Eric Reid was the first player to join Colin Kaepernick’s anthem protest, fast-forward three years, and he’s the first NFL player to blast rapper Jay-Z for “assisting the NFL in burying Colin’s career.”
On Tuesday, it was announced that the NFL would partner with the billionaire rapper and the entertainment company he founded, to strategize and spearhead the league’s entertainment offerings (including choosing the Super Bowl halftime show) and consulting on other entertainment and social justice projects.
Jay-Z was asked about the potential ramifications of engaging in a business partnership with a league that was, according to Jay-Z and many of his fans, actively blackballing Kaepernick.
“For me it’s like action, (an) actionable item, what are we gonna do with it?” Jay Z said. “Everyone heard, we hear what you’re saying, and everybody knows I agree with what you’re saying (in Kaepernick’s underlying message). So what are we gonna do? You know what I’m saying? (Help) millions and millions of people, or we get stuck on Colin not having a job.”
That response drew a sharp rebuke from Reid, who sees the rap mogul’s actions as being less about social justice and Colin Kaepernick, and more about money.
“Wednesday marked the three-year anniversary of when Kaepernick began protesting social injustice and looking to encourage change. He began by sitting on the bench during the national anthem and then moved to taking a knee after discussions with former University of Texas long-snapper and Green Beret Nate Boyer,” Sporting News reported.
Kaepernick and Reid resolved a collusion grievance with the league earlier this year. However, only Reid has joined a team and resumed his NFL career.
Follow Dylan Gwinn on Twitter @themightygwinn