Janoris Jenkins denies rift with Rams

Janoris Jenkins' representatives have denied that the St. Louis Rams rookie cornerback agreed to hire a business manager recommended by Rams coach Jeff Fisher prior to the NFL draft. Such an agreement isn't allowed under the guidelines of the NFL collective bargaining agreement.

"At no point before, during or after the 2012 NFL draft was there ever any promise from us to the Rams that Janoris would hire a specific financial advisor," Jenkins' representatives from Dimensional Sports said in a statement to Scout.

According to a Yahoo! Sports article, Fisher had extracted a promise from Jenkins' agent, Malik Shareef, during the NFL draft to hire Lou Taylor of Tri Star Sports & Entertainment.

Among the clients Taylor has worked with previously: Fisher, Britney Spears, Lindsay Lohan, boxer Michael Moorer and the estate of the late NFL quarterback Steve McNair.

Prior to hiring an agent, Jenkins has been represented since January by Rich DeLuca of Merrill Lynch. DeLuca remains his financial advisor.

Taylor told Yahoo! that she doesn't work for Jenkins.

Meanwhile, the Jenkins camp denied having any rift with Fisher.

"I'm excited about playing for Jeff Fisher," Jenkins said in a statement. "I have a lot of respect for him and he's a great guy. He's a highly respected coach in this league."

Drafted in the second round by the Rams, Jenkins was dismissed from the University of Florida football program after being arrested twice for possession of marijuana and once for his involvement in a bar fight. He finished his collegiate career at North Alabama.

Jenkins was once projected as a first-round draft selection, but fell to 39th overall primarily because of his past off-field problems. Jenkins hasn't gotten into further trouble since leaving Florida and has repeatedly promised that he's a changed man.

"Janoris is happy with his situation, happy with his coaches and is ready and focused on preparing for his first NFL training camp," Jenkins' representatives said. "Janoris has been a model citizen for literally a year and a half, and since getting to St. Louis."

Last year, Jenkins was a second-team All-American selection who finished second nationally with a 21.7 punt return average as he returned three punts for touchdowns. Jenkins also recorded 53 tackles, two interceptions, four pass deflections and two fumble recoveries.

For the Gators, the former freshman All-American selection had 121 tackles, eight interceptions and 25 pass deflections in 36 career starts.

Jenkins has yet to agree to terms on his rookie contract. The Rams' rookies are scheduled to report July 24 with the rest of the team scheduled to report July 28.

The Rams have signed eight of their 10 draft picks, including first-round defensive tackle Michael Brockers. Third-round cornerback Trumaine Johnson also remains unsigned.

Drafted 39th overall last year, Tennessee Titans outside linebacker Akeem Ayers signed a $4.926 million contract that included a $2.082 million signing bonus.

"Contract talks are going fine," Shareef said. "We fully expect to have Janoris' deal done soon."

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