Newport sports agent files for bankruptcy Newport...

Newport sports agent files for bankruptcy

Newport Beach sports agent David Dunn filed for bankruptcy

protection this week after losing a $4.66-million jury verdict to

former partner Leigh Steinberg, who claimed Dunn stole many of his

football clients.

Dunn said he does not have enough money to appeal the November

verdict in which the Steinberg and Moorad agency was also awarded $40

million from Dunn’s firm, Athletes First, whose clients include 2002

Heisman Trophy winner Carson Palmer of USC.

Dunn’s defense claimed that about 50 pro football clients who left

Steinberg to switch to Athletes First did so on their own without his

new company’s solicitation.

Steinberg said Dunn breached his contract with Steinberg, Moorad

and Dunn less than two years after he signed a five-year employment

agreement worth $7 million. The deal included a $2-million signing

bonus and a clause that prohibited Dunn from competing with

Steinberg’s firm.

But Dunn has maintained that his contract with Steinberg’s firm

was invalid because conditions were added on after it was signed. The

defense also claimed the clause barring competition was not

enforceable under California law and that Dunn was cheated out of

millions of dollars when Steinberg merged their partnership with

Assante Corp. of Canada.

Cutting-edge shoes from the open ‘trunk’

Aerosoles in Fashion Island has scheduled a “trunk show” for

Saturday to showcase and offer the latest styles of women’s footwear

that are not yet available on the open market.

In the trunk show, the shop will showcase a range of styles and

designs of shoes that will cost from $35 to $59 a pair.

The highlight is expected to be the Gelly Dancer, retailing at

$49, which is a ballet flat. It’s described as having a “delicate,

threaded bow and a sole so soft and flexible, you can fold it in

half.”

The show is scheduled to run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at

1075 Newport Center Drive.