The Good
The culture was shaken this past week when Roc Nation owner Jay-Z and NFL
commissioner Roger Goodell announced a new partnership. The aftereffects caused
flooded timeline that created a reaction series of WTFs. According to the Wall
Street Journal “Roc Nation will also expand and play an integral role in the
NFL’s entertainment operations—not just the halftime show, but also the
production and distribution of other new football-related content together on
streaming services. That could include original music, in addition to podcasts
for players to voice their opinions on social and cultural issues that are
important to them.” What added more fuel to the controversial fire was the
absence of QB Colin Kaepernick, who since 2016 has been in NFL exile because of
his refusal to stand during the National Anthem. Kaep stated that his action
was because of the U.S. racially oppressed mistreatment of black people.
Kaepernick’s kneel also birthed a national debate amongst fans and several NFL
boycotts. Hence why many skeptics are yelling “FOUL,” and tagging the word
“sellout” to Jay-Z’s legacy. However; let’s examine the steps that explain more
of why the deal is more of a “buy-in” vs a “selling out.”
NFL Boycott
The protest was doomed from the start because there was never a united goal for
its outcome. The lack of a joint truth and understanding weakened it the
position to make a change that a majority would agree. The absence of a
singular appointed leadership with direction allowed a narrative to change too
many times to keep up. The simple response was that many felt Kaep was unfairly
blackballed from the NFL and refused to watch any games until he is reinstated.
The conservative group who followed their President lead and felt that NFL
players who took a knee were disrespectful to the U.S military was a reason to
turn off games. I cannot claim to have boycotted the NFL more so than to have
fallen out of love with it. I was forced to find other Sunday afternoon
interest since the league appeared 1) continually ignore the health concerns of
retired players 2) have little to no reaction to current players who were
caught abusing women 3) constant praise for the almighty overpaid mediocre
white quarterback.
Admittedly at first, I wasn’t sure if Kaep’s actions were genuine. First
skepticism when came when he voluntarily opted out his last year contract with
the 49ers, which was an estimated 20million dollars.
Second, was the overnight grown afro and black power raised fist that visibly
came off as slightly forced to me. Third, I was no fan of Muhammad Ali
comparisons because he dealt with bankruptcy, jail time, and 1960s firehose
racism. However, my criticism lighten when Colin’s off the field actions began
to reflect his views by organizing several community events that reflected his
cause. Plus, his not playing in the league was inexcusable and a blatant effect
of being blackballed
Sellout
A sellout is an individual or organization that compromises/cash out their morality for a societal/cash advancement. Jay-Z’s latest business move doesn’t make him a hypocrite. His latest most quotable verse where he says “I said no to the Super Bowl/ You need me, I don’t need you/ Every night we in the endzone/ Tell the NFL we in stadiums too,” represents just that. The press conference took place within Roc Nation’s office with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell sitting in Jay-Z’s chair. Through public outcry, the NFL was forced to reach out to the one individual who has a solid track record of using his platform to fight against social injustices. The goal for any protest should be action, and this Roc Nation/NFL partnership is just that.
