Colin Kaepernick said he believes Jay-Z's recent comments about him reflect a "guilty conscience." The former quarterback made the remark during an extensive interview with NBC News, responding to Jay-Z's criticism of him at a recent concert.
In July, Jay-Z took aim at Kaepernick during an impromptu rap at a series of Yankee Stadium concerts. He mentioned the former San Francisco 49ers star and his settlement with the NFL.
"They run out of characters, had to bring back up [Kaepernick] again," Jay-Z said, referring to critics of his partnership with Target. "Buddy took a check, I ain’t even mad at him, but along with that check you have to sign a non-disparagement. I’m the one [the NFL] can’t control."
Earlier this year, Jay-Z drew criticism when he announced an exclusive version of his album "Reasonable Doubt" would be sold at Target. The retailer has faced boycotts from Black shoppers after rolling back its diversity, equity and inclusion practices.
Kaepernick, however, is honoring the boycott despite the potential financial cost. A spokesperson confirmed he will not sell his upcoming memoir, "The Perilous Fight," in Target stores. Target did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
For his book tour, Kaepernick is partnering with the National Association of Black Bookstores.
Jay-Z was freestyling about the hypocrisy of his critics when he mentioned Kaepernick in July. The lyrics were a far cry from 2017, when Jay-Z dedicated a performance of "The Story of O.J." to Kaepernick after he took a knee to protest police brutality.
At the time, Kaepernick was a free agent. He never played in the NFL again after protesting during the national anthem in the 2016 season. Jay-Z, who wore Kaepernick's jersey on "Saturday Night Live" in 2017, was one of his most prominent supporters.
Jay-Z was critical of the NFL, rapping on the 2018 song "Apes—" with Beyoncé: "I said no to the Super Bowl. You need me; I don’t need you."
In his book, Kaepernick wrote that Jay-Z asked him in 2017 to kneel onstage during a performance of "The Story of O.J." He declined, partly because he objected to racial slurs in the lyrics. Kaepernick also wrote that before the invitation, they had trouble connecting by phone and instead exchanged emails while trying to work together on social justice issues.
Their relationship changed in August 2019, when Jay-Z announced that Roc Nation, his entertainment company, would partner with the NFL. Roc Nation has produced every Super Bowl halftime show since, and it works with the league on social justice efforts.
Roc Nation declined to comment to NBC News for this article.
In his book, Kaepernick wrote that Jay-Z told him about the partnership only after it was finalized, and Kaepernick expressed his displeasure.
"I just want you to know, one, you’re serving the culture up to a bunch of racists and, two, they don’t care about you," Kaepernick wrote about what he told Jay-Z. "You’re the music guy to them. They quite literally need a Black face—and have said as much."
In 2019, Jay-Z faced backlash for the NFL deal, with many seeing it as turning his back on Kaepernick, who remained out of the league.
At a news conference announcing the partnership, Jay-Z defended the decision.
"I think we have moved past kneeling. I think it’s time for action," he said. "We forget that Colin’s whole thing was to bring attention to social injustice. In that case, this is a success. This is the next phase."
The NFL declined to comment.
Kaepernick told NBC News' Lester Holt that he did not sign a non-disparagement agreement with the NFL after settling his collusion lawsuit in 2019. He said several people sent him the video of the freestyle.
"First and foremost, what it speaks to is power of people," Kaepernick said about his reaction. "The backlash that [Jay-Z] received for partnering with the NFL and going counter to people’s interests in 2019 was a major problem for him, so much so that he’s still bringing it up in 2026."
Source: www.nbcnews.com — Read the original article
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