Clowney, Jay-Z Talks Were Within NCAA Rules

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — A South Carolina spokesman says the school found no impermissible contact between All-American defensive end Jadeveon Clowney and Jay-Z, the rap mogul turned sports agency head.

Athletic spokesman Steve Fink said Thursday the athletic compliance office talked with Clowney and reviewed visits between he and Jay-Z. Fink said the school found Clowney had not received any impermissible benefits. NCAA rules allow players to talk with agents as long no agreements are reached regarding future representation.

Gamecocks coach Steve Spurrier said Clowney understands the rules and has done nothing to damage his eligibility.

Clowney had 13 sacks last season and was the Southeastern Conference defensive player of the year. He finished sixth in the Heisman Trophy balloting. Clowney won an ESPY last week for his helmet-popping hit on Michigan's Vincent Smith.

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