Las Vegas Weekly

October 15, 2008 · 9:43 AM

Andre Agassi confirms split with longtime manager

By Robin Leach

After weeks of rumors - and written here in Luxe Life as a 'blind item' without their names -- hometown tennis champion Andre Agassi confirmed moments ago that he and 15-year-long agent-manager Perry Rogers are splitting up effectively immediately. Rogers, who was president of Agassi Enterprises Inc., had served as agent, manager and lawyer to Andre for the past decade-and-a-half overseeing all business and marketing operations of Agassi Enterprises, Inc.

The split becomes official just four days after Andre's 13th Grand Slam charity held at the Wynn Las Vegas over the weekend. CLICK HERE for all our coverage. Although Rogers had much to do with this year's event several VIP's commented about the strained relationship and that he didn't walk the red-carpet with Andre and wife, Steffi Graf.

Photo: TVT

Steffi Graf and Andre Agassi.

No real reasons for the break-up have been given - but Luxe Life has learned that Andre was very unhappy about some recent financial investments that soured and concern about his image being tied to the Pure Nightclub tips-scandal being investigated by the IRS after the government raid. "He felt that it didn't fit in with his goals and his No. 1 desire to benefit the children of his Charter Preparatory school where he will see this year's first ever graduating class," I was told.

Andre has apparently brought in a new chief corporate financial officer to oversee his investments and business opportunities.

“It’s rare to find someone who shares your hopes and dreams. Working together, Perry and I made our dreams reality. There are few people who can say that, and we both feel incredibly fortunate,” commented Andre Agassi. “Our 27 year-long friendship has endured the stresses and strains of intense business.”

Perry Rogers and Andre Agassi met as young boys growing up in Las Vegas. Upon earning his law degree at The University of Arizona in 1994, Rogers began working as Agassi’s agent.

Rogers added, “Business in today’s world is more demanding than ever. Andre and I feel this is the right move in the evolution of the business and our desire to not let anything get in the way of our longstanding friendship. It is amazing for the quality of any friendship to endure through a lifetime. I feel so lucky to have accomplished so much with my lifelong friend.”

Rogers remains president of PRISM, Premier Integrated Sports Management, the agency he created in 2000 to address the specialized representation, business development and marketing needs of athletes and entertainment professionals. PRISM clients include NBA player Shaquille O’Neal -- another PURE nightclub investor- and the Vegas-based UFC: Ultimate Fighting Championship. PRISM has negotiated and managed more than $350 million in athlete compensation, endorsement and business development deals throughout the U.S., Europe, Asia and Australia.

Agassi Enterprises, Inc. provides business management, sports marketing and financial investment strategies to superstar athletes Andre Agassi and Stefanie Graf, with an eye toward achieving long term goals. The private company, established in 1993, is headquartered in Las Vegas.

— From Vegas Deluxe

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