Eric Dickerson was sued for slander by...

Eric Dickerson was sued for slander by former personal manager Jack Rodri, who is seeking $5 million.

Rodri said in a Los Angeles Superior Court suit that Dickerson’s remarks implied Rodri is “generally and pervasively unqualified to perform the duties of his profession as an adviser and manager of professional athletes and that he is dishonest, unethical and a criminal.”

While with the Rams, the running back contracted with Rodri and Ken Norton Personal Management Agency in June 1985 to act as his agent and personal manager, but those ties were severed in August 1986, the suit said. A separate lawsuit has been filed over the breakup.

Rodri’s suit, which seeks $5 million in damages, said Dickerson made slanderous statements about him to reporters, including that Rodri “cheated and defrauded” him in the extension of his contract with the in 1985 and that Rodri “engaged in self dealing” in the handling of Dickerson’s contract negotiations and financial affairs.

The suit said Dickerson, now with the Indianapolis Colts, falsely said Rodri “misappropriated monies,” and “fraudulently induced” Dickerson to sign documents so that Rodri could “fraudulently invest” Dickerson’s money, and that Rodri “violated legal and ethical requirements” in representing Dickerson.

“In truth, plaintiff is fully qualified to perform his duties as an advisor and manager of professional athletes and has enjoyed an excellent reputation for honesty, integrity and effectiveness in his field in general,” the suit said.