Johnny Manziel Signs Deal to Be Represented by Nike
- "Rovell's sources were not able to disclose the financial terms, but they did say the deal—which was negotiated by LeBron James' business partner Maverick Carter and Fenway Sports Group—is a multi-year offer that will be the most expensive for a rookie in this year's class."
- "Manziel chose Nike over other companies such as Adidas, Under Armour and New Balance's Warrior brand."
Takeaway from Hedgeye’s Brian McGough:
Nike is likely looking at something in the vicinity of $20 million/year for Manziel. But one thing is for sure,
Nike is going to have to babysit this one.
True, they may have 'handlers' for all their high-value athletes, but the sports world knows all too well that things don't always go according to plan. See previous tabloid-rich events like:
1. Kobe Bryant and his sexual assault case (after which his Nike contract was re-written).
2. Tiger Woods and his -- whatever you call it -- case.
3. Lance Armstrong and his pathetic admission of basically lying his whole career.
Athletes -- even those considered squeaky clean -- are high risk assets. Something tells us that Johnny Manziel belongs on the upper half of the risk management watch list.