NFL Institutes "Jay Z Rule" Saying Agents Need To Have A College Degree

CBS Sports – One high profile agent says this of enhanced NFLPA agent rules enacted recently: “It’s a shot across the bow of Jay-Z.” This is what the agent was was referring to. The union enacted an amendment to its rules tightening undergraduate and post-graduate degree requirements. The rule states they must come from an accredited college but there’s no question that if you don’t have one, this rule would prevent you from recruiting players. Is this a Jay-Z rule? It’s believed that while Jay-Z has a degree from the school of hard knocks he may not possess the academic credentials to pass union certification. The NFLPA requires only certified agents be involved in the recruiting of athletes thus the alleged Jay-Z rule. The NFLPA also passed a rule that requires agents to disclose all liens. Some agents say the rule was passed to close loopholes but other agents say it was aimed mostly at making sure there wasn’t a feeling that Jay-Z could skirt the rules because he’s, you know, one of the most famous people in the world (and married to one). It’s well known that Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz wants to be represented by Jay-Z. Yankees star Robinson Cano already is. One agent believes this amedment will crush Jay-Z’s attempt to sign NFL clients. But another said there are still ways around it. He gave this scenario. Jay-Z has his agency. He recruits more baseball players. The business grows. He hires an army of certified agents. He remains publicly detached from his agency but inside he’s extremely involved. He speaks to no recruits but every recruit understands they are joining Jay-Z’s firm. There’s no question that while this rule may hurt Jay-Z, it’s not a mortal wound. Not yet.

You know as soon as Jay Z threw his hat in the ring with all these athletes Roger Goodell was like “Absolutely fucking not.” The last thing in the world Roger Goodell needs is NFL athletes being influenced by rappers even more than they already are. Goodell’s entire job basically revolves around stoping these athletes from making it rain in strip clubs, guns, drugs, and violence. Those are like the 4 pillars of hip hop. Now as we’ve all pointed out a million times before, Jay Z is a legit businessman and he’s backed by CAA, one of the biggest agencies in the world. The fact that he wants to be a hands-on agent and actually do the negotiating is insane, but nonetheless everyone agrees signing with Jay Z isn’t that risky of a move.

But this is just like anything else with the rap world. One of the moguls makes a move and eventually they all follow suit. Once one of them owns a record label, they all want their own. Once one has a clothing line, they all want a clothing line. Right now Jay Z is representing athletes…but what about when 2 Chainz starts signing 6th round picks? What about when Meek Mill wants to sit at the table and negotiate the terms of some rookie? What about when Lil B is looking for commission on mutli-million dollar deals? Basically what happens when all the assholes that Mo blogs about on Barstool Philly want to become agents? Rappers become football players and football players become rappers and next thing you know its just hundreds upon hundreds of dudes with guns and drugs and hos and shit. Goodell has gotta nip this shit in the bud.