Sports agents Norby Walters and Lloyd Bloom were intimidating players in the game of college athletics, but a federal jury outmuscled them.
The New York-based agents were convicted Thursday of defrauding two universities by using cash to lure college athletes into signing improper representation contracts, and of threatening to harm clients at other schools if they tried to renege.A U.S. District Court jury deliberated 40 hours over six days before convicting Walters, 58, and Bloom, 29, on charges of racketeering, conspiracy, racketeering conspiracy and mail fraud.
Judge George Marovich scheduled a hearing today on the government's request for forfeitures of $250,000 by Walters and $125,000 by Bloom. Under racketeering laws, the government can seek to recover profits which result from an illegal scheme.
Sentencing was set for the week of May 23. Walters and Bloom each face up to 55 years in prison and fines of up to $1.25 million.
Attorneys for both men promised they would appeal.
"We'll take them in the next round," Walters predicted. "We'll be vindicated."
During nearly five weeks of testimony, a wide array of clients testified. Maurice Douglass of the Chicago Bears and Everett Gay of the Dallas Cowboys recounted threats from the agents about broken legs if they dropped Walters.