Pelicans: A legal analysis of Zion Williamson’s lawsuit against Prime Sports

Paying the Legal Fees

According to a legal analyst, worrying about how Zion Williamson will pay for expenses is “completely unnecessary.” Lawyer fees add up quick. Rookie contracts are only worth so much. But no need to fret.

"“CAA is almost certainly fronting Zion money for this and general living until he signs. CAA is also probably agreeing to cover things in exchange for him signing with them in the first place. It’s highly likely that CAA tried to get him signed, found out about this other agency, and then said we’ll get you out of it, it you sign with us…That’s part of doing business in this field.”"

Which brings back questions of potential NCAA violations. There had to be a handler. Prime Sports did not develop a business relationship level of trust in only a few days. How does that happen?

The legal analyst replied:

"“That’s the million dollar question [whether there is a handler somewhere pulling strings to arrange this deal with Prime and when that relationship began], because you know we’ve seen that deal play out in the context of Brian Bowen and the federal suit that’s wrapped up several universities, coaches, and executives…A handler says  ‘you promised’ ‘I helped’ ‘just sign.'”"

How would this handler get paid? Through a charity, a donation to a foundation, a consulting fee on an unrelated project? These are all conceivable. What about a building of a hospital in the Dominican, like on The Wire? This drew only a nod and a chuckle; everyone knows my affinity for a good The Wire reference.

Informal soft sell pressure should not be solid legal standing, but I’m no lawyer. Still, with so many questions around the arrangement, mediation is an opportunity to share evidence in a confidential environment. Mediation should be welcomed by all parties.