JAY-Z Had 'Some Influence' in Colin Kaepernick's NFL Workout
JAY-Z may be bringing Colin Kaepernick and the NFL back together.
On Tuesday, the former San Francisco 49ers quarterback announced that the NFL had reached out to him about a workout this weekend.
“I’m just getting word from my representatives that the NFL league office reached out to them about a workout in Atlanta on Saturday,” tweeted Kap. “I’ve been in shape and ready for this for 3 years, can’t wait to see the head coaches and GMs on Saturday.”
I’m just getting word from my representatives that the NFL league office reached out to them about a workout in Atlanta on Saturday. I’ve been in shape and ready for this for 3 years, can’t wait to see the head coaches and GMs on Saturday.
— Colin Kaepernick (@Kaepernick7) November 13, 2019
Now NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport reports that JAY-Z potentially used his “influence” with the league to sway teams into reconsidering the ostracized quarterback, who was drummed out of the league for kneeling during the national anthem three years ago.
“I am also told that JAY-Z–who has been working with the NFL on some social justice initiatives–was involved in this and pushed this idea to some extent,” said Rapoport.
Two notes: 1. Jay-Z, a partner with the NFL on social justice, had some influence here. 2. This is not part of Kaepernick’s settlement, nor did he ask for this in his settlement. https://t.co/6l7z3MYJ5x
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 13, 2019
He also noted that this is not part of Kaepernick’s settlement with the NFL, nor did he ask for this in his settlement.
In August, JAY-Z announced a music and social justice partnership with the NFL, which included a $400,000 donation to two Chicago charities as part of the newly-launched Inspire Change program.
However, the partnership was met with backlash from some who saw the move as betraying Kaepernick and profiting off his struggle. Diddy for one shared his support for his fellow mogul and remained hopeful that he will bring change to the NFL. “I’m also proud of my brother JAY Z for showing how it should be done!” he wrote. “It’s time to play chess not checkers, I believe he is going to do some incredible things.”