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Agent denies wrongdoing

William Black pleads case to NFLPA discipline committee

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Posted: Monday July 26, 1999 08:04 PM

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) - The NFL Players Association's disciplinary committee spoke by phone with sports agent William "Tank" Black for nearly four hours Monday to discuss the complaint the union has filed against him.

Black and his company, Professional Management Inc., are accused of making improper cash payments to several Florida players while they were still eligible.

Former Gator Johnny Rutledge has publicly stated that he received improper payments from Black's company.

NFLPA attorney Richard Berthelsen said the committee, composed of players Trace Armstrong, Robert Smith and Richard Harvey, will hear more testimony Tuesday and should decide Black's fate this week.

The committee could suspend or revoke Black's license. If so, Black could appeal to an arbitrator. He also has filed a lawsuit against the union, claiming its disciplinary process is unfair.

Black denies any impropriety. Earlier this month, he filed a detailed response to the complaint.

Black and his attorney, Leonard Mungo, had a chance to explain the response during the telephone conversation. Berthelsen said it was cut short because the players had to attend practice at their respective training camps.

 

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