unethical agents or scammers. It’s infuriating to see how a small percentage of agents exploit the trust of their players for personal gain. Today, I want to address this issue head-on and offer some advice to help you avoid falling into these traps.
The Red Flags of an Unethical Agent
One of the most telling signs of an unethical agent is when they ask you to pay for something that they should be covering, such as a combine or camp. If an agent suggests you participate in a combine and isn’t willing to cover the costs, this should raise serious concerns. Here’s why:
Red Flag #1: Lack of Confidence in Your Abilities
When an agent asks you to pay for a combine, it often indicates that they’re not confident in their ability to secure you a contract on their own. They can twist the narrative all they want about it being a good chance, but the truth is that they do not believe they can get you a contract. A good agent should have the connections and belief in your talent to get you opportunities without you having to pay extra. If they’re pushing you to spend your money on a combine, it might be a sign that they’re unsure if they can get you signed through their regular channels.
Red Flag #2: Financial Exploitation
Even worse, I’ve come across countless stories where agents send players to combines not because it’s beneficial for the player, but because the agent is receiving a financial kickback from the organizers of the camps or combines.. This is a blatant conflict of interest. The agent is making money off you twice—once from the kickback and again if you land a contract and they take their commission. This behavior is unethical and unprofessional.
Sometimes, agents may offer to split the cost of the combine with you. While this might seem like a good deal, it still doesn’t sit right with me. If your agent genuinely believes in your potential, they should be willing to invest in you fully, without asking you to foot the bill.
A Cautionary Tale: How Not to Be Treated
I recently spoke with a player who shared a story that truly enraged me. His agent had him pay out of his own pocket for several combines that the agent himself was organizing! Read that sentence again. Despite participating in these events, the player never landed a job. There are never guarentees, so that is not the problem. In my opinion, this is a classic example of an agent exploiting a player’s dreams for personal gain. It’s a money grab, pure and simple, and it’s incredibly unprofessional. A reputable agent should never ask you to pay for something like this, especially when they’re the ones profiting from the event.
A Personal Story: How It Should Be Done
To contrast, let me share a personal experience from my own career. Shortly after I gained Austrian citizenship, my agent suggested I attend a prestigious player camp in Treviso, Italy. Not only did I not pay for the entry fee, but my agent also covered my travel expenses. Why? Although he was an excellent agent, he did not do that out of the goodness of his heart. It was because he believed in me and was confident that I would perform well. He saw it as an investment in my career, knowing he would make his money back through my next contract (which he did). That’s how a reputable agent operates—by investing in you and your future.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
If you find yourself in a situation where you’re unsure of what to do, don’t hesitate to reach out. SJM Consulting is here to help you navigate these challenges and protect your interests. I’m committed to supporting you in your journey and ensuring that you don’t fall victim to unethical practices.
Please spread the word. It’s crucial for players to be aware of these risks and to protect themselves from those who might exploit their dreams for personal gain.