Jay-Z Investigated By NFL Players Association For Signing Geno Smith to Roc Nation Sports, Instagram Photo and Quotes Draw Red Flag

The National Football League Players Association has launched a full investigation on Sean "Jay-Z" Carter for his involvement in the Roc Nation signing of New York Jets Player Eugene "Geno" Smith, according to NFL.com.

The NFLPA is in the process of sending Roc Nation agent Kim Miale a letter to gather information regarding Jay-Z's role in Geno Smith's deal. Based on rules passed by the NFLPA in 2012, Jay-Z can't recruit players to sign with CAA unless he becomes an NFLPA-certified agent, which he has yet to do.

There is a requirement of a post graduate degree, which can be lifted by the NFLPA pending the applicant has had seven years of "negotiating experience," according to the NFL Players Association website.

The news that Smith, a second round pick acquired by the New York Jets in this year's NFL draft, signed a deal with Roc Nation broke earlier this week, as an Instagram photo of Geno and Jay-Z hit the internet.  Now the photo, which was taken prior to Geno's Roc Nation signing could be used as possible evidence against his new business partner.

In addition to the possibly "incriminating" photo, according to NFL.com, Earlier this week, Smith's adviser John Thornton, a former NFL defensive tackle, was quoted by CBS as saying "I was in those meetings, and Jay-Z connected with him on many levels." Thornton later said he was misquoted.

This not the first Roc Nation Sports signee to draw red flags, The NFLPA previously sent a letter of inquiry to CAA mega-agent Tom Condon after Condon signed Victor Cruz, who is using Roc Nation for his marketing.

Jay-Z and Roc Nation Sports have also signed Yankees Robinson Cano, and WNBA star Skylar Diggins.