Activist Shaun King Criticizes Jay-Z’s NFL Deal: He Did NOT Consult Or Speak To Colin Kaepernick

Shaun King Criticizes Jay-Z’s NFL Deal: He Did NOT Consult Or Speak To Colin Kaepernick

Shaun King isn’t a fan of Jay-Z’s new partnership with the NFL. theJasmineBRAND previously reported that Jay-Z and Roc Nation signed a deal with the NFL to improve social justice initiatives. In his new role, he’ll also have a hand in the Super Bowl halftime show.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said,

“We don’t want people to come in and necessarily agree with us; we want people to come in and tell us what we can do better. I think that’s a core element of our relationship between the two organizations, and with Jay and I personally.”

Jay-Z also released a statement.

“With its global reach, the National Football League has the platform and opportunity to inspire change across the country. Roc Nation has shown that entertainment and enacting change are not mutually exclusive ideas – instead, we unify them. This partnership is an opportunity to strengthen the fabric of communities across America.”

But King isn’t here for it. He expressed his sentiments on social media.

Colin Kaepernick was reportedly blackballed as he openly protested against police brutality during NFL games by taking a knee during the national anthem in 2016. He has since spearheaded protests of the NFL and all things related to it.

Jay-Z

Despite, King’s tweets, Jay-Z said he actually spoke to Kaepernick before he made the deal.

 “I think that we forget that Colin’s whole thing was to bring attention to social injustice so in that case this is a success — this is the next thing. There’s two parts of protest: the protest, and then there’s a company or individual saying ‘I hear you, what do we do next?’ For me it’s about actionable items, what are we gonna do about it? We get stuck on Colin not having a job, you know what I’m saying? And this is more than that. “I support any protest that’s effective,” he continued. “I’m into action, I’m into real work — I’m not into how it looks from the outside. If protesting on the field is the most effective way, then protest on the field. But if you have a vehicle that can inspire change and speak to the masses at the same time, it’s hard to steal the narrative away.”

When asked if Kaepernick will join the partnership, Jay-Z added,

 “You’ll have to ask him, I’m not his boss. That’s for him to say.

Kaepernick hasn’t publicly responded to the union, but his longtime girlfriend, fellow activist and radio host, Nessa Nitty did respond to reports that the talks of the partnership started last year.

Colin Kaepernick, Nessa Nitty

She also said that Kaepernick isn’t a part of the deal.

She also retweeted critics’ opinions of the partnership.

Your thoughts? Tell us in the comments!

Authored by: C.J.