NFL: Geno Smith Next To Join Roc Nation with Jay-Z

Geno Smith signs with Jay-Z's Roc Nation Sports

Geno Smith joins RocNation, where he will be represented by NFLPA Certified Agent Kimberly Miale. From her profile at Madison Avenue Sports, Ms. Miale is, "A certified NFLPA contract advisor for Madison Avenue Sports and Entertainment in the football division. She represents, advises, counsels and assists players in the negotiation, execution and enforcement of player contracts with the NFL." 


MadAve Clients include 9 hockey players, only one of which currently plays at the NHL level. Curiously, the firm does not list any NFL clients. RocNation hired Ms. Miale to comply with NFLPA guidelines. Per the NFL Collective Bargaining Agreement, "The NFLPA will regulate the conduct of agents who represent players in individual contract negotiations with Clubs." 

I have no misconceptions, Ms. Miale is an inexperienced Agent whose qualification is merely having been certified by the NFLPA. The requirements to be certified as as follows per the NFLPA website: 

Non-refundable $ 2,500 Application Fee
Undergraduate & Post Graduate degree (Masters of Law) from an accredited college/university. 
Authorization to perform a background investigation
Mandatory attendance at 2013 two (2) day seminar in Washington D.C. 
Successful completion of written proctored examination
Valid E-Mail address

Jay-Z will run RocNation, which is affiliated with Creative Artists Football in an unknown capacity. While Jay-Z will not be permitted to directly meet prospective clients, it will be known that you're joining his firm. Jay-Z has essentially circumvented established rules and procedures to become an Agent. It opens Pandoras Box, but not many have the business acumen or recruiting abilities of Jay-Z. 

Jay-Z will leverage his prominence in the entertainment industry to land clients lucrative endorsements. Mere days after Yankees 2nd Basemen hired Jay-Z, he landed an endorsement deal with Papa Johns. With Jay-Z signing Geno Smith, Ms. Miale won't face hurdles with her first negotiation. With the rookie wage scale, first contracts are slotted based on selection. But going forward, will Jay-Z violate the NFLPA guidelines and negotiate directly with teams on future contracts? That remains to be seen, and herein lies the reason Victor Cruz will be represented by CAA Sports for his next deal, and Jay-Z for marketing. 

In the future, Jay-Z could potentially sign clients, direct Ms. Miale to broker rookie contracts, and then must make a critical decision. Is Ms. Miale qualified enough to negotiate second contracts, or should he continue to rely on CAA Football to handle those duties.