Warrant authorized for sports agent

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 23 (UPI) -- A bench warrant was authorized in California for sports agent Leigh Steinberg, who partly inspired the film "Jerry Maguire," after he failed to appear in court.

The warrant was authorized by an Orange County court commissioner because Steinberg, 62, didn't appear Dec. 15 for a debtor's examination as part of a lawsuit brought by the Newport Beach-based Irvine Co., which alleges the agent is $1.4 million behind in rent for his Newport Beach office space, the Los Angeles Times reported Friday.

Court spokeswoman Carole Levitzsky said the bench warrant was authorized on the condition that Irvine Co. pay the court fees, but no warrant had yet been issued because the fees had not been paid.

Steinberg said he did not attend the hearing on the advice of his attorney. He said he is hoping to set a new court date.