Rob Pelinka

Infobox Person


image_size = 150px
name = Rob Pelinka
caption =
birth_name = Robert Todd Pelinka, Jr.
birth_date = birth date and age|mf=yes|1969|12|23
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residence = city-state|Santa Monica|California
nationality = USA
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known_for = Kobe Bryant's Agent
three Men's Division I Basketball Champion games
education = J.D., University of Michigan Law School
B.B.A., Ross School of Business
employer = Landmark Sports Agency, LLC
SFX management
occupation = Sports agent
title = President and CEO
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Robert Todd Pelinka, Jr.cite web|url=http://www.iardc.org/ldetail.asp?id=437883198 |title=Lawyer Search: Attorney's Registration and Public Disciplinary Record for Robert Todd Pelinka |publisher=Attorney Registration & Disciplinary Commission of the Supreme Court of Illinois |date=2008-05-14 |accessdate=2008-05-15] (born December 23, 1969) is an American lawyer, sports agent and former college basketball player from city-state|Lake Bluff|Illinois (suburban Chicago). As a sports agent he is best known as NBA MVP Kobe Bryant's agent and President and CEO of The Landmark Sports Agency, LLC. He is the agent for the seventh overall selection in the 2008 NBA Draft, Eric Gordon. He has also been the agent for NBA All-Star Carlos Boozer, which has been controversial. He currently represents thirteen National Basketball Association (NBA) players, five of whom play for Los Angeles teams.

As a basketball player he is former high school All-American. As a junior he led Lake Forest High School to its first conference championship. As a senior, he was overlooked by many scouts and recruiters at the Division I-level entering his senior season, but his MVP performance in a four-game tournament where he made all 42 of his free throws and impressive senior season statistics propelled him to a highly recruited status. He was selected to several regional all-star lists and to play on several regional all-star teams as a senior.

He eventually went to the University of Michigan where he has the distinction of having been a member of three NCAA Final Four entrants: the 1988–89 NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Champion University of Michigan Wolverines as well as both the 1991–92 and the 1992–93 national championship runners up that were best remembered as the Fab Five teams. Pelinka holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Michigan Law School and B.B.A. Business degree () from the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business. Pelinka was also named the 1993 NCAA Male Walter Byers Scholar Athlete of the Year. [cite web|url=http://www1.ncaa.org/membership/scholarships/byers/winner_list|title=Previous Walter Byers Scholars|accessdate=2008-01-25|publisher=National Collegiate Athletic Association]

Basketball player

High school

Pelinka is the son of a Robert Todd Pelinka, Sr., a former high school basketball coach who taught him the fundamentals of basketball. He became a high school All-American basketball player at Lake Forest High School.cite web |date=2004-11-04 | author=Sweet, David |work=Lake Forester | title=Catching Up With ... - Pelinka shines as agent to the stars| url= http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:LFRB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=110D625C06390098&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2 | publisher= Newsbank | accessdate= 2008-07-20] By the time he was a junior teammate of long-time Chicago Bears quarterback Bobby Douglass' stepson Bill, he was regarded as one of the best shooters in the Chicago area. [cite web|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:CSTB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EB36D491A0F0F11&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2|title=Free throw contest missing on Niemann|accessdate=2008-07-19|date=1987-01-10|publisher=Newsbank|work=Chicago Sun-Times|author=Bell, Taylor] [cite web|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:CTRB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0FF6804E1E6D1070&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2|title=LAKE FOREST GROWS IN STATURE, VICTORIES|accessdate=2008-07-19|date=1987-01-15|publisher=Newsbank|work=Chicago Tribune|author=Hanley, Reid] As a height|ft=6|in=3.5|wiki=yes junior, he led Lake Forest to their first conference championship as an all-conference guard. [cite web|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:CSTB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EB36D4D41B58C2F&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2|title=Sun-Times super 25|accessdate=2008-07-19|date=1987-01-27|publisher=Newsbank|work=Chicago Sun-Times|author=Bell, Taylor] [cite web|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:CSTB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EB36D56E781262E&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2|title=Sun-Times super 25|accessdate=2008-07-19|date=1987-03-06|publisher=Newsbank|work=Chicago Sun-Times] However, the team lost in the first round of postseason play in 1987. [cite web|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0FF682AADB9FECA1&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2|title=NEW TRIER CENTER COOLS LAKE FOREST LATE SURGE|accessdate=2008-07-19|date=1987-03-05|publisher=Newsbank|work=Chicago Tribune|author=Sullivan, Pat]

By his senior season, he was listed at height|ft=6|in=6, and moved to the point guard position from the shooting guard position in the absence of Douglass, who had graduated and who would become a Big Ten opponent as Wisconsin's starting point guard. [cite web|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:CTRB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0FFEFF75276B6CDB&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2|title=DOUGLASS DIDN`T FOLLOW DAD BUT ALWAYS GOT HIS SUPPORT|accessdate=2008-07-19|date=1991-03-09|publisher=Newsbank|work=Chicago Tribune|author=Milbert, Neil] cite web|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:CSTB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EB36D9B77DB8410&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2|title=Lake Forest's Pelinka hot shot with 3-pointer|accessdate=2008-07-19|date=1987-12-06|publisher=Newsbank|work=Chicago Sun-Times|author=Pritzker, Hal] As a senior, Pelinka was a preseason selection by the "Chicago Sun-Times" as one of the top 50 Chicago metropolitan area high school basketball players and top five North Suburban players. [cite web|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:CSTB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EB36D971622E7BC&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2|title=CHICAGO AREA'S TOP 50 PLAYERS|accessdate=2008-07-19|date=1987-11-18|publisher=Newsbank|work=Chicago Sun-Times] [cite web|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EB36D9747BE423E&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2|title=Conference previews|accessdate=2008-07-19|date=1987-11-18|publisher=Newsbank|work=Chicago Sun-Times] However, he was not a national preseason top 500 pick by "Street & Smith"'s basketball magazine, which may have been due to the fact that his senior season marked the first season that the three point shot was adopted by state high school associations and Pelinka was mainly a shooter. [cite web|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:CTRB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0FF7DDC4C77A683B&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2|title=SHOOTERS ARE IN DEMAND - 3-POINT RULE GIVES THE LITTLE GUY A SHOT AT THE BIG TIME|accessdate=2008-07-19|date=1988-04-10|publisher=Newsbank|work=Chicago Tribune|author=Sullivan, Paul] Nonetheless, scouts who questioned his true height and dribbling, doubted whether he was talented enough to play for either of his targeted colleges (Michigan and Notre Dame) even in late December of his senior year despite his having had multiple 30-point efforts already. [cite web|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EB36DA0A72F4F14&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2|title=Hambric's manifesto: `no access' - Simeon coach insists on barring team from media |accessdate=2008-07-19|date=1987-12-27|publisher=Newsbank|work=Chicago Sun-Times|author=Bell, Taylor]

During the four-game December 1987 Elgin tournament, in which he was named MVP, he made all 41 of his free throws and recorded 139 points including 45 in one game. [cite web|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EB36DA192A78A30&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2|title=Hot Pelinka can't save Lake Forest |accessdate=2008-07-19|date=1987-12-31|publisher=Newsbank|work=Chicago Sun-Times|author=McDonald, Sean] [cite web|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EB36DA11041B5CD&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2|title=Lk. Forest, Weber in triumphs|accessdate=2008-07-19|date=1987-12-29|publisher=Newsbank|work=Chicago Sun-Times|author=McDonald, Sean] Pelinka's free throw streak ended at 45, [cite web|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EB36DAC49B2992D&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2|title=De Sales, Leo keep rolling|accessdate=2008-07-19|date=1988-01-09|publisher=Newsbank|work=Chicago Sun-Times|author=Mulligan, Mike] but later recounts showed he had 42 free throws in the tournament and 46 consecutive overall, which ranked fourth in Illinois high school basketball history at the time of his graduation. [cite web|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EB372C65C6F1124&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2|title=HIGH SCHOOL LEADERS|accessdate=2008-07-19|date=1990-01-19|publisher=Newsbank|work=Chicago Sun-Times] After his tournament performance, Pelinka responded through the press to a scout who felt he might be limited to Division II or mid-major programs like William & Mary that since he was able to score 45 points against a player committed to play for DePaul, he could succeed at the Division I high-major level. [cite web|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EB36DAAA342C8B4&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2|title=Newark's Olson is making his mark|accessdate=2008-07-19|date=1988-01-03|publisher=Newsbank|work=Chicago Sun-Times|author=Bell, Taylor, Bill Figel, Mike Mulligan, and Mark Potash] He had only been recruited by William & Mary, Navy, Wisconsin-Green Bay and Ivy League schools prior to his tournament performance. Afterwards, at least three Big Ten Conference schools showed interest (Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin), although no scouts were allowed to attend any games before February 8.cite web|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EB36DAD6C3D6651&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2|title=L. Forest's Pelinka an ex-sleeper |accessdate=2008-07-19|date=1988-01-14|publisher=Newsbank|work=Chicago Sun-Times|author=Potash, Mark]

By the beginning of February of his senior year, he was listed as one of the top ten Illinois Class AA (the larger school class) [cite web|url=http://www.ihsa.org/school/index.htm|title=IHSA Member Schools|accessdate=2008-07-21|publisher=Illinois High School Association] basketball players in Illinois by "Illinois High School Basketball magazine". [cite web|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:CTRB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0FF7DB884E6465BD&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2|title=BASKETBALL|accessdate=2008-07-19|date=1988-02-01|publisher=Newsbank|work=Chicago Sun-Times] By the time of the scouting deadline of February 8, which enabled college scouts to attend his games, Pelinka was averaging 30 points and 10 rebounds per game and Illinois, Michigan, Notre Dame and North Carolina were interested in him.cite web|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:CTRB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0FF7DBC24CD0119F&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2|title=LAKE FOREST STAR GETTING NOTICED - PELINKA EARNS RECRUITERS` ATTENTION |accessdate=2008-07-19|date=1988-02-08|publisher=Newsbank|work=Chicago Tribune|author=Sullivan, Paul] Even previously doubtful scout Kaplan noted that of the players who waited until the April signing period instead of signing in November, Pelinka was one of the best in the Chicago area. [cite web|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EB36DB5B2922D36&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2|title=Pelinka lifts Lake Forest over Niles N. |accessdate=2008-07-19|date=1988-02-13|publisher=Newsbank|work=Chicago Sun-Times|author=Mulligan, Mike] [cite web|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EB36DB858EAC726&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2|title=Oak Park's Robinson hits stride|accessdate=2008-07-19|date=1988-02-21|publisher=Newsbank|work=Chicago Sun-Times] Pelinka was named to the post-(regular) season All-Chicago area top 20 players by the "Chicago Sun-Times". [cite web|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EB36DBBA911FAF3&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2|title=Catholic League's finest is top talent - Nine unanimous choices highlight 1987-'88 squad |accessdate=2008-07-19|date=1988-03-04|publisher=Newsbank|work=Chicago Sun-Times|author=Bell, Taylor] [cite web|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EB36DBBEFDD5231&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2|title=ALL-CHICAGO AREA BASKETBALL PROFILES|accessdate=2008-07-19|date=1988-03-04|publisher=Newsbank|work=Chicago Sun-Times] He was named among the 20 Class AA All-state players in a class that included Eric Anderson, LaPhonso Ellis, Acie Earl, and Deon Thomas. [cite web|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EB36DC0F2CDC4FE&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2|title=CLASS AA ALL-STATE PROFILES|accessdate=2008-07-19|date=1988-03-18|publisher=Newsbank|work=Chicago Sun-Times] In addition to various all-star lists, Pelinka was selected to play for various regional all-star teams. [cite web|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:CTRB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0FF7DD48C589F17A&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2|title=5 ALL-STATE SELECTIONS WILL PLAY IN ALL-STAR CLASSIC|accessdate=2008-07-19|date=1988-03-25|publisher=Newsbank|work=Chicago Tribune] [cite web|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:CTRB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0FF7DDD3041E4949&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2|title=SPORTS|accessdate=2008-07-19|date=1988-04-12|publisher=Newsbank|work=Chicago Tribune|author=Hageman, Bill and Bob Vanderberg] [cite web|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:CTRB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0FF7E0A15F486253&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2|title=TRINIDAD-BOUND ILLINOIS ALL-STARS LOOKING FOR TRAVEL AID|accessdate=2008-07-20|date=1988-07-15|publisher=Newsbank|work=Chicago Tribune] [cite web|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EB36DDF20AA9731&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2|title=BITS|accessdate=2008-07-20|date=1988-06-15|publisher=Newsbank|work=Chicago Sun-Times|author=Bell, Taylor] [cite web|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:CTRB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0FF7E00A8D4A99B0&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2|title=ALL-STAR GAME OFFERS ANDERSON-ELLIS REMATCH|accessdate=2008-07-20|date=1988-06-24|publisher=Newsbank|work=Chicago Sun-Times|author=Temkin, Barry] Pelinka's final decision came down to a choice between Illinois and Michigan. [cite web|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EB36DC4FA36AED5&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2|title=BITS|accessdate=2008-07-19|date=1988-03-29|publisher=Newsbank|work=Chicago Sun-Times|author=Bell, Taylor and Dan Bickley] [cite web|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EB36DC7226342CE&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2|title=DePaul staff pointing for insurance players|accessdate=2008-07-19|date=1988-04-04|publisher=Newsbank|work=Chicago Sun-Times|author=Bell, Taylor] Pelinka chose Michigan because of its academically strong law school and business school.cite web|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:CTRB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0FF7DDAA1BA155D8&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2|title=LAKE FOREST BASKETBALL STAR PICKS MICHIGAN OVER ILLINOIS|accessdate=2008-07-19|date=1988-04-07|publisher=Newsbank|work=Chicago Tribune|author=Temkin, Barry] [cite web|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:CTRB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0FF7DDE26E8C1401&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2|title=LETTERS OF INTENT|accessdate=2008-07-19|date=1988-04-14|publisher=Newsbank|work=Chicago Tribune] After selecting Michigan, he had memorable performances in his regional all-star games, including a 27 point performance in the annual City-Suburban all-star game. [cite web|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EB36DCBCD85EE62&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2|title=City-Suburban stars get their final shots|accessdate=2008-07-19|date=1988-04-17|publisher=Newsbank|work=Chicago Sun-Times|author=Montgomery, John and Clyde Travis] [cite web|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EB36DD622EF78AE&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2|title=All-Stars edge Soviets|accessdate=2008-07-19|date=1988-05-21|publisher=Newsbank|work=Chicago Sun-Times|author=Lynch, Craig] [cite web|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:CTRB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0FF7DE31E68F90C3&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2|title=NORTHWEST INDIANA STARS OVERCOME N. ILLINOIS|accessdate=2008-07-19|date=1988-04-24|publisher=Newsbank|work=Chicago Tribune|author=Sullivan, Paul]

College

As a guard, he became the first athlete to reach three NCAA Tournament Final Fours during his Michigan Wolverines career.cite web|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:CTRB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0FFEC89D9C70CD50&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2|title=`FAB' ALSO APPLIES TO THIS ROLE PLAYER|accessdate=2008-07-20|date=1993-04-02|publisher=Newsbank|work=Chicago Tribune|author=Temkin, Barry] He played in the 1988–89, 1990–91, 1991–92, and 1992–93 seasons, and the team reached the championship game of the final four in all of those season except 1990–91. As a true freshman member of the 1988–89 National Champions, his teammates included Glen Rice, Terry Mills, Loy Vaught, Rumeal Robinson, Sean Higgins, and Demetrius Calip. As a redshirt member of the 1991–92, and 1992–93 national runners up his teammates included Chris Webber, Juwan Howard, Jalen Rose, Jimmy King, Ray Jackson (the Fab Five), and Eric Riley. He was one of several upperclassmen on the Fab Five teams and served as co-captain of the 1992–93 team. [cite web|url=http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9E0CE4DD1331F93AA15750C0A964958260&n=Top/Reference/Times%20Topics/Organizations/U/University%20of%20Michigan|title= COLLEGE BASKETBALL: SOUTHEAST REGIONAL; Michigan Saved By 'Forgotten' Player|accessdate=2007-10-22|date=1992-03-22|author=Smith, Timothy W.|publisher=The New York Times Company] [cite news|title=Pelinka, Klemme win Byers Scholarship|work=NCAA News|publisher=National Collegiate Athletic Association|date=1993-03-31|page=6]

During his freshman season, Michigan was picked by many to win the Big Ten Conference and was the preseason number one ranked team in the nation according to some polls.cite web|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EB14644FAC409DE&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2|title=ILLINI EYE NO. 1 REGIONAL SEED|accessdate=2008-07-19|date=1989-03-11|publisher=Newsbank|work=The State Journal-Register|author=Ruppert, Jim] Pelinka's only start of the season came in the December 12, 1988 game against Holy Cross. This game followed the team's first loss of the season, which had come against Division II Alaska-Anchorage after an 11–0 start and after which coach Bill Frieder benched three starters. [cite web|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:CTRB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0FF78619C2B17CAD&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2|title=ONLY ILLINI`S SLATE CLEAN GOING INTO LEAGUE PLAY|accessdate=2008-07-19|date=1989-01-02|publisher=Newsbank|work=Chicago Tribune|author=Markus, Robert] Pelinka posted his season highs in points (8), rebounds (5) and minutes (18) in this game. [cite web|url=http://stats.ath.umich.edu/basketball/gametot.php?gkey=511|title=Versus Holy Cross 12-29-1988 Jon Huntsman Center-Salt Lake City, Utah|accessdate=2008-07-20|publisher=Regents of the University of Michigan] During a practice, Pelinka was knocked unconscious and lost two teeth. [cite web|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:CTRB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0FF7861E81BEA181&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2|title=NU FRESHMAN CENTER MAY START VS. MICHIGAN|accessdate=2008-07-19|date=1989-01-07|publisher=Newsbank|work=Chicago Tribune|author=Markus, Robert] As the team entered the March stretch run Pelinka and Calip were the only reserve guards backing up Robinson and Higgins. The team went on to win the 1989 NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament. [cite web|url=http://www.databasesports.com/ncaab/tourney.htm?yr=1989|title=1989 NCAA Basketball Tournament Bracket|accessdate=2008-07-20|publisher=databaseSports.com] Pelinka then redshirted the 1989–90 season due to a knee injury.

During his redshirt sophomore season, he was not called on to take many important shots. He did have an opportunity to take a 20-foot shot with five seconds left in what turned out to be a 76–74 loss to Texas on December 29, 1990. He missed the shot. [cite web|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:CTRB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0FF832EB63783C96&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2|title=SPORTS|accessdate=2008-07-20|date=1990-12-29|publisher=Newsbank|work=Chicago Tribune] In this game, he played a season-high twenty-eight minutes in his only start of the season. [cite web|url=http://stats.ath.umich.edu/basketball/gametot.php?gkey=473|title=Versus Texas 12-29-1990 Arizona State University Cactus Classic Tournament, Tempe, A|accessdate=2008-07-20|publisher=Regents of the University of Michigan] The team finished with at 14–15 overall (7–11 Big Ten) record and did not compete in postseason play.

During his redshirt junior year, he was joined at Michigan by the Fab Five, who were all true freshmen. [cite web|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:CTRB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0FFEDEE392026570&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2|title=DOWN TO EARTH FRESHMEN HAVE MICHIGAN SOARING|accessdate=2008-07-20|date=1992-03-27|publisher=Newsbank|work=Chicago Tribune|author=Markus, Robert] He was injured for part of the season. [cite web|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:CSTB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EB3738FF65B37F8&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2|title=THE COLLEGE REPORT|accessdate=2008-07-20|date=1992-01-08|publisher=Newsbank|work=Chicago Sun-Times|author=Cronin, Barry and Toni Ginnetti ] However, after sitting out the first half he scored the overtime opening three point shot and made three of four overtime free throws in a January 29, 1992 89–79 road victory against Michigan State at the Breslin Center. [cite web|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:CTRB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0FFEDCA626A766AC&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2|title=MICHIGAN`S TALENT TOPS MSU IN OVERTIME|accessdate=2008-07-20|date=1992-01-30|publisher=Newsbank|work=Chicago Tribune|author=Milbert, Neil] [cite web|url=http://stats.ath.umich.edu/basketball/gametot.php?gkey=431|title=Versus Michigan State 01-29-1992 Breslin Center, East Lansing, Mich.|accessdate=2008-07-20|publisher=Regents of the University of Michigan] Pelinka also contributed his season-high nineteen minutes and a second-half career-high eleven points (eclipsed in his senior season) in a March 11, 1992 70–61 victory against Purdue at the Mackey Arena. [cite web|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:CTRB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0FFEDE63DC4AD89B&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2|title=MICH. ST. RUNS PAST MINNESOTA|accessdate=2008-07-20|date=1992-03-12|publisher=Newsbank|work=Chicago Tribune] [cite web|url=http://stats.ath.umich.edu/basketball/gametot.php?gkey=441|title=Versus Purdue 03-11-1992 Mackey Arena, West Lafeyette, Ind.|accessdate=2008-07-20|publisher=Regents of the University of Michigan] The team lost in the final game of the 1992 NCAA Tournament. [cite web|url=http://www.databasesports.com/ncaab/tourney.htm?yr=1992|title=1992 NCAA Basketball Tournament Bracket|accessdate=2008-07-20|publisher=databaseSports.com]

As a height|ft=6|in=6 convert|200|lb|kg|adj=on|lk=on fifth-year senior, [cite web|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:CSTB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EB4212C67BD422B&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2|title=The Scouting Report|accessdate=2008-07-20|date=1993-04-05|publisher=Newsbank|work=Chicago Sun-Times] Pelinka started back-to-back games twice during the season. Early in the season, he started in place of the injured Jackson, but came down with the flu after two starts against Kansas and Eastern Michigan on December 30, 1992 and January 2, 1993 respectively. [cite web|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:CSTB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EB4211641E23409&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2|title=Purdue, Michigan To Clash|accessdate=2008-07-20|date=1993-01-07|publisher=Newsbank|work=Chicago Sun-Times|author=Spadafore, Jim] [cite web|url=http://stats.ath.umich.edu/basketball/gametot.php?gkey=413|title=Versus Kansas* 12-30-1992 Neal Blaisdell Arena, Honolulu, Hawaii|accessdate=2008-07-20|publisher=Regents of the University of Michigan] [cite web|url=http://stats.ath.umich.edu/basketball/gametot.php?gkey=383|title=Versus Eastern Michigan* 01-02-1993 Crisler Arena, Ann Arbor, Mich.|accessdate=2008-07-20|publisher=Regents of the University of Michigan] During his other set of back-to-back starts against Ohio State and Iowa on January 26 and January 31, 1993, Pelinka started even though Jackson played. [cite web|url=http://stats.ath.umich.edu/basketball/gametot.php?gkey=398|title=Versus Ohio State* 01-26-1993 Crisler Arena, Ann Arbor, Mich.|accessdate=2008-07-23|publisher=Regents of the University of Michigan] [cite web|url=http://stats.ath.umich.edu/basketball/gametot.php?gkey=389|title=Versus Iowa* 01-31-1993 Carver-Hawkeye Arena, Iowa City, Iowa|accessdate=2008-07-23|publisher=Regents of the University of Michigan] Pelinka set several season- and career-highs, including points (16), in the 72–62 home victory over Ohio State. [cite web|url=http://stats.ath.umich.edu/basketball/indgbg.php?pkey=367&season=1992-93|title=1992-93 All Games for Rob Pelinka|accessdate=2008-07-23|publisher=Regents of the University of Michigan] Pelinka was an important role player for the team who drew the most charges on the team and contributed important defensive minutes as the sixth man. [cite web|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:CSTB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EB4212C734ADE31&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2|title=Pelinka Makes Points On and Off Court |accessdate=2008-07-20|date=1993-04-05|publisher=Newsbank|work=Chicago Sun-Times|author=Bickley, Dan] During the 1992–93 season, he led all reserves in minutes and assists and was second in points and rebounds. During the Final Four weekend in city-state|New Orleans|Louisiana, Chris Webber slept with Pelinka's 1989 Championship ring under his pillow. [cite web|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:PJSB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EB6EBBD6A4FE129&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2|title=FRIENDS TRY TO CARE FOR CHRIS WEBBER|accessdate=2008-07-20|date=1993-04-07|publisher=Newsbank|work=Peoria Journal Star|author=Lien, Dick] Nonetheless, the team lost in the final game of the 1993 NCAA Tournament. [cite web|url=http://www.databasesports.com/ncaab/tourney.htm?yr=1993|title=1993 NCAA Basketball Tournament Bracket|accessdate=2008-07-20|publisher=databaseSports.com] After his senior season, he played in an NBA Summer Camp in city-state|Long Beach|California and considered offers to play professionally in Europe. At this time, he first met Arn Tellum and decided not to play basketball.

Education

At Lake Forest High School, Pelinka became a starting basketball player as a junior during the 1986–87 season. College basketball regulations allow for two periods in which high school basketball players can make commitments to accept athletic scholarships. The first period is in November and the second period is in April. As a result of his junior season athletic and academic performances he was recruited during the first period by William & Mary, Navy, Wisconsin-Green Bay and Ivy League schools. The schools with traditionally stronger basketball programs largely ignored Pelinka to his dismay. His father sent out profiles to newspapers and colleges, and Pelinka decided to wait for the second off-campus recruiting and signing period. As his senior season progressed, top Division I basketball programs began to scout him for athletic scholarship offers. Immediately after his MVP basketball tournament performance in early January, Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin became interested in recruiting him. The off-campus recruiting for the April signing period began on February 8. As the season progressed and Pelinka compiled all-star basketball statistics, the list of top basketball programs increased with schools such as Illinois, Michigan, Notre Dame and North Carolina expressing interest in him by the time of the off-campus recruiting season. Pelinka hoped he would be able to sign with a Big Ten school. When Pelinka made his final decision in April 1988, he chose Michigan over Illinois.

Pelinka entered the Bachelor of Business Administration program at the School of Business Administration where he accumulated a 3.9/4.0 grade point average. During his time at Michigan, he developed a close relationship with University of Michigan tax law professor Doug Kahn and his wife. In January 1993, Pelinka announced he was accepted to the University of Michigan Law School and the Northwestern University School of Law and stated that he hoped to become a professional sports agent after his athletic and academic careers were complete. [cite web|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:CSTB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EB42118AEF0BD20&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2|title=Vaughn's Season - Might Not Be Over |accessdate=2008-07-20|date=1993-01-15|publisher=Newsbank|work=Chicago Sun-Times] After winning the West Regional Final, Pelinka flew to city-state|St. Louis|Missouri for a final interview for the Walter Byers Scholarship. [cite web|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:PJSB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EB6EBBB80F925B0&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2|title=CASINO COULD COST CITY FUTURE TOURNAMENTS|accessdate=2008-07-20|date=1993-04-05|publisher=Newsbank|work=Peoria Journal Star|author=Lien, Dick] During the week before the Final Four, Pelinka was honored with the 1993 Walter Byers Scholar as the NCAA's top male scholar athlete.cite web|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:CSTB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EB4212B615059BC&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2|title=PLUS SPORTS|accessdate=2008-07-20|date=1993-04-01|publisher=Newsbank|work=Chicago Sun-Times] In addition to winning the Byers Award, Pelinka earned a variety of other scholar athlete awards. [cite web|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:CTRB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0FFECA7F664FBD0D&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2|title=METRO SPORTS. Bits & Pieces.|accessdate=2008-07-20|date=1993-06-04|publisher=Newsbank|work=Chicago Tribune|author=Mayer, Larry and John Owens] [cite web|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:CTRB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0FFECF7FF373BC33&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2|title=MERRILLVILLE MINOR LEAGUE? NOT SO FAST|accessdate=2008-07-20|date=1993-12-02|publisher=Newsbank|work=Chicago Tribune|author=Conklin, Mike]

Pelinka chose to attend Michigan Law School immediately after graduating from his undergraduate program instead of playing basketball in Europe and became a top law school student. During his first year of law school, several of his former teammates appeared in "Blue Chips": Billy Douglas (Lake Forest), Eric Anderson (Chicago All-star), and Demitrius Calip (Michigan). [cite web|url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0109305/fullcredits#cast|title=Blue Chips (1994)|accessdate=2008-07-20|publisher=IMDb.com, Inc.|work=IMDb.com] While in law school, he took several classes from Kahn. During his second year in law school, he be came the home game color analyst for Wolverines basketball play-by-play announcer Chuck Swirsky on a 16-station broadcast network that originated from a WJR-AM.cite web|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:CTRB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EB42690560D954A&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2|title=Lake Talk.|accessdate=2008-07-20|date=1995-02-19|publisher=Newsbank|work=Chicago Tribune|author=O'Donnell, Jim] He interned for Winston & Strawn LLP while in law school. Pelinka earned his Juris Doctor Cum Laude.

Professional career

After passing the Illinois bar examination and receiving his license to practice in 1996, Pelinka joined Mayer Brown. After two years at Mayer Brown ,cite web|url=http://www.prosportsgroup.com/SportsAgentNews/Mar2004/News/pelinka.htm|title=FORMER U-M PLAYER HAS TO STAY IN TOUCH AS A SPORTS AGENT|accessdate=2008-08-20|date=2004-03-08|publisher=prosportsgroup.com|work=mlive.com|author=Heuser, John] Arn Tellum convinced Pelinka to become a lawyer for SFX management, and Pelinka eventually became an agent for SFX. While with SFX, he worked with Tellem who represented Eddy Curry, Jr., Kwame Brown, Kobe Bryant and Tracy McGrady, all of whom went directly from high school to the National Basketball Association. [cite web|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:ADHB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EDA7191B8C902A5&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2|title=Bulls will handle Curry, Chandler with kid gloves - Organization will make sure 18-year-olds make adjustment to life as - well as NBA |accessdate=2008-07-20|date=2001-06-30|publisher=Newsbank|work=Daily Herald|author=McGraw, Mike] Pelinka had become Bryant's agent by the time of the Kobe Bryant sexual assault case. [cite web|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:ADHB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0FE322A7CE9FE079&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2|title=Bulls' defense does the job in victory|accessdate=2008-07-20|date=2003-10-11|publisher=Newsbank|work=Daily Herald|author=McGraw, Mike] While at SFX, he also became the agent for several of his current clients. [cite web|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:CTRB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0FC4F5383706CDF3&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2|title=Maggette headed for Jazz|accessdate=2008-07-20|date=2003-07-15|publisher=Newsbank|work=Chicago Tribune] [cite web|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:CTRB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0FB12F24EAD177D5&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2|title=Kings even series; Game 7 in Dallas|accessdate=2008-07-20|date=2003-05-16|publisher=Newsbank|work=Chicago Tribune] [cite web|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:SJRB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=103BBCB647D082EE&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2|title=Oh, to be in Andre's shoes / Former Lanphier player expected to be top-10 pick|accessdate=2008-07-20|date=2004-06-23|publisher=Newsbank|work=The State Journal-Register|author=Martinez, Marcia]

He then branched out on his own and founded The Landmark Sports Agency. He currently represents 13 active NBA players (2 All-Stars). [cite web |year=2007 | author= | title= HoopsHype.com Agents| url= http://www.hoopshype.com/agents/rob_pelinka.htm| publisher= HoopsHype.com | accessdate= February 19| accessyear=2007] The current players represented by Pelinka are (alphabetically) Carlos Boozer, Kobe Bryant, Keyon Dooling, Derek Fisher, Channing Frye, Eric Gordon, Andre Iguodala, Chris Kaman, Corey Maggette, Morris Peterson, Saša Vujačić, Gerald Wallace, and Julian Wright.cite web|url=http://www.draftexpress.com/agents/Rob-Pelinka-99/|title=Rob Pelinka|accessdate=2008-06-27|publisher=DraftExpress LLC] A city-state|Los Angeles|California resident, Pelinka represents three Los Angeles Lakers (Bryant, Derek Fisher and Saša Vujačić) and two Los Angeles Clippers (Eric Gordon and Chris Kaman). Pelinka also represents two players who played high school basketball in the Chicago area (Corey Maggette, and Julian Wright) and Iguodala had been an Illinois Class AA standout in high school like Pelinka. [cite web|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:SJRB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=11AE78BF8B606638&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2|title=McBride looks toward pro career|accessdate=2008-07-20|date=2007-08-05|publisher=Newsbank|work=The State Journal-Register|author=Daniels, Matt] He has represented several Arizona Wildcats players including Andre Iguodala and Channing Frye.cite web |date=2005-04-20 | author= Rivera, Steve | title= NBA DRAFT: UA's Frye hires agent, is seen as first-rounder | url= http://www.tucsoncitizen.com/sports/college/042005c1_frye | publisher= tucsoncitizen.com | accessdate= February 20| accessyear=2007] [cite web |date=2006-09-19 | author= JonathanG | title= Lute! | url= http://www.truehoop.com/basketball-books-46352-lute.html | publisher= truehoop.com | accessdate= February 21| accessyear=2007] The 11 players he represented during the 2007–08 NBA season earned a total of $76,163,730. Neither Maggette nor Dooling was signed for the 2008–09 NBA season at the end of the 2008 season. Gordon was drafted seventh overall in the 2008 NBA Draft.cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/draft2008/|title=DraftNY08|accessdate=2008-06-27|date=2008-06-27|publisher=NBA Media Ventures, LLC]

Kobe Bryant

Pelinka is well-known as Los Angeles Lakers All-Star guard Kobe Bryant's agent. During the 2003 sexual assault case against Bryant, Pelinka spent a considerable amount of time with his client. He accompanied him on trips to Eagle, Colorado. [cite web |date=2003-10-10 | author= Jamie Colby, Carol McKinley, Rita Cosby, Catherine Donaldson-Evans and The Associated Press | title= Detective Details Alleged Rape in Kobe Hearing | url= http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,99470,00.html | publisher= FOXNews.com | accessdate= February 24| accessyear=2007] It was Pelinka who confirmed the news of Bryant's second child. [cite web|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:CTRB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=10DC77B8F2EA5510&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2|title=NBA stars to be dads again|accessdate=2008-07-20|date=2005-11-09|publisher=Newsbank|work=Chicago Tribune] In 2004, when Bryant was a free agent, Pelinka confirmed Bryant would remain in Los Angeles with either the Lakers or the Los Angeles Clippers while rumors were flying that he was going to sign with the Chicago Bulls. [cite web|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:CTRB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=103D971195D1EDBD&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2|title=Bulls seriously courted Bryant|accessdate=2008-07-20|date=2004-07-15|publisher=Newsbank|work=Chicago Tribune|author=Johnson, K.C.] Subsequently, when Rudy Tomjanovich was hired to be the Lakers' head coach, he sent free agent Bryant and Pelinka a video package describing the things he has done for players at Bryant's position. [cite web|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:SILB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=103CA7B019D0B213&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2|title=B|accessdate=2008-07-20|date=2004-07-11|publisher=Newsbank|work=The Southern Illinoisan] A few days later Pelinka negotiated a contract for Bryant to remain with the Lakers for $136.4 million over seven years. [cite web|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:CTRB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=103DEB30C61FB458&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2|title=Lakers lock up Bryant - Star guard signs 7-year contract|accessdate=2008-07-20|date=2004-07-16|publisher=Newsbank|work=Chicago Tribune|author=Brown, Tim] When Bryant demanded to be traded during the 2007 offseason, Pelinka confirmed that "Kobe would like to be moved." [cite web|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:NWRB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=119EA00531AC04C8&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2|title=Kobe keeps pressuring Lakers to trade him|accessdate=2008-07-20|date=2007-06-20|publisher=Newsbank|work=Northwest Herald]

Carlos Boozer

[
Carlos Boozer prepares to shoot a free throw.] Rob Pelinka was involved in a complex negotiation which led to both SFX resigning as the agency for Carlos Boozer and to Pelinka briefly resigning as his agent.cite web |date=2004-07-13 | author= | title= Pelinka and client criticized after Jazz deal | url= http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=1838569 | publisher= ESPN.com | accessdate= February 19| accessyear=2007] Pelinka currently represents Boozer as his agent. The issue involved discrepancies on an unconfirmed handshake agreement between Boozer and the Cavaliers owner Gordon Gund. Boozer at the time had a $700,000 option year remaining on his contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers. ] Boozer had originally been signed to a two-year guaranteed contract for $989,000 with a team option for the third year.cite web |date=2004-07-09 | author= Thomsen, Ian | title= Thankless job: Paxson, Cavaliers pay price for trying to do right by Boozer | url= http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2004/writers/ian_thomsen/07/09/paxson.boozer/index.html | publisher= sportsillustrated.cnn.com | accessdate= February 19| accessyear=2007] However, his market value was much higher than that after two seasons in the NBA. Supposedly, Cleveland general manager Jim Paxson agreed not to exercise the team’s option in an effort to sign him to a long term six-year $41 million dollar contract. Once the team option expired, the Utah Jazz signed Boozer to a $68 million offer the Caveliers would not match because they were over the NBA Salary Cap. ] ] Pelinka was attacked in the press for allowing his client to go to the highest bidder rather than forcing him to honor the unconfirmed handshake agreement. As a result, SFX dropped Boozer as a client, and Pelinka left the firm. [cite web|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:MJGB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=10C2CC3463A7D67E&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2|title=News|accessdate=2008-07-20|date=2004-07-29|publisher=Newsbank|work=Journal Gazette (Mattoon, IL)] A year later, after a short stint with another agent, Boozer re-hired Pelinka who has become President and CEO of his own sports agency, The Landmark Sports Agency, LLC. [cite web| url=http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/35036/20050302/boozer_rehires_his_agent_rob_pelinka/|date=2005-03-02|accessdate=February 27|accessyear=2007|title=Boozer Rehires His Agent Rob Pelinka|publisher=Salt Lake Tribune excerpted @ realgm.com] [cite web|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:ADHB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=1093266C1008D3CA&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2|title=Rough start for Webber in Philadelphia|accessdate=2008-07-20|date=2005-03-07|publisher=Newsbank|work=Daily Herald (Arlington Heights)|author=McGraw, Mike]

Eric Gordon

On April 7, 2008, Pelinka attended a press conference in Indianapolis, Indiana, where Eric Gordon, a freshman basketball player at Indiana University, announced his intentions of going pro. [cite web|url=http://indiana.scout.com/2/744400.html|title=Gordon Makes NBA Choice Official|accessdate=2008-04-09|date=2007-04-07|publisher=HoosierNation.com and Scout.com|author=Decker, John] Although Gordon was still officially shopping for an agent, he was seen sitting courtside at a Laker game. [cite web|url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23942333/|title=At long last, Henry gets his walking papers|accessdate=2008-04-09|date=2008-04-03|publisher=NBC Universal] Pelinka is now Gordon's agent.

2008

Vujačić, a 2008 restricted free agent, left his old agent, Bill Duffy, and hired Pelinka to be his new agent in July 2008. [cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/fantasy/fantasy_playernews.jsp?date=07/19/2008&type=news|title=Fantasy/Player News|accessdate=2008-07-23|date=2008-07-18|publisher=NBA Media Ventures, LLC.|work=NBA.com] Maggette signed on July 10 with the Golden State Warriors for $50 million over five years. [cite web|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/wire?section=nba&id=3482145|title=Golden State signs veteran swingman Maggette|accessdate=2008-07-23|date=2008-07-10|publisher=ESPN Internet Ventures] On July 21, Dooling was traded to the New Jersey Nets from the Orlando Magic in what was described as a sign and trade deal with no terms of the signing revealed. [cite web|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/wire?section=nba&id=3499432|title=Nets acquire G Keyon Dooling from Magic|accessdate=2008-07-23|date=2008-07-21|publisher=ESPN Internet Ventures] Dooling's 2008–09 cap hold (salary cap allocation) with the Magic was $7,192,000. [cite web|url=http://www.draftexpress.com/nba-player-salaries/team/Magic/|title=Magic Team Salaries|accessdate=2008-07-23|publisher=draftexpress.com] On July 25, Vujačić who had rejected a 3-year $12 million dollar offer after receiving a qualifying offer of $2.6 million and had planned to accept an offer to play in Europe, signed a 3-year $15 million dollar offer to return to the Lakers. [cite web|url=http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=afp-basketnbalakersslovujacic&prov=afp&type=lgns|title=Lakers land Vujacic - report|accessdate=2008-07-27|date=2008-07-25|publisher=Yahoo! Inc.] [cite web|url=http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=ap-lakers-vujacic&prov=ap&type=lgns|title=Lakers agree to terms with G Sasha Vujacic|accessdate=2008-07-27|date=2008-07-25|publisher=Yahoo! Inc.|author=Nadel, John] [cite web|url=http://www.draftexpress.com/nba-player-salaries/team/Lakers/|title=Lakers Team Salaries|accessdate=2008-07-23|publisher=draftexpress.com]

The Philadelphia 76ers made Iguodala a qualifying offer of $3,800,625 for the 2008–09 season. This gave the 76ers the right to match any superior offer sheet signed by Iguodala and gave Iguodala the option to play under the terms of the qualifying offer for one season in order to be an unrestricted free agent afterwards. In 2007, Iguodala rejected a $57 million contract extension. [cite web|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3385950|title=Stefanski wants Cheeks, Iguodala to be part of Sixers' bright future|accessdate=2008-07-23|date=2008-05-07|publisher=ESPN Internet Ventures] Iguodala has a 2008–09 cap hold of $11,401,875. [cite web|url=http://www.draftexpress.com/nba-player-salaries/team/Sixers/|title=Sixers Team Salaries|accessdate=2008-07-23|publisher=draftexpress.com] On August 12, the 76ers and Iguodala agreed to a six-year $80 million contract. [cite web|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3532139|title=Sources: Iguodala agrees to six-year, $80 million deal with Sixers|accessdate=2008-08-13|date=2008-08-12|publisher=ESPN Internet Ventures|author=Abbott, Henry]

Gordon withdrew from NBA Summer League play with a strained left hamstring in mid July 2008. [cite web|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3485364|title=Clippers' Gordon injures hamstring, done with summer league|accessdate=2008-07-24|date=2008-07-13|publisher=ESPN Internet Ventures|author=Stein, Marc] However, rookie first round draft picks are on a strict two-year pay scale with team options for the third and fourth year according to the collective bargaining agreement. Gordon had signed a three-year $8.4 million contract with the Clippers in early July. The contract has a fourth year qualifying option. [cite web|url=http://www.vagazette.com/la-sp-gordon3-2008jul03,0,3079812.story|title=Draft pick Eric Gordon agrees to deal with Clippers|accessdate=2008-08-13|date=2008-07-03|publisher=Los Angeles Times|work=The Virginia Gazette|author=Hine, Chris]

Honors

*High School All-American
*1993 NCAA Walter Byers Postgraduate Scholarship (NCAA Male Scholar Athlete of the Year)

College statistics

The following are Pelinka's career statistics at the University of Michigan: [cite web|url=http://stats.ath.umich.edu/basketball/basketstart.php|title=Men's Basketball Statistic Archive Query Page|accessdate=2008-07-20|publisher=Regents of the University of Michigan]

Notes

External links

* [http://stats.ath.umich.edu/basketball/basketstart.php University of Michigan Basketball Statistical Archive]
* [http://www.thelandmarksportsagency.com/ The Landmark Sports Agency]