Report: MLBPA investigating Jay Z's gift to Robinson Cano

Jay Z's Roc Nation Sports represents Robinson Cano, Kevin Durant, Victor Cruz and Geno Smith. (Johnny Nunez/ Wire Image) The MLBPA is looking into whether a
Report: MLBPA investigating Jay Z's gift to Robinson Cano
Report: MLBPA investigating Jay Z's gift to Robinson Cano /

Jay Z's Roc Nation Sports represents Robinson Cano, Kevin Durant, Victor Cruz and Geno Smith. (Johnny Nunez/ Wire Image)

Robinson Cano is expected to command a record contract this offseason.

The MLBPA is looking into whether a gift Jay Z gave to Robinson Cano at his birthday party in October violated the associations agent rules, according to Jerry Crasnick of ESPN.

At his 31st birthday party, Cano received a limited edition Hublot watch designed by Jay Z that retails for $33,900 from the rap superstar and fledgling agent. Cano signed with Jay Z's new Roc Nation Sports agency earlier this year as the Yankees' second baseman prepares to be the hottest commodity on the free agent market this offseason.

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MLBPA rules state that agents may not offer players or their inner circles "improper inducements" in order to entice them to join their agency or to stay with their agency if they are already signed there. Agents are allowed to purchase gifts for players already on their client list, but must disclose anything with a value greater than $500 in writing.

Cano is believed to be asking for a contract worth $310 million dollars over 10 years in negotiations with the Yankees. Contract talks are being handled by the Creative Artists Agency in conjunction with Jay Z's newly opened firm.

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Brendan Maloy
BRENDAN MALOY

Brendan Maloy covers odd minor league promotions, athletes' Instagram accounts and others sports adjacent ephemera.