The NFL Players Association (NFLPA) is currently investigating David Canter, a longtime agent and the president of football at GSE Worldwide, for his alleged attempts to sway teams into selecting players he represents during the recent NFL draft. Sources have stated that Canter contacted several teams over the draft weekend and offered the use of vacation properties belonging to him and his wife if they drafted one of his clients, which is being described as a form of bribery.
Possible Violation of Regulations
While the NFLPA does not explicitly prohibit incentivizing a team to draft a player, the players’ union investigation will determine whether Canter’s conduct is in violation of at least three different articles in its Regulations for Contract Advisors, including one that prohibits “engaging in unlawful conduct and/or conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit, misrepresentation, or other activity which reflects adversely on his/her fitness as a Contract Advisor or jeopardizes his/her effective representation of NFL players.” Depending on the results of the investigation, Canter could face fines, suspension, or the revocation of his agent’s certification.
Prior Disciplinary Record
Canter has a prior disciplinary record with the NFLPA that includes several recent incidents, according to sources. This history is expected to factor into the Committee on Agent Relations and Discipline’s decision, which is composed of active and former players and guided by the NFLPA’s legal department. The committee has the ability to immediately revoke or suspend an agent’s certification in “extraordinary circumstances.”
Canter and GSE Worldwide represented 21 athletes in the 2023 draft class, including Green Bay Packers’ second-round pick, wide receiver Jayden Reed, and Los Angeles Rams’ Mr. Irrelevant, defensive tackle Desjuan Johnson. Canter also has a deep roster of veteran NFL clients, including Miami Dolphins cornerback Xavien Howard, Dallas Cowboys defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence, and Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Asante Samuel Jr.
Though Canter’s alleged actions are unprecedented, the NFLPA has previously levied discipline on other agents. In 2016, the committee unanimously voted to revoke the certification of agent Ben Dogra for at least three years after a 38-count disciplinary complaint. Dogra was reinstated in February 2017 and allowed to continue representing his clients during the appeals process.
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