Chapman Law Students Attend Arizona State University Sports and Entertainment Law Symposium

On October 18th, 2007, Entertainment and Sports Law Society members Lara Drew, Kristin Houg and Courtney Lewis attended the annual Sports and Entertainment Law Symposium hosted by the Sandra Day O’Connor School of Law at Arizona State University. The topic of the symposium was "The Art of Representation," with a focus on the relationship between talent and agency. Panelists included Mike Kennedy, Chairman of the 2008 Super Bowl Host Committee and Co-Founding Partner of Gallagher and Kennedy, P.A., Jim Kuzmich, Vice President and General Counsel of Gaames Sports Agency, Nona Lee, Vice President and General Counsel of the Arizona Diamondbacks, Pat Murphy, Head Coach of ASU’s Baseball Team, and Tim Salmon, a major league baseball player who played with the Anaheim Angels from 1993-2006 (Rookie of the Year in 1993 and World Series Champion in 2002).

The presentation began with keynote speaker Mike Kennedy describing the process of presenting and being awarded a Super Bowl bid. This was more of a political than legal discussion as Kennedy explained the series of ballot measures that had to be passed and tax increases that had to be implemented in the City of Glendale, Arizona, before construction of a Super Bowl sized stadium could begin. After commencing construction, the city submitted bids and was awarded the 2008 Super Bowl. Kennedy indicated that Glendale hopes to establish itself as a "Super Bowl City" and looks forward to the increased revenue and tourism the event would bring.

Jim Kuzmich described how his agency "Gaames" differs from typical sports agencies. Unlike other agencies, Gaames does not provide frills that other agencies might provide, such as limousine rides for players, backstage passes to concerts or VIP room access at popular clubs. Kuzmich explained that athletes pay a premium for such services. Kuzmich chooses instead to focus on negotiating contracts, which he believes is, and should remain, the agent’s primary focus.

Tim Salmon spoke on the specifics of both his player and agent contracts. He attributed his expertise in this area to his 17 years of experience playing professional baseball. Salmon said that by the end of his career with the Angels he was doing much of the negotiating himself and that, as a result, his agent agreed to accept a lower percentage. He is currently completing his B.S. at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix. (As of yet, he has no plans to earn his J.D.)

In the spring of 2008, Chapman’s Entertainment and Sports Law Society will host a sports panel similar to the one hosted by ASU. Suggestions for speakers or volunteers to help with the planning and implementation of the event should be directed to Lara Drew at ellledee@yahoo.com or Courtney Lewis at court.b.lewis@gmail.com.