So, if you’ve been scrolling through grappling forums or hitting the mats lately, you’ve probably heard the name Jay Rod—Jacob Rodriguez—tossed around alongside some pretty heavy headlines. For a while, he was the golden boy of the "B-Team." He had the athleticism, the wrestling pedigree, and that younger-brother energy that made him a fan favorite in the Austin, Texas, No-Gi scene. But then, things got messy.
The "j rod b team" saga isn't just about a guy leaving a gym. It's a massive shift in how elite grappling teams handle internal conduct.
The Rise of Jay Rod within the B-Team
To understand why this exit was such a shock, you have to look at what the B-Team actually represents. Founded in 2021 after the high-profile split of John Danaher’s "Death Squad," the B-Team (led by Craig Jones, Nicky Ryan, and Nick Rodriguez) became the "cool kids" of Jiu-Jitsu. They were irreverent, funny, and technically brilliant.
Jay Rod, the younger brother of powerhouse Nicky Rodriguez, fit the mold perfectly. He wasn't just riding coattails, though. He was a legitimate threat, winning the ADCC North American West Coast Trials in 2022 at just 20 years old. He was known for a "no-brakes" style of wrestling-heavy grappling that intimidated even seasoned black belts.
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Basically, he was the future of the brand. Until May 2025.
What Actually Happened? The Ban Explained
In May 2025, the B-Team leadership—specifically Craig Jones—confirmed that Jay Rod was officially banned from the gym and the team. This wasn't a "creative differences" split. It was an immediate, hard-line expulsion.
The rumors were flying, but the core of the issue was "unhealthy interactions" with female members of the gym. Specifically, allegations surfaced regarding a "photo vault" or hidden files on his phone containing explicit images. Some reports, including those from BJJ Eastern Europe, went further, alleging the use of AI-generated explicit content involving teammates.
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Jay Rod didn't stay silent. He posted on Instagram admitting to "unhealthy interactions" and mentioned he was seeking therapy for addiction. Honestly, it was a bizarre moment for the sport. You had one of the most talented young grapplers in the world being ousted from the most famous gym in the world over locker room conduct rather than a performance slump.
The Fallout with Payton Leiser
The situation got even more complicated when his ex-girlfriend, Payton Leiser, came forward. She claimed Jay’s public apology was a "partial truth" that downplayed the severity of his actions. According to her, the behavior was more systematic and disturbing than just a few "unhealthy interactions." This sparked a massive conversation about the safety of women in high-level BJJ gyms.
Why This Matters for the Sport
For a long time, the B-Team had a reputation for being the "Wild West." They joked about everything. They didn't have the rigid, almost cult-like structure of other elite academies. But this incident forced them to grow up.
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By banning Jay Rod, the B-Team leadership sent a clear signal: your talent doesn't give you a pass to mistreat people. Craig Jones, who is usually the first person to make a joke, was dead serious about this one. It was a turning point. It showed that even a "laid-back" culture has boundaries that can't be crossed.
Where is Jay Rod Now?
Since the ban in mid-2025, Jay Rod has been in a sort of professional limbo. He missed major events like the Craig Jones Invitational (CJI) and has been largely persona non grata in the Austin elite circle.
He’s mentioned focusing on his faith and his recovery, but in the world of professional grappling, a reputation hit like this is hard to shake. While his brother, Nicky Rod, remains a cornerstone of the B-Team, the family connection wasn't enough to save Jay's spot on the mats.
Actionable Takeaways for Grapplers and Gym Owners
If you're a gym owner or a student, there's a lot to learn from the "j rod b team" meltdown. It’s not just gossip; it’s a case study in gym culture.
- Establish Clear Conduct Policies: Don't wait for a scandal to decide what is and isn't acceptable. Even "chill" gyms need a code of conduct.
- Prioritize Safety Over Talent: If your best competitor is making others feel unsafe, they are a liability, not an asset. The B-Team's willingness to cut a top-tier athlete is the gold standard for leadership in this scenario.
- Vetting Inner Circles: For athletes, your "team" is your brand. Misconduct by one person reflects on everyone in the room.
- Support for Victims: The bravery of the women who spoke up in this case eventually led to a safer environment for everyone else. Believe people when they come forward with concerns about locker room behavior.
The B-Team has since rebranded their physical location in Austin to "Simple Man Martial Arts," moving toward a new chapter. Jay Rod, meanwhile, remains a cautionary tale of how quickly a rising star can fall when they lose the trust of their peers.