After Jay-Z talked about his partnership with the NFL in a press conference earlier this month, many came down on the rapper for not including Colin Kaepernick, who’s accused the league of blackballing him. But two big names in Sean “Diddy” Combs and T.I. just came to Jay’s defense.
Kap knelt for the “The Star-Spangled Banner” before games in 2016, which is the last season he played. The quarterback wasn’t picked up by another team after his contract ended with the San Francisco 49ers, and he subsequently filed a collusion suit, which he settled earlier this year.
Kap’s girlfriend Nessa Diab was one of the first to criticize Jay for the deal. Eric Reid, who knelt with Kaepernick and said he’ll continue to do so, also slammed the Roc Nation boss.
But many have rushed to Jay’s defense, like Killer Mike, who said the father of three working with the NFL will at least get Kaepernick a tryout with a team. Cardi B also weighed in and said Jay’s deal can make a “change.”
T.I. agreed with Cardi and said one simply needs to look at Jay-Z’s history to know that he didn’t make the deal haphazardly.
Because in the past, the “99 Problems” artist helped rappers like 21 Savage and Meek Mill with their legal issues, he started an organization to work on criminal justice reform and along with his wife Beyoncé, offered $1 million in scholarship money. And that’s just a smidgen of some of the good he’s done.
“THIS is what WE must acknowledge‼️,” T.I. wrote of Jay Sunday on Instagram. “Bruh work & reputation should speak for itself…& it’s far louder than your presumptuous twitter rants.”
“What I hate MOST is that the oppressor takes advantage of opportunities like these to divide US and continue on with their operations as usual all to often…. AND WE FALL FOR THE SH-T HOOK LINE AND SINKER EVERY DAMN TIME🤦🏽♂️‼️” added Tip. “I believe in what @kaepernick7 represents. As much as I believe in what #Hov represents & I aint gotta turn on either of them to do it.”
Combs’ defended Jay-Z on Monday and encouraged Black people not to be divided over the NFL partnership.
“Hov is one of the greatest to ever do it,” wrote Combs on Instagram. “He has been there more than anybody from the hip hop culture, including me. He always has been so selfless and fights for other people. We as a people can not be divided and conquered at this time!”
“I ’m so proud of @kaepernick7 and the attention he was able to bring and the efforts he continues to make,” added the Bad Boy founder. “I’ll continue to support him in every way possible. I’m also proud of my brother JAY Z for showing how it should be done! It’s time to play chess not checkers, I believe he is going to do some incredible things.”
Combs also added that Jay’s efforts are bigger than the NFL, and they’re about “How black and brown people are treated daily in this country.”
Plus, Combs admitted the backlash against Jay “hurt” him, because he knows the rapper’s true character.
“I believe in taking action, taking steps towards the right direction and I support all my brothers that are out here taking ACTION,” wrote Combs.
