Terez Owens, gossiper par excellence, reports this weekend that Jay-Z, as an NBA owner, had to keep some top NBA players at bay Friday night at the GQ Man of the Year Awards, apparently fearful that any such contact would result of a big (like six-figure) fine from the league.

According to a T.O. source, ""So all the athletes were clamoring to talk to Jay-Z in his private section, even Melo, but because of the lockout, Jay had to turn them all down. He refused to let any of them thru, and also warned his security to watch out because of his NBA ownership, he wasn’t allowed to fraternize with them."  Sad for Melo.

• Jay Z Avoids All NBA Players at GQ Men of the Year Party - Terez Owens