Attorney for NFL agent David Canter releases statement amid NFLPA bribery allegations

Remember that weird story about how agent David Canter allegedly offered bribes to NFL team officials in exchange for drafting his clients? Well, we now know Canter’s legal defense.

Canter’s attorney Mitchell Schuster issued a statement, Friday, explaining that his client was using “playful banter” with the team coaches and executives. It’s just one big misunderstanding.

“It has been publicly reported that the NFLPA is investigating David Canter for so-called ‘bribery’ attempts during the NFL draft,” Schuster said in a statement he issued to the media. “Although we preferred to address this matter in a private fashion, the leak of the NFLPA’s investigation has compelled us to publicly respond.

“The communications that are the subject of the investigation were no more than playful banter by Mr. Canter with industry colleagues, who interpreted them to be made in jest, as any reasonable person would. It is unfortunate that Mr. Canter must now defend his reputation, both in the court of public opinion and within the confines of the NFLPA’s disciplinary committee.”

Statement from NFL agent David Canter’s attorney, Mitchell Schuster of Meister Seelig & Fein: pic.twitter.com/zXlegR6kE7

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) May 19, 2023

ESPN first reported David Canter story a week ago

A week ago, ESPN reported that David Canter allegedly contacted several teams during the three days of the NFL Draft. He offered some team executives the use of his vacation properties. That was so long as the team selected one of his players. Sources told ESPN that they considered Canter’s offers as a “form of bribery.”

After that story broke, Adam Kenner, who also represents David Canter, issued a different statement. “We are aware that the NFLPA is looking into communications between my client and various management personnel of certain NFL teams. Mr. Canter did not engage in any wrongdoing and he is fully cooperating with the NFLPA. We expect the situation to be resolved shortly.”

The NFLPA, after conducting its investigation, could fine or suspend Canter or revoke his agent certification.

Canter’s agency represented 21 players who were eligible for last month’s draft. He repped Jayden Reed, who the Packers picked in the second round. And he also is the agent for defensive tackle Desjuan Johnson. The Rams selected Johnson using the last pick of the draft. So yes, that makes Johnson Mr. Irrelevant.

Canter tweeted a photo graphic honoring the eight draft picks his agency represented. Besides Reed, Canter also represented Tuli Tuipulotu, a second-round pick of the Chargers.

Congratulations to all of our @gsefootball clients who were drafted this weekend @JaydenReed5 @TuipulotuTuli @Sydbrown___ @Tankdell4 @ClarkPhillips21 @chasebrown____ @ParishDerek @DesjuanJ pic.twitter.com/V4iSDlmxqr

— David Canter (@davidcanter) April 30, 2023

Some of Canter’s established NFL clients include Chargers cornerback Asante Samuel Jr, Dolphins cornerback Xavien Howard and Cowboys defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence.