Ex-manager for Agassi sues Graf
Andre Agassi's former manager, Perry Rogers, has filed a lawsuit against Agassi's wife, retired tennis star Steffi Graf, claiming breach of contract.
In the lawsuit filed Friday in Clark County District Court, Rogers is seeking $50,000 plus interest and legal fees for acting as her manager and agent since 2002.
Agassi, in a statement, said, "I am both saddened and disappointed to learn that Perry has filed a lawsuit, and sadder still that he has sued my wife, Stefanie.
"I remain hopeful that we will be able to resolve our business issues with minimal damage to our families and mutual friends."
According to the court document, Graf had agreed to grant Rogers a 15 percent partnership interest "in all business ventures in which she thereafter engaged" once a Bear Stearns' investment account achieved the stated value of $20 million. When that benchmark was reached in January 2007, Graf began making the 15 percent income distributions to Alliance Sports Management, doing business as Prism. Rogers, the company president, and Agassi each own 45 percent of its stock.
The document said Graf made the payments until October 2008.
Amid rumors of strife between Rogers and Graf, Agassi and Rogers announced the end of their long business relationship in mid-October, calling it an amicable parting.
Rogers said at the time they had been discussing going in different directions for some time, and it was "our desire not to let anything get in the way of our longstanding friendship."
THE SCENE AND HEARD
Message on the main electronic marquis at the Las Vegas Boulevard entrance to Planet Hollywood Resort: "Run Eddie Run." It was there to cheer on KLAS-TV, Channel 8 reporter Edward Lawrence, who was running his fourth Las Vegas marathon. ...
Philadelphia Phillies centerfielder Shane Victorino got a key to the city last week from Mayor Oscar Goodman. A post-season sensation, Victorino lives in Las Vegas during the off-season.
SIGHTINGS
"American Idol" winner Kelly Clarkson, at Saturday night's performance of the National Finals Rodeo with Reba McEntire, who sang the national anthem. McEntire's grandfather, John McEntire, was the steer roping champion in 1934. She was a college sophomore when she sang the anthem in 1974 at the NFR when it was held in Oklahoma City, Okla. ... Angelo Dundee, Hall of Fame boxing trainer for Muhammad Ali and Sugar Ray Leonard, dining Friday night at Terra Verde at Green Valley Ranch. ... Bette Midler, dining Friday night at Piero's Italian Cuisine. ... Political analyst James Carville, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, actor Scott Caan and movie producer Steve Bing, lunching together and watching football Saturday at Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab (Forum Shops). ... At Lavo (Palazzo) on Friday, at separate tables: actor James Caan, poker star Johnny Chan and baseball great Mo Vaughn. Actor Giovanni Ribisi was on the terrace. In the nightclub: slugger Frank Thomas, Charles Barkley and Zach from "Real World Key West." ... Rapper Nelly, with camera crew following him Friday through the casino at Planet Hollywood Resort. ... Barkley and friends, having dinner Friday at Craftsteak (MGM Grand). ... At Drai's After Hours (Bill's Gamblin' Saloon) on Friday: Vaughn, Mike Tyson, San Diego Chargers standout Shaun Phillips, Derrek Lee of the Chicago Cubs, rapper Too Short and Cleveland second baseman Josh Barfield. ... San Diego Chargers linebackers Shawne Merriman, Stephen Cooper and Phillips, taking over a corner section on the dance floor Friday at Jet (The Mirage).
THE PUNCH LINE
"So, for those of you keeping track at home: Double murder -- no time in prison. Stealing back your own football cards -- 15 years." -- Jimmy Kimmel on O.J. Simpson's sentence Friday.
Norm Clarke can be reached at 383-0244 or norm@reviewjournal.com. Find additional sightings and more online at www.normclarke.com.
