Q&A with "Tank" Black

Disgraced agent speaks after being sentenced to prison

After being sentenced to five years in federal prison, sports agent William "Tank" Black spoke with CNNSI.com senior writer Mike Fish about the agent business and the errant path that has him looking at 10 years behind bars.

CNNSI.com: You’re being portrayed as the poster-child for bad agents, is that right?

Black: That is not fair. I made some poor decisions in terms of talking to players about investing. We gave some (college) players monies a few times -- $400 or whatever here and there. Think I am the only agent that’s ever done that? And understand, the players admit they asked for it. We weren’t going to players and offering them money to sign with us.

CNNSI.com: Were players going elsewhere if you didn’t give them money?

Black: Yeah, multiple people. And a couple players where we gave $500 or $600, they got $5,000 and $6,000 from other agents.

CNNSI.com: Should University of Florida officials have known about cash you were providing players like Fred Taylor, Jacquez Green, Johnny Rutledge, Reggie McGrew and Jevon Kearse?

Black: I can see where they wouldn’t have known about it. But I don’t think that it is realistic to think that players aren’t receiving funds from the agents. The funny thing is these Florida players were asking for money because they were all getting offered money from so many people. And they were getting money from so many people.

CNNSI.com: How common is it for top players to get money from agents?

Black: I would say that nine out of 10 top players are getting money. The amount is based on how top the player is. Some top players were getting mega bucks. We weren’t in on those players.

CNNSI.com: Do you believe your case was influenced here in Gainesville by the fact you were messing with University of Florida players?

Black: They hold their athletes to be more special than ordinary people. And in some way I violated something sacred with their athletes. And I have to pay for that.

CNNSI.com: Do you mean to include federal prosecutors?

Black: People in Gainesville -- everyone.

CNNSI.com: Are you bothered by perception that you used your status as an African-American to attract young black athletes and then betrayed their trust?

Black: No, it would hurt me the same if they were white. It doesn’t make any difference. I hate that anybody lost any money. I can’t control whatever perception is out there. And there’s this perception that I’m a bad agent because I gave players money. Well, they’re all virtually getting money. And more money than I was giving.

 

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