Jay-Z NFL Investigation: Geno Smith Instagram Photo Leads to Questions Over 'Runner Rule', Did Roc Nation Sports' Recruitment of Jets QB Violate Rule?

Hip hop mogul and former minority owner of the NBA's Brooklyn Nets, Jay-Z, made an interesting career move when he decided to become a sports agent. It seems that his new career may be causing some controversy within the NFL. According to the NFL.com, the NFL players union is investigating Jay-Z's recruitment of New York Jets rookie quarterback Geno Smith. The NFLPA reportedly is sending a letter to Roc Nation Sports agent Kim Miale to find out more about Jay-Z's possible involvement in the recruitment of the former West Virginia quarterback.

It looks like Jay-Z may have more than just "99 Problems" if the NFLPA finds that Jay-Z's agency violated recruitment rules. There is a new rule called the "runner rule" that prohibits agents from having people who aren't certified NFLPA agents present for recruitment meetings. This issue arose after Smith posted a photo of himself and Jay-Z on Instagram after Smith fired his previous agent Jeff Nalley.

According to the NFL.com report, Smith's adviser John Thornton 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.

Among Jay-Z and Roc Nation's big name clients are Smith, New York Yankees second baseman Robinson Cano, New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz, and recently drafted WNBA player Skylar Diggins. So far Jay-Z has compiled an impressive list of sports stars and it looks like he could continue to pose a serious threat to other sports agents. Cano was originally a client of Scott Boras' who is widely considered one of the top sports agents. However, Jay-Z may have made a rookie mistake if he turns out that he violated the "runner rule." There is no word yet on what type of punishment Roc Nation Sports would face if they did in fact break a rule.