Jay-Z has a potential interest in Nets

[United Press International]

DETROIT, May 7 (UPI) -- Rapper Jay-Z's possible purchase of
the New Jersey Nets has given its playoff series against the Detroit
Pistons a unique buzz in the sports world.
Jay-Z was not scheduled to be at the Palace of Auburn Hills
Friday night as the Nets took on the Pistons. He's scheduled for two
concerts in London and a talk with Prince Charles.
But the hip-factor is upped for the series with the shadow
of this iconic, influential 34-year-old rapper, born Shawn Carter,
hovering over the basketball games. The excitement quotient is
further enhanced by Jay-Z's girlfriend, R&B superstar Beyonce.
Jay-Z recently joined a group led by New York real estate
developer Bruce Ratner as it prepared to purchase the New Jersey
Nets with a $300 million bid. Jay-Z did not disclose what financial
stake he has in the purchase, but he is not the lead investor.
"It's the first time that a rapper has had his hands in any
professional sports. It's a good thing for the community," says Nets
star Kenyon Martin, a Saginaw native who has hung out with the
rapper on several occasions.