On September 27, 2011, Minnesota Timberwolves power forward, Michael Beasley, filed a countersuit alleging, among other things, that his former agent, Joel Bell, provided benefits to his mother while he was in high school and throughout his freshman year at Kansas State University (“K State”).  Following his college career, Beasley signed a representation agreement with Bell Sports, Inc. that was ultimately terminated, which led to suit being filed by Bell Sports, Inc. for wrongful termination.  Subsequently, Beasley countersued and filed claims for rescission based on undue influence, intentional concealment, breach of fiduciary duty, fraud, civil conspiracy, negligent misrepresentation, intentional interference of prospective economic advantage, and legal malpractice.

According to Beasley’s counterclaim, he resided with Curtis Malone, the operator of DC Assault, from age 14 to 18 because his single mother was unable to adequately care for him.  Beasley’s mother had extreme difficulty making ends meet and often relied on money from Curtis Malone and others.  According to Beasley, in 2003, his mother was introduced to Joel Bell by Curtis Malone and Joel Bell provided Beasley’s mother with $2,500.00 cash.  At that time, Beasley’s mother did not know Joel Bell was an agent.

According to Beasley, over the course of the next several years Joel Bell continued to funnel cash to Beasley’s mother through Curtis Malone and DC Assault.  At the insistence of Curtis Malone, Beasley’s mother moved to Kansas to be with Beasley while he attended K State.  Thereafter, Beasley’s mother was provided with free housing and a free car.  Beasley claims his mother was not aware that Joel Bell was an agent at the time.  After Beasley’s freshman season, he declared for the NBA draft and Beasley signed a representation agreement with Bell Sports, Inc.  According to the countersuit, Beasley was unaware that his mother received the benefits allegedly provided by Bell Sports, Inc.  As stated in the countersuit, in September 2008, Beasley became aware that Curtis Malone and Joel Bell were making payments to his mother and he immediately terminated the representation agreement.

For any questions, feel free to contact Christian Dennie at cdennie@bgsfirm.com.