Arielle Comer, the managing attorney for Comer Law Group, was the Fritz Pollard Alliance Female Trailblazer event during Super Bowl week. She is an NFL sports agent and has been working more profoundly in the name, image, and likeness (N.I.L.) space. Rolling out speaks with Comer to discuss why she entered the sports agency space.
Why did you become a sports agent?
There was a growing need, especially in the wake of the N.I.L. space, where these boys needed real guidance. I feel like so often and for so long, these agents—some agents—have come out and taken advantage of the kids, and they don’t really have the proper training. With N.I.L. having no regulation, it’s growing more and more. So, I decided to bring my career full circle so that I could be the piece of the puzzle that was missing.
Do you feel like N.I.L. has helped or hurt college sports?
It’s done both. It’s helped because these boys are finally getting compensated and have something to show for the hard work that they’re putting in on and off the field. But I also feel like it is hurting college sports because, unfortunately, schools like HBCUs, which don’t have the funds to pay to play, such as the [more prominent] schools, are feeling hurt by not being able to pay for good players and make their roster better.
How can HBCUs get more competitive?
You’ve probably heard rumors that there’s a Super pact that may evolve in the wake of N.I.L. with these schools splitting off. I think there needs to be some sort of collective, some sort of fund dedicated solely to HBCUs, solely towards compensating athletes so that these schools can have the caliber to compete with the Big 12, the SEC, and the other schools.
How do you feel about players using their moms as their agents?
It absolutely can be beneficial. My issue with parents stepping into that role is [managing their] emotions. And they’re not necessarily able to separate and be objective versus subjective and the other thing is having the background and expertise right. Their sole focus is their son and making sure their son gets the very best deal without understanding the bigger picture. So, in some instances where they may be doing it to save their son that 3% that an agent would normally take, they are capping that income. Whereas an agent with a solid expertise and background could have increased the salary. And that 3% would have taken care of itself.
Which Black women sports agents inspired you?
I think that some black women are dominating this space right now, one being the great Nicole Lynn. Elise Stewart is definitely paving the way for us.
