Sports agent issued cease and desist order for failing to register in Nevada

The secretary of state’s office has issued a cease and desist order against a local sports agent because he had not registered in Nevada.

Secretary of State Ross Miller said Wednesday that Steve Caric, owner of Caric Sports Management, must stop representing players pending the outcome of an investigation.

Nevada is one of a majority of states that have adopted the Uniform Athlete’s Agent Act. One of the act’s provisions calls for agents to register in the state where they are doing business.

The investigation was prompted by an April 1 story in the Las Vegas Review-Journal profiling Caric, 33, who has a client roster of more than a dozen current, former and aspiring National Football League players. Caric represents five college football players who could be selected in the upcoming NFL Draft.

CSM is the only established NFL representation firm in Las Vegas. Caric is certified by the NFL Players Association to negotiate contracts with the league.

Miller said Caric was fully cooperating with the investigation, which will determine his registration status in the states he has been operating.

“The regulation of sports agents exists for the protection of the players and their families,” Miller said. “This isn’t something that’s unique to Nevada. It’s very clear in setting standards of behavior for agents who are representing athletes making the transition from amateur to professional.”

Caric said he was working with Miller’s office to clear up any concerns.

“I support the secretary of state’s effort to regulate athlete representation in Nevada and I am fully cooperating to make sure I am in full compliance with all state requirements,” Caric said.

Deputy Secretary of State Bob Walsh said the investigators are attempting to expedite the investigation.

“We’re not looking to create obstacles for legitimate businesses,” Walsh said. “We are mandated to follow the law.”

Miller said the secretary of state’s office doesn’t have the resources to “chase” unregistered agents.

“The penalties for operating without registering can be so onerous that it makes sense for agents to register,” Miller said.

Contact reporter Howard Stutz at hstutz@reviewjournal.com or 702-477-3871.