ANN ARBOR http://www.clevelandbrownsteamonline.com/anthony-zettel-jersey , Mich. (AP) — Rashan Gary is living his dream as the founder and CEO of his own sports agency.The defensive end, projected to be one of the top picks in the NFL draft, has fulfilled a vision he had as a high school star in New Jersey and developed in his mind the past three years at Michigan.“I always had a dream of playing in the NFL and leaving a legacy,” Gary said in an interview with The Associated Press. “The older I got, I understood that football is not forever. This is a step to take care of my family in the long run. Starting this agency is a way I can definitely do that in my years on the football field and the years when I’m not on the football field.”He has already recruited one NFL prospect to Rashan Gary Sports . And, he hopes to land more players from Major League Baseball, the NBA and NHL by promoting the agency as a way athletes can make the most out of their earning potential.“It’s going to change the game,” Gary told The AP. “Now, players know the power they have and taking this step is big for me, my family and my dream.”Gary’s mother, Jennifer Coney-Shepherd, is the president of the five-person agency. Certified agent Ian Clarke will negotiate Gary’s contract and will be paid as an employee of the agency instead of getting a percentage.“I don’t think this has ever happened,” said Gil Brandt http://www.detroitlionsteamonline.com/jahlani-tavai-jersey , the NFL’s top draft consultant and a former personnel director for the Dallas Cowboys. “Everybody has a new, creative idea and this is the latest one.“The first contract in the NFL is relatively simple with the pay pretty much pre-determined whether you’re drafted 13th or 107th. I’m guessing some street-smart guy told him about this idea to set up his own agency to keep more of his money.”Rashan Gary Sports executives, though, insist Gary came to them with the pioneering idea.“This pre-dates all of us,” said Dante Simpson, who heads marketing and branding for the agency. “Ian didn’t pitch this. I didn’t pitch this. He and his mother talked to other agents and marketing folks about this vision. He went after the talent he wanted to secure to be the first to do this.”Gary is expected to be among the top 10 picks in April and he may be able to boost his stock even more by displaying exceptional speed and strength at the league’s scouting combine. The 6-foot-5, 281-pound Gary is training for the opportunity to show how fast, agile and powerful a player his size can be in Texas with Michael Johnson Performance, a partner of the agency.While Gary is focused on running and lifting, he did get former Bowling Green defensive back Montre Gregory to sign with his agency .“Rashan recognized his talent,” Simpson said.Gary was a two-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree, majoring in general studies while working on a marketing and sales track certificate from Michigan’s business school. He began focusing on his future after his injury-stunted season ended with a loss to Ohio State. He declared for the draft, skipping the Wolverines’ bowl game and his senior season.He was a second-team preseason All-American http://www.houstontexansteamonline.com/kahale-warring-jersey , but a shoulder injury limited him to nine games. Gary had 44 tackles — including seven for losses — and 3½ sacks last season. He was an All-Big Ten player as a sophomore when he had 66 tackles, including 12 for losses and six sacks. Gary, who is from Plainfield, New Jersey, signed with Michigan as the top-rated high school player in the country.Gary could have followed the popular path and signed with industry leaders such as Creative Artists Agency or Drew Rosenhaus, but chose to take a chance on his idea.“Rashan Gary Sports is set up for players to take ownership of their intellectual property,” Clarke said. “Our model, which we’d rather keep quiet for now, helps players with their finances on the front end.”The agency has just two clients, Gary and Gregory, but plans to have more NFL players in the future while also competing for business with agents in other sports.“We’re looking to be in all major league sports,” Clarke said. “There are agents we’re having conversations with and it’s just a matter of securing some of those deals.” Adalberto Mondesi is back with the Kansas City Royals as part of a roster shuffle.
The Royals made six moves Sunday before playing Houston.
Mondesi, the first player to make his major league debut in a World Series game http://www.indianapoliscoltsteamonline.com/bobby-okereke-jersey , was recalled from Triple-A Omaha.
The Royals also called up outfielder Rosell Herrera and purchased the contract of right-hander Wily Peralta from Omaha. They optioned right-hander Scott Barlow and infielder Ramon Torres to their Pacific Coast League affiliate. They transferred left-handed pitcher Eric Skoglund to the 60-day disabled list.
Mondesi struck out as a pinch-hitter in the 2015 World Series against the New York Mets. He was once the Royals’ top prospect, but has been derailed by injuries and a 50-game drug suspension in 2016.
The 22-year-old opened the 2017 season as Kansas City’s starting second baseman, but was sent back to the minors after hitting .109 in his first 14 games. Mondesi, the son of former major league outfielder Raul Mondesi, has a .181 batting average with 60 strikeouts in 188 at-bats in 72 games in the majors.
”He’s never had success up here,” Royals manager Ned Yost said. ”He’s a young guy. You just try to pace him a little bit, play a couple of games here, a couple of games there and get his feet on the ground, let him start to have some success, which we all know he’s going to have, just let him ease into that.”
Yost said he plans to play Mondesi about four days a week.
”Every year he’s been hurt, so that’s the concern,” Yost said. ”We want to try to get him through the year healthy. We wanted to get Mondesi back playing and get him up here http://www.jacksonvillejaguarsteamonline.com/jawaan-taylor-jersey , again to get some of our younger kids up that we’re going to move forward with up here and gaining that experience.”
Mondesi hit .250 with 16 extra-base hits, 21 RBIs and 10 stolen bases in 29 games at Triple-A.
The Royals claimed Herrera off waivers from Cincinnati on June 2. He hit .278 in 10 games with Omaha. He went 2 for 11 in 13 games earlier this season with the Reds.
”Herrera is very athletic,” Yost said. ”As an organization we haven’t seen him that much. He can play multiple positions. He can play all three positions in the outfield, can play some third base. It will be interesting to get a look at him.”
Peralta, a 17-game winner in 2014 with Milwaukee, signed with the Royals on December 5 as a free agent, but in spring training allowed 14 runs on 16 hits, including four home runs, and eight walks over eight innings. He began the year in the minors and posted a 4.37 ERA in 18 outings with Omaha, but had a 1.96 ERA on his last nine outings.
”Our whole goal with (Brandon) Maurer and Peralta was to get them throwing good and get them back here. That has been the case,” Yost said.