Total Pro Sports
Former NFL wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson is reportedly involved in a $1 million lawsuit.
Johnson, a three-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion, is now a co-host on FOX Sports show ‘Speak,’ but he’s also doing some top-level scouting, as suggested by this recent development.
According to TMZ, the former wideout is suing NFL agent Christopher Ellis, who he says owes him finder’s fees for certain players he discovered. The group includes 49ers CB Deommodore Lenoir, Bears CB Jaylon Johnson, Falcons CB Mike Hughes, and Packers WR Romeo Doubs.
Johnson and Ellison are understood to have had a gentleman’s agreement from 10 years ago that required the agent to pay him for identifying and recruiting players.
As part of the agreement, Johnson “was to identify players, make the initial contact with them, and recruit them to be represented.“
TMZ notes, *“*According to the lawsuit, Johnson was to get one-third of the three percent commission Ellison ultimately made on the players’ salaries.”
The court filing states that Johnson has not been given the “no less than $962,335” for securing agreements from players to sign with Ellis.
“For several months, Defendant claimed he had not received any payments for the NFL’s recruitment of the players he represents,” the lawsuit continued. “It is our reasonable belief that this is false.”
Johnson wants to be paid every penny for his work and is seeking other damages, costs, and fees.
For his part, Elison has denied the claims.
Keyshawn Johnson played in the NFL from 1996 to 2006. He registered 814 career receptions, 10,571 receiving yards, and 64 touchdowns.
The 52-year-old transitioned to broadcasting after retirement in 2006, working as an analyst with ESPN before moving to FS1. He also serves as a mentor to high school and college players.
