Cooper Neill/Getty Images
Prominent NFL agent David Canter is now under investigation by the NFL Players Association for allegedly offering gifts to multiple teams so they’ll draft his clients during the 2023 Draft.
According to ESPN’s Brooke Pryor report, Canter is being investigated for offering the use of vacation properties owned by himself and his wife to teams if they were to draft Canter’s clients.
ESPN sources described Canter’s actions as a “form of bribery.”
The NFLPA, the organization responsible for overseeing the interests of NFL players and agents, is taking the lead in the investigation into Canter’s actions. Canter, who represented 21 players in the 2023 draft class, including Green Bay Packers’ second-round wide receiver Jayden Reed and Los Angeles Rams’ seventh-round defensive tackle Desjuan Johnson (also known as the draft’s Mr. Irrelevant), now finds himself at the center of a major probe.
While Canter’s lawyer, Adam Kenner, stated that his client did not engage in any wrongdoing and is fully cooperating with the NFLPA, the allegations are gaining credibility. ProFootballTalk was able to confirm the existence of these allegations, with at least one anonymous NFL general manager confirming that he received an offer from Canter. Additionally, the same general manager claims to know of at least two other rival general managers who received similar offers.
The Rams, who selected Desjuan Johnson as the last pick in the draft, are expected to be closely scrutinized during the NFLPA’s investigation. Johnson is a client of Canter’s, and his selection as Mr. Irrelevant has raised eyebrows given the ongoing allegations against his agent.
GSE Worldwide, the agency representing Canter, has denied any wrongdoing on the part of their client and expressed confidence that the situation will be resolved in the coming weeks. However, the seriousness of these allegations cannot be understated, and the potential consequences for Canter extend beyond the NFLPA’s regulations applicable to agents.
If it can be proven that Canter offered inducements to teams or specific individuals in exchange for drafting his clients, it could lead to severe repercussions for the agent. Such actions would not only breach the NFLPA’s regulations but could also have broader implications that reach outside the boundaries of the union. The integrity of the draft process and the fairness of player selections are paramount to the NFL, and any attempts to manipulate these proceedings would be viewed with the utmost seriousness.
As the investigation unfolds, the NFLPA will likely conduct interviews with key individuals involved, review any available evidence, and determine the appropriate course of action. If Canter is found guilty of the alleged misconduct, he could face penalties ranging from fines to suspension or even permanent revocation of his agent license, depending on the severity of the offense.