Jamison HensleyESPN Staff Writer6:14 PM ET3 Minute Read
RGIII on Lamar: “Something bigger is happening here”
Robert Griffin III and Jeff Darlington comment on Lamar Jackson’s tweet and the NFL’s comments about speaking to Jackson without proper representation.
OWINGS MILLS, Md.—The Lamar Jackson’s offseason saga took another unexpected turn with the distribution of a league-wide memo and the involvement of a fitness equipment business partner named Ken Francis.
On Thursday, the NFL sent out a memo to all clubs informing them that a non-NFLPA-certified person may try to convince team personnel to begin contract negotiations with Baltimore Ravens quarterback Jackson, who is the non-exclusive franchise tag.
Under league rules, teams can only speak to Jackson because he doesn’t have an agent.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter’s memo, the NFLPA informed the league that Francis, who is not a certified players’ union agent, may be contacting teams about Jackson.
The memo, which was distributed to all 32 teams, read: “As an uncertified person, Mr. Francis is prohibited from negotiating offer sheets or player contracts, or discussing or assisting or advising in relation to potential trades on behalf of any NFL player or prospective player.” to such negotiations.”
Francis told ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler that he did not contact the teams on Jackson’s behalf.
“I don’t speak for Lamar,” Francis said.
Jackson also denied that Francis contacted teams on his behalf. tweet: “Stop lying, this man never tried to negotiate for me.”
Francis said he is Jackson’s wearable fitness equipment business partner and that is the scope of their business relationships. He stressed that Jackson minds his own football affairs, although he has people in his circle he could consult.
The memo reminded teams that an offer sheet can only be negotiated with the player acting on their own behalf, or with a certified agent.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Mr. Jackson is not currently being represented by an NFLPA-certified agent,” the memo said. “Breach of this rule may result in the rejection of any offer sheet or resulting player contract made by Mr Jackson and the new club.”
The NFL can fine teams $47,000 if a club negotiates a contract with an agent or representative who has not been verified by the NFLPA.
This is the second time in seven months that the league has had to address this matter. In August, the NFL Board of Directors sent a memo to the 32 teams about speaking to a non-NFLPA certified agent who had contacted clubs on behalf of linebacker Roquan Smith while he was with the Chicago Bears. Smith was traded to the Ravens last season and negotiated a five-year extension with Baltimore in January.
On March 7, the Ravens placed the nonexclusive franchise tag on Jackson after the sides failed to reach a new deal after 25 months of negotiations.
Under the non-exclusive tag, Jackson can negotiate with other teams. If he signs an offer sheet, Baltimore has five days to pass or receive two first-round draft picks as compensation.
If there is no supply sheet, Jackson would make $32.416 million on the day.
A Ravens official told ESPN the team had only been negotiating with Jackson since he became eligible for a 2021 contract extension.