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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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