David Caravantes - Sports Agent Fined $10,000 By NFLPA - Sports Agent News

Agent Fined By NFLPA

Sports agent David Caravantes was reprimanded and fined $10,000 by the NFL Players Association last month for his connection to New Era Sports & Entertainment.

New Era was a fledging marketing firm that reportedly provided cash and gifts to New Orleans Saints running back Reggie Bush while Bush was still at USC.

Caravantes was fined Jan. 28 by the NFLPA and has until next week to respond to the punishment. NFLPA attorney Richard Berthelsen confirmed the action by the union.

The union's investigation of Caravantes claimed that he used business cards claiming to be the CEO of New Era and provided accommodations for potential clients at a resort hotel in El Cajon, Calif., in January of 2006. The union also claimed Caravantes refused to help it in its investigation.

Caravantes plans to appeal the fine and acknowledged once having New Era business cards. He claims the cards were used for a presentation to Sycuan Tribe members to solicit their involvement in the business venture. The tribe declined to become involved with the marketing firm, which was being formed by tribe member Michael Michaels and his business associate Lloyd Lake.

Still, Caravantes wonders why he's been sanctioned when New Era as an entity has not been subject to any penalties.

In April 2006, Yahoo! Sports first reported allegations that Bush and his family received extra benefits, including $54,000 in rent-free living at Michaels' $757,500 home in Spring Valley, Calif., according to Michaels and San Diego attorney Brian Watkins.

By Jason Cole, Yahoo! Sports
February 14, 2007