Jay-Z costs the Nets $50,000

By Sports Authority
JR Staff Writer

Throughout his career, Jay-Z has been known as a trendsetter and a marketing genius. In 2004, he surprised fans when he gave up rapping to focus solely on business. Jay-Z, real name Shawn Carter, purchased a stake in the New Jersey Nets. His intention was to move the team to New York, renaming them the Brooklyn Ites.

The move has been rumored to take place as long as Jay-Z has been a part of the franchise. Despite the stories, the biggest relocation happened this summer. The Nets left their longtime home of East Rutherford and moved to Newark. But, the past two seasons have been rough on the team, as a whole.

For the second straight season, the New Jersey Nets will be among the worst teams in the NBA. This season will mark the fourth straight season in which the Nets will miss the playoffs. Meanwhile, the cross-town rivals, New York Knicks are preparing for the playoffs and has a roster full of all-stars. Jay-Z has decided to focus on making next season more successful and he started scouting.

Jay-Z met up with the Kentucky Wildcats' basketball players during the NCAA tournament. Several photos were taken, as many of the players were starstruck when Jay entered the room. ESPN and other media outlets reported the event. But, soon Jay-Z was being investigated for tampering. The Roc Nation CEO is a part-owner of an NBA team, so he can only get so close to college basketball players. Recently, the NBA ruled the New Jersey Nets have to pay $50,000 for a tampering violation.