Too many times players wind up working for their agents rather than the agents working for them. That seems to be what is happening in the Jeremy Maclin situation.
The young man is letting Jim Steiner and Creative Artist Agency damage his career before it even gets started. Many times agents are thinking more about the interests of themselves rather than the interests of their clients.
I think it's in the player's best interest to get a good contract and get into camp and prove that you're a great player on the NFL level. That gets you quickly to your second contract.
The truth of the matter is that the second contract is the truly big money. Once Maclin proves he's as good as the Eagles thought he was, Joe Banner and crew would open the vault to him.
The agent isn't thinking about Maclin's best interests so he's making it almost impossible that the kid get off to a fast start with the Birds.
The talented receiver who was waiting here in Philadelphia in anticipation of getting his contract worked out, has reportedly returned to Missouri, probably at the urging of Steiner and CAA.
Maclin also refuses to take calls from his teammates and coaches. This is more of the agent's doing to prevent him from being influenced by anybody but himself.
Players in front of him have signed and players in back of him have signed. He shouldn't be missing the information that's being put out by the coaches.
Andy Reid and Marty Mornhinweg are putting in at least 10 to 15 plays a day. Maclin should be there taking in every word. He should be going out onto the field and working on these plays with his teammates.
He's got to gain McNabb's confidence to he's not going to be looking his way first.
Once you fall behind too far, it will take at least a year to catch up.
