This week Colin Kaepernick was informed that the NFL had opened up an opportunity for him to be evaluated by teams at a private workout over the weekend. But according to a new report, hip-hop mogul Jay-Z may have been one of the driving forces behind the development.
Wednesday, while sharing details behind the surprising invitation, NFL.com correspondent Ian Rapoport revealed, “I’m also told that Jay-Z, who is working with the NFL on some social justice initiatives, was involved in this and pushed this idea to some extent.”
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
READ MORE: NFL invites teams to check Colin Kaepernick out in private workout session
Initially the rapper received a ton of flack not just from fans but also from members of Kaepernick’s inner circle after it was announced that through his company Roc Nation, Jay-Z would be co-producing the Super Bowl Halftime show and also contribute to Inspire Change, a foundation the NFL started in response to public outrage over their mishandling of Kaepernick’s peaceful #TakeTheKnee protest.
Critics accused him of “selling out” for doing business with the league while the former San Francisco 49ers quarterback was still essentially being blackballed, they felt, from a league that has not dealt with internal racial issues apparent through Kaepernick’s not having signed with a new team.
READ MORE: The Kaepernick Effect: Is Jay-Z’s new deal with the NFL a conflict of interests?
From NFL Now: Breaking down the looming workout for Colin Kaepernick… 👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼 pic.twitter.com/wv4R7p7dC1
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 13, 2019
But now it appears the widely criticized deal could possibly have been a trojan horse of sorts meant to address the racial bias issues in the league from the inside. On Tuesday, NFL franchises received two separate memos from the league stating that the free-agent quarterback would be available on this coming Saturday for a workout session in Atlanta. The teams were invited to check him out, and take footage of Kaepernick to judge whether he’s in shape to hit the field, NFL.com reports.
Some skeptics say the workout is nothing more than a PR stunt and doubt Kaepernick will be signed by any team, due the timing of the event.
Still thinking about the Kaepernick thing. I’m a skeptic by nature, so I’m wondering the following:
1) why have this workout AFTER the trade deadline?
2) why have this later in the week when teams are traveling (coaches won’t be there to evaluate)??
3) why after THREE YEARS???— Scotty B (@KlownTimes_1906) November 13, 2019
Kaepernick, however, says he has been staying in shape the entire time he’s been a free agent, having posted his own workout video on Instagram in August showing him lifting weights and doing calisthenics.
He tweeted his enthusiasm about being able to show coaches and managers what he’s got.
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
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