PLAYING WITH POWER
Byron H. Pitts
Criminal Litigation Lawyer and Sports Agent
Detroit, MI
Story: Amira Kidd
Photo: Chrishara Wilkes
This criminal lawyer has set himself up for
some great opportunities that take him
away from the harsh world of criminal
representation. Away from the desk of law,
Byron Pitts also works as a sports agent
finding the best athletes to work with some
of the best European teams. A less hectic
responsibility than having the life of someone
as young as Nathaniel Abraham in his hands,
Pitts understands the wonderful life he leads
and tries to make the same possible for others
through law, sports, and his community.
So is there any way that criminal litigation
meshes with sports law?
Hopefully they don’t coincide with each other,
but sometimes an old client says you did a
great job for me and I was wondering if you
could work with a friend of mine. Sometimes it
starts up a sports relationship.
As a sports agent, what exactly is your job?
To provide services for young guys coming
out of high school and college. I make sure
everything is taken care of for them so they
can just concentrate on their career and family.
Why specialize in getting players signed to
European teams as opposed to U.S. teams?
It’s kind of the niche that I just fell into. If a
LeBron James came knocking on my door, I
would negotiate a NBA deal with him.
How did you get started as an agent?
I had a couple of clients, some local kids, that
got into some difficulties. I took care of their
legal problems and gained a relationship with
their families. They were considered what you
call blue chip recruits, and their families asked
me to represent them in sports. I received
certification, and after that I had people
contacting me.
If a seventeen-year-old wants to become a
sports agent, what’s the best route to take?
I would have to say that they must go to
school, get a good education, work on your
negotiating skills, learn how to read and
analyze contracts and never give up on your
dreams.
Representing someone as young as
Nathaniel Abraham, how does such a case
push you to view the world?
I can’t say it changed my view of the world. I
do know that anytime anyone is coming to
me, I’m going to do everything I can to help
them lead a good life. I do feel blessed to be in
the situation that I’m in, and I hope I can help
others do the same.
What do you like best about criminal law?
I like the challenge of taking on the power
structure when someone needs help.
Why serve on the Detroit Board of Ethics?
We have all kinds of challenges in Detroit. It’s
important for young black men to be a visible
presence in the city to set an example.
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