David Falk is a legend in the sports industry.
He is the man who negotiated the first $100 million contract in NBA history, the man who helped create the Michael Jordan brand, and the man who represented some of the greatest players of all time, such as Patrick Ewing, Alonzo Mourning, and Dikembe Mutombo.
But Falk is not a fan of how some of the modern NBA stars are handling their trade situations.
In a recent interview with Looper, Falk expressed his frustration with players like Damian Lillard, who has been rumored to want out of Portland despite having four years left on his contract.
Falk birth and place
David Falk was born in 1950 on Long Island, New York, to a middle-class Jewish family.
He grew up as a fan of the New York Knicks, influenced by his mother, who was an avid basketball lover.
David Falk’s Careers
Falk graduated from Syracuse University with a degree in economics and then earned his law degree from George Washington University.
David Falk started his career as an unpaid intern for Donald Dell’s ProServ, where he represented professional tennis players.
He later switched to basketball and signed Michael Jordan as his first major client in 1984.
Additional, David Falk founded his own agency, FAME, in 1992 and negotiated some of the highest contracts and endorsements in NBA history.
Falk re-launched FAME in 2007 and still serves as its founder and C.E.O.
Falk’s Marriage
Falk is married to Rhonda Frank, who is also a graduate of Syracuse University.
They have two daughters, Daina and Jocelyn.
They live in Rockville, Maryland
Falk’s Net worth
Falk’s net worth is estimated to be between $50 million and $100 million, according to various sources.
David Falk has donated millions of dollars to Syracuse University, where he has a college named after him.
He has also been involved in various philanthropic causes, such as supporting education and health care in Africa23
Falk: “It’s a different era”
Falk, who is now 73 years old and still runs his own agency, FAME, said that he understands that the NBA has changed a lot since he started his career in the late 1970s.
Michael Jordan’s Agent acknowledged that players have more power and leverage than ever before, thanks to free agency, social media, and player empowerment movements.
However, he also said that he believes that some players are abusing their power and disrespecting their teams and fans by demanding trades or creating drama.
David Falk cited Lillard as an example of a player who has been loyal to his franchise for nine years but is now seemingly unhappy with his situation and wants to join a contender.
“I think it’s terrible,” Falk said. “I think it’s a slap in the face to the organization that drafted him, developed him, paid him handsomely, and supported him through thick and thin.
I think it’s a slap in the face to the fans who have cheered for him and loved him. I think it’s a slap in the face to his teammates who have played with him and sacrificed for him.”
David Falk said that he respects Lillard as a player and a person, but he thinks that he should honor his contract and try to win with the Blazers instead of looking for an easy way out.
He said that he never had to deal with such situations with his clients, because they were either happy where they were or they waited until they became free agents to explore their options.
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Falk: “Jordan would never do that”
David Falk also compared Lillard’s situation to that of his most famous client, Michael Jordan, who spent his entire career with the Chicago Bulls and won six championships.
He said that Jordan never asked for a trade or complained about his teammates or coaches, even when he faced adversity or challenges.
“Jordan would never do that,” Falk said. “He was loyal to the Bulls, loyal to the city of Chicago, loyal to his fans.
Jordan was competitive as hell and he wanted to win more than anything, but he never took the easy way out.
He never joined forces with other superstars or tried to form a superteam. He wanted to beat them, not join them.”
Falk said that Jordan’s mentality was rare and admirable, and that he wishes more players would follow his example.
He said that Jordan’s legacy is not only defined by his achievements on the court, but also by his character and integrity off the court.
“He was a leader, a winner, a role model,” Falk said. “He was the best player I ever saw, and the best person I ever worked with. He was one of a kind.”
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Falk: “Air” is a tribute to Jordan
Falk also talked about his involvement in the upcoming movie “Air”, which is based on Jordan’s life and career.
He said that he was consulted by the filmmakers and gave them access to some of his archives and contacts.
Michael’s Agent said that he was impressed by the cast and crew, especially Chris Messina, who plays him in the film.
“He did a great job,” David Falk said. “He captured my personality, my style, my passion. He was very respectful and professional. I enjoyed working with him.”
David Falk said that he hopes that “Air” will be a tribute to Jordan and his legacy, and that it will inspire a new generation of fans and players.
He said that he is proud of what he and Jordan accomplished together, and that he considers him as more than a client, but as a friend.
“We had a special relationship,” Falk said. “We trusted each other, we respected each other, we supported each other. We had fun together. We made history together.”
FACTS ABOUT David B. Falk
Fact | Description |
---|---|
Name | David B. Falk |
Born | February 20, 1950 |
Birthplace | Long Island, New York |
Education | Syracuse University (BA), George Washington University Law School (JD) |
Occupation | Sports agent |
Clients | Michael Jordan, Patrick Ewing, Alonzo Mourning, Charles Barkley, Dikembe Mutombo, Scottie Pippen, Grant Hill, Steve Smith, Kenny Smith, Larry Bird |
Accomplishments | Negotiated the highest contract in NBA league history for Patrick Ewing, team sports’ first $100 million contract in 1996 for Alonzo Mourning, and Michael Jordan’s ground-breaking deal with Nike |
Awards | CoStar’s Power Broker Award (18 years in a row), REBNY’s Most Creative Retail Deal of the Year Award |
Net worth | $100 million (estimated) |
Residence | Rockville, Maryland |
Family | Wife: Rhonda Frank, Children: Daina Falk, Jocelyn Falk |