Rumors never work out in favor of the players. Jadeveon Clowney is learning that lesson the hard way. Easily one of college football's biggest stars entering into the 2013 season and possibly a top NFL Draft pick, Clowney has NFL agents drooling over him. One of those agents is Jay Z and his Roc Nation Sports. After sources reported Clowney and the rap mogul have had talks, South Carolina found itself under investigation.
Under NCAA rules, student-athletes are allowed to speak to and socialize with agents as long as the player is fronting all of the costs for things like transportation and meals. So, if Clowney merely spoke with Jay Z over the phone or at a party, his eligibility would not be in jeopardy. However if Jay Z and Roc Nation sports provided the defensive star with any sort of benefits he could be out for the season. Also, if Clowney exchanged emails or text messages with the agent agreeing to sign with him after the season, things could get bad as well.
The South Carolina compliance office confirmed to NFL.com that they are investigating the claims as "standard operating procedure." South Carolina head coach Steve Spurrier is confident that Clowney is aware of the NCAA rules regarding contacts with agents and was likely meeting everything.
"All of our conversations with Clowney are wait until you have played your last game at South Carolina," Spurrier said. "When the bowl game is over this coming season, he's free to accept any amount of money anybody wants to give him. But until then, he has to be a student-athlete like all the other guys or he's not going to be elgible. He's done a good job of knowing that."
Outside of quarterback Johnny Manziel, Clowney is the best talent in college football right now. Many have the defensive star as a Heisman candidate and a potential No. 1 overall draft pick should he elect to dismiss his senior season and enter the NFL early. By the sound of it, Spurrier has already resigned to the fact that Clowney is merely a three-year player for the Gamecocks.
Roc Nation Sports already represents New York Yankee star Robinson Cano, Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma City Thunder, New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith and Tusla Shock rookie Skylar Diggins.
