Leveling the Playing Field.
Maximizing Your Value.
Your career is short. Your legacy should be forever. We protect athletes from bad contracts, predatory agents, and legal crises so you can focus on the game.
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The Athlete's Legal Quarterback
In the high-stakes world of professional and collegiate sports, talent makes you a target. From complex league contracts to the “Wild West” of NIL deals, athletes face legal challenges that can secure their financial future or jeopardize it entirely.
At Saffold Law, we offer more than just contract review; we provide holistic career protection. Quintin D. Saffold’s unique background as a former prosecutor and business attorney means we are uniquely equipped to handle every aspect of an athlete’s life—from the negotiation table to the courtroom.
The Agent vs. The Attorney: Why You Need Both
Many athletes believe that having a sports agent is enough. It isn’t.
The Agent's Job
To find opportunities and get you signed. They are often paid a commission only when a deal closes, which creates pressure to sign quickly.
The Attorney's Job
To protect you. We are paid to find the holes in the contract, to say “no” to bad terms, and to ensure you are legally protected long after the agent collects their fee.
We work alongside your agent to ensure the contracts they bring you are actually in your best interest.
The NIL Era: Opportunity Meets Risk
Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) has changed the game for collegiate athletes, but it has also brought significant legal risks. The NCAA rules vary by state and university, and a mistake can cost you your eligibility.
Common NIL Traps We Avoid:
- The “Perpetuity” Clause: Brands asking to own your image forever for a one-time payment.
- Exclusive Rights: Deals that prevent you from signing with other sponsors in the same category (e.g., shoe deals).
- Booster Compliance: Ensuring payments don’t violate “Pay-for-Play” rules that could get you suspended.
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Strategic Partnership: Saffold Law x PickVI
Supporting the Next Generation
Saffold Law is proud to partner with PickVi to support High School and Collegiate athletes. Together, we provide the platform and protection needed to navigate recruitment and career development.
Comprehensive Sports Legal Services
We represent rookies, veterans, coaches, and sports agencies in a wide range of legal matters.
Player Contract Negotiation
We review professional service contracts (NFL, NBA, MLB, etc.) to scrutinize:
- Guaranteed Money: Fighting for structure, not just the “headline number.”
- Signing Bonuses: Structuring payments for tax efficiency and immediate liquidity.
- Injury Grievances: Ensuring you are protected and paid if you get hurt on the field.
Endorsements & Sponsorships
Your off-field earnings can often exceed your salary. We negotiate endorsement deals with major brands, ensuring that morality clauses are fair and that you retain ownership of your intellectual property.
Crisis Management & Disciplinary Defense
This is where we stand apart. If you face criminal charges (DUI, assault) or league disciplinary action (suspensions, fines), you don’t need a sports agent—you need a defense attorney. Quintin D. Saffold brings his experience as a former prosecutor to aggressively defend your reputation and your freedom, minimizing the impact on your career.
What We Fight For
(Your Outcomes)
When we sit down at the negotiation table, we are fighting for specific protections that agents might overlook:
- Roster Bonuses: Securing payment simply for being on the team at a certain date.
- No-Trade Clauses: Giving you control over where you live and play.
- Offset Language Removal: Ensuring that if you are cut, your new salary doesn’t reduce what your old team owes you.
- IP Ownership: Ensuring you own your logos and catchphrases, not the sponsor.
How We Build Your Career Strategy
We don’t just react to offers; we build a fortress around your career.
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1. The Audit
We review your existing representation agreements and endorsement deals to ensure you aren’t paying excessive commissions (e.g., paying an agent on marketing deals they didn’t source).
2. The Structure
We help you form an LLC or Loan-Out Corporation to receive your endorsement income, allowing for significant tax deductions and asset protection.
3. The Protection
We trademark your name and slogans immediately to stop bootleggers from selling your merch without paying you.
Build a Legacy, Not Just a Stat Line.
You have a limited window to maximize your earnings. Don’t leave your future to chance. Contact Saffold Law to put a powerhouse legal team on your roster.
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