NFLPA Investigating Agent for Alleged Draft Gift Scheme, per Report

Longtime NFL agent David Canter is currently under investigation following accusations that he engaged in a “form of bribery” during the NFL draft in April.

Longtime NFL agent David Canter is currently under investigation by the NFL Players Association following accusations that he engaged in a “form of bribery” during the NFL draft in April, ESPN’s Brooke Pryor reported Friday.

The NFLPA reportedly launched the probe after learning Canter allegedly offered access to “vacation properties” that he co-owns with his wife to several teams in exchange for drafting one of his clients, per Pryor. The agent’s alleged actions, described by sources as “unprecedented,” reportedly took place over the weekend of this year’s draft, which occurred from April 27 to April 29.

According to ESPN, the investigation will focus on determining if Canter’s activity violated “at least three different articles” in the NFLPA’s 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.” 

Canter, who is the president of football for the New York-based agency GSE Worldwide, represented 21 draft prospects this year, including 2023’s “Mr. Irrelevant” and Rams seventh-round defensive end Desjuan Johnson. If the NFLPA finds him violation of its guidelines, Canter could face steep discipline that may involve fines, suspension or losing his agent’s certification, per ESPN.

In response to the allegations, Canter’s attorney, Adam Kenner, released a statement Friday night proclaiming his client’s innocence. Kenner said they expect the issue to be “resolved shortly.”

“We are aware that the NFLPA is looking into communications between my client and various management personnel of certain NFL teams. Mr. Canter did not engage in any wrongdoing and he is fully cooperating with the NFLPA. We expect the situation to be resolved shortly,” the statement read, via ESPN.

As one of the most recognizable agents in football, Canter will remain a topic of interest as the NFLPA’s investigation continues. In addition to his rookie clients, Canter boasts a portfolio that includes NFL stars such as Cowboys defensive end Demarcus Lawrence and Dolphins cornerback Xavien Howard.