LOS ANGELES (April 12, 2006) -- Southern California quarterback Matt Leinart fired agent Leigh Steinberg less than three weeks before the NFL draft, where he is expected to be among the top three choices.
Steinberg, who has represented some of the top quarterbacks during the last 25 years, said he did not know the reason for the decision.
Leinart, however, is also represented by Creative Artists Agency. Last week the agency hired Tom Condon, who represents such quarterbacks as Peyton and Eli Manning, Drew Brees and Alex Smith, the No. 1 pick last year by San Francisco. Condon previously worked for International Management Group.
Leinart has not yet selected another agent. Players' union rules require a player to wait five days after leaving one agent before hiring a new one. Steinberg said he hopes to lure back Leinart during the waiting period.
Steinberg represents Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and has had such clients as Hall of Famers Troy Aikman, Steve Young and Warren Moon.
Leinart's Southern California teammate, running back Reggie Bush, is expected to be taken by Houston with the first selection in the April 29 draft. Both Tennessee, which picks third, and the New York Jets, who are fourth, are considering a trade to get Leinart.
