Jay-Z's NFL Deal Reignites Criticism Of League's Treatment Of Colin Kaepernick

People on Twitter have expressed skepticism over the announcement that the NFL and Jay-Zs entertainment and sports company, Roc Nation , have formed a long-term partnership, citing the leagues controversial history with Colin Kaepernick.

Jay-Z, who has been a vocal supporter of Kaepernick he called the quarterback and activist an iconic figure in an interview last year has partnered with the NFL via Roc Nation as the leagues official Live Music Entertainment Strategists, according to a Wednesday press release.

As part of the deal, Roc Nation will spearhead and advise on the artist selection for music performances, including the widely watched Super Bowl halftime show.

The company will also focus on the leagues social justice platform, called Inspire Change, the release said. The initiative, launched earlier this year, aims to address the following themes: education and economic advancement, police and community relations, and criminal justice reform.

MTV host Nessa Diab, who is in a relationship with Kaepernick, appeared critical of the partnership, tweeting on Wednesday she was at a loss for words .

W O W. So this partnership deal started that long ago? Im just at a loss for words.https://t.co/0t4CEMQqh7 pic.twitter.com/HetB8L1uHW

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W O W. So this partnership deal started that long ago? Im just at a loss for words.https://t.co/0t4CEMQqh7 pic.twitter.com/HetB8L1uHW
NESSA (@nessnitty) August 14, 2019

The NFL, which after a wave of firings of Black head coaches after last season now has only three in the league in which 70% of the players are Black, has had a troubled history confronting racial justice issues.

Kaepernick had filed a collusion grievance in 2017 alleging he was blackballed by the NFL after he sparked a wave of peaceful protests by players against racial injustice by kneeling during the national anthem at a 2016 preseason game. After finishing that season with the San Francisco 49ers, a team he had led to the Super Bowl a few years earlier, he became a free agent. He remains unsigned.

His protests and subsequent ones by other players spurred harsh criticism from Donald Trump , first during his presidential candidacy and later when he assumed office. The players movement helped put conversations about free speech and social injustice into the national spotlight. Kaepernicks grievance with the NFL concluded with a confidential settlement .