NFL agent is being sued by Keyshawn Johnson for approximately $1 million, alleging a verbal agreement.
Former NFL star Keyshawn Johnson has filed a lawsuit against sports agent Christopher Ellison for approximately $1 million in unpaid fees. Johnson claims that he recruited numerous NFL players, who are now under Ellison's representation, based on an oral agreement they made a decade ago. Johnson asserts that he was promised a percentage of the players' signed contracts with the NFL, equating to a third of the three percent commission that Ellison received.
According to the lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court on May 23, Johnson successfully recruited four players – Deommodore Lenoir of the San Francisco 49ers, Jaylon Johnson of the Chicago Bears, Mike Hughes of the Atlanta Falcons, and Romeo Doubs of the Green Bay Packers – for Ellison's agency. However, Johnson alleges that he has yet to receive his earned percentage of Ellison's full commission.
In the lawsuit, Johnson explains that he would identify players, make the initial contact, and recruit them on Ellison's behalf. In exchange, Johnson was supposed to receive a specified percentage of each player's contract.
Ellison has yet to comment on the allegations made by Johnson. According to TMZ, Ellison denies all claims Johnson made in the suit.
The disagreement regarding the unpaid finder's fees has reportedly been ongoing for several months, with Ellison initially claiming he had not received any payments for the recruitment of these players. However, Johnson's lawsuit alleges that Ellison has since become unresponsive to his demands for payment.
Johnson, a two-time All-American at USC and a former NFL player, is seeking full restitution, along with additional damages, costs, and fees for claims including breach of contract, unfair business practices, and intentional misrepresentation.
NFL owners have also made news lately, as they have voted against banning the "Tush Push," the signature short-yardage play of the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles. Additionally, they have approved a resolution that will allow NFL players to compete in flag football at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
Salesian High graduate Deommodore Lenoir, one of the players Johnson allegedly recruited for Ellison, is now with the 49ers. Lenoir showcases the dream of achieving success with a focused dedication to one's aspirations.
Other sports news includes reports on the potential trade for Jalen Ramsey, the Dodgers' bullpen struggles, and the passing of British boxer Georgia O'Connor.
- Keyshawn Johnson, a former NFL player and USC two-time All-American, has filed a $1 million lawsuit against sports agent Christopher Ellison for unpaid finder's fees.
- Johnson claims Ellison has withheld a third of the three percent commission he was promised as a part of an oral agreement they made a decade ago.
- According to the lawsuit, Ellison has failed to pay Johnson for recruiting several NFL players, including Deommodore Lenoir of the San Francisco 49ers, Jaylon Johnson of the Chicago Bears, Mike Hughes of the Atlanta Falcons, and Romeo Doubs of the Green Bay Packers.
- Ellison has not commented on the allegations, but TMZ reports that he denies all claims Johnson made in the suit.
- The disagreement has been ongoing for months, with Johnson alleging that Ellison has become unresponsive to his demands for payment.
- Johnson is seeking full restitution, along with additional damages, costs, and fees for breach of contract, unfair business practices, and intentional misrepresentation.
