Vinny Testaverde sued by longtime agent Michael Azzarelli

TAMPA — Former star quarterback Vinny Testaverde is being sued by his longtime agent, Michael Azzarelli, who says the former Buc profited from ongoing financial advice but didn't produce his end of the bargain — a 15 percent cut.

According to a lawsuit filed in Hillsborough Circuit Court on Friday, the two operated under an agreement for years in which Azzarelli gave Testaverde investment advice and was entitled to 15 percent of the net profits.

The lawsuit alleges breach of contract. It says Testaverde has made money but hasn't paid Azzarelli his fees. Azzarelli demands documentation substantiating the cash flow received on investments. The suit doesn't estimate how much money is at stake.

Testaverde's Odessa home is valued at $2.7 million, according to the Hillsborough County Property Appraiser. He last played for the Carolina Panthers in 2007 and was the first overall draft pick of the Bucs in 1987. He won the Heisman Trophy while at Miami in 1986.

Azzarelli became Testaverde's agent in 1991.

Azzarelli and Testaverde declined to comment on the suit.

The two are former next-door neighbors and, according to stories through the years, close friends.

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(tampabay.com)