How Jay-Z Almost Ran Me Out of the League: The Matt James Story
Rookie offensive lineman Matt James was selected in the 6th round by the expansion team, the Philadelphia Liberty despite, as James states, that he "...was not involved in a dialogue with the leadership of the Philadelphia Liberty..." Due to this perceived slight (and his own hubris), James' agent, rapper Jay-Z, took it upon himself to rectify the situation by making outlandish demands. Initial reports stated the James' agent demanded no less than $12 for the first season, which would have made him the highest paid player in the NSFL that year. However, later evidence was brought forth that shows James requested only half that, a cool $6 for his first season. Although significantly less than what was initially rumored, this would've made James the highest paid rookie in the draft, and one of the highest paid in the entire league. While some players may have had a legitimate argument for this pay, James, a 6th round pick, had done little to set himself apart from the rest of his draft class. In fact, James was the 10th offensive lineman take in the draft, and 1 of 4 taken by the Liberty. Despite the lack or bargaining power, Jay-Z convinced James stuck to his guns and began his holdout.
After a very ugly public back and forth mud-slinging between Jay-Z, James, and the Liberty front office, a trade deal was finally reached to send James to the Yellowknife Wraiths for offensive lineman Jazzy J and a 4th round pick in the S3 draft. The winner of this draft, however, was none other the Jazzy J himself. J signed a 3 year deal with the Liberty for a total of $11 million. The kicker? J was paid $6 million for his first year... a slight, no doubt, directed squarely at James and his agent.
Rookie offensive lineman Matt James was selected in the 6th round by the expansion team, the Philadelphia Liberty despite, as James states, that he "...was not involved in a dialogue with the leadership of the Philadelphia Liberty..." Due to this perceived slight (and his own hubris), James' agent, rapper Jay-Z, took it upon himself to rectify the situation by making outlandish demands. Initial reports stated the James' agent demanded no less than $12 for the first season, which would have made him the highest paid player in the NSFL that year. However, later evidence was brought forth that shows James requested only half that, a cool $6 for his first season. Although significantly less than what was initially rumored, this would've made James the highest paid rookie in the draft, and one of the highest paid in the entire league. While some players may have had a legitimate argument for this pay, James, a 6th round pick, had done little to set himself apart from the rest of his draft class. In fact, James was the 10th offensive lineman take in the draft, and 1 of 4 taken by the Liberty. Despite the lack or bargaining power, Jay-Z convinced James stuck to his guns and began his holdout.
After a very ugly public back and forth mud-slinging between Jay-Z, James, and the Liberty front office, a trade deal was finally reached to send James to the Yellowknife Wraiths for offensive lineman Jazzy J and a 4th round pick in the S3 draft. The winner of this draft, however, was none other the Jazzy J himself. J signed a 3 year deal with the Liberty for a total of $11 million. The kicker? J was paid $6 million for his first year... a slight, no doubt, directed squarely at James and his agent.
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[OPTION]Johnny Snuggles || CB || Yellowknife Wraiths || Hall of Fame [OPTION]Height/Weight: 6'1", 205 [OPTION]Number: 21 [OPTION] Draft History: S13 #1 Overall [OPTION]=========================================== [OPTION]Trophy Case/Achievements:[OPTION] Ultimini Champs: S12 [OPTION] Defensive Rookie of the Year: S13 [OPTION] Pro Bowl: S14, S15, S16
