Jay-Z, Roc Nation Sports Sign Jets QB Geno Smith, Did Jigga Break NFLPA Rules?
Jay-Z's latest venture, Roc Nation Sports, continues to grow. The agency just announced that they have landed the Jets second round draft pick, QB Geno Smith.
Smith joins current signees Robinson Cano of the Yankees and Skylar Diggs of the Tulsa Shock (WNBA). The former West Virginia University player went 39th in this year's NFL draft.
A few highlights from Smith's career at WVU:
- Smith is the all-time leader in passing yards, career completions and touchdown passes at WVU.
- Orange Bowl MVP, 2012
- First Team, All-Big East, 2011
- Two time National Offensive Player of the Week
Given the struggles of current starting QB Mark Sanchez, Smith may just see playing time this year.
Additionally, Jay may have landed himself in hot water with the signing of Smith. The NFLPA recently passed what has been called the "Jay-Z Rule," which barred non-certified agents from client recruiting. If the recruitment was entirely handled by Jay's team of Roc Nation agents, then he is fine. However, a Smith adviser seemed to tell CBS Sports that Jay-Z was involved.
"It really all came down to who he was most comfortable with," John Thornton, former member of WVU's coaching staff told CBSSports.com. "I was in those meetings and Jay-Z connected with him on many levels."
Though, Thornton later said he was misquoted by CBS, a picture of Geno and Jay-Z on Smith's Instagram proves that the two at least made contact at some point.
What do you think? Did Jay-Z violate the NFLPA's rules in recruiting Geno Smith? Will the NFLPA do anything about it?