Keyshawn Johnson suing NFL agent for nearly $1 million
Former NFL receiver and FS1's 'Speak' co-host Keyshawn Johnson is suing an NFL agent for nearly $1 million after Johnson says he was stifled out of finder's fees for players he discovered in order to be represented by the agent.
The suit, which was first reported by TMZ and viewed by the Los Angeles Times, alleges that agent Christopher Ellison owes Johnson money for his efforts to help recruit four players now represented by Ellison, which include 49ers corner Deommodore Lenoir, Bears corner Jaylon Johnson, Falcons corner Mike Hughes and Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs.
Johnson and Ellison are said to have entered into an oral agreement a decade ago and that he is owed back pay for his efforts in recruiting players after it was agreed that Johnson 'was to identify players, make the initial contact with them, and recruit them to be represented by' Ellison, the lawsuit, which was filed on May 23 in LA County Superior Court, alleges.
Keyshawn Johnson during a game between the University of Southern California and Notre Dame at Notre Dame Stadium on October 14, 2023 in South Bend, Indiana.
Getty Images
'In return for this player identification, recruitment and eventual entry into the highest level of the game of football, Defendant promised to pay Plaintiff a specific percentage of the player's signed contract with the NFL,' the lawsuit stated. 'Each year, Defendant promised to pay Plaintiff one-third of the (3%) three percent commission Defendant made on each of the players' salary.'
The court filing stated that Johnson has not been paid the 'no less than $962,335' related to his work from securing player agreements.
'For several months, Defendant claimed he had not received any payments for the NFL's recruitment of the players he represents,' the lawsuit continued. 'It is our reasonable belief that this is false.'
Ellison denied all the claims made in Johnson's suit, according to TMZ.
Former USC Trojan and NFL wide reciever Keyshawn Johnson looks on during the first half between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the USC Trojans at Notre Dame Stadium on October 14, 2023 in South Bend, Indiana.
Getty Images
Johnson is looking to be paid the full amount he believes he is owed, along with other damages, costs and fees.
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