>To me the NFL, and the owners to a large degree, have already >showed us who they are, who they support, etc. So I'm >inclined to believe at this point this signing is about >keeping things quiet. Or worse, something they can use to >point to to save face: "Well Roc Nation is involved."
Anything old rich white men do to appease their mostly minority workforce is done to keep things quiet and point to it to save face. No surprises there. This deal with Roc Nation isn't like them endorsing BLM or giving the NAACP a platform. It's a 'safe' step revolved around entertainment and an established urban brand (which also happens to included an agency that represents athletes and provides branding opps).
In the end, we know why the owners/league agreed to it. That's pretty clear.
>No way Kap is made the frontman AFTER the deal is done. >He would have been at the press conference if that was the >case. >But you bring up a good point. Getting the NFL on board first >was key. >While I don't have an interest in the NFL, I will be watching >to see >this "social justice" in action.
I disagree. I think he can be made the front man at any point now. And I think it places the NFL at a distinct disadvantage. Now Roc Nation can submit promos with Kaep (who might never play another NFL game again) speaking about police brutality and inequality in America. All done on behalf of the NFL. Now while I don't think that'll be the case, I wouldn't be surprised if Roc Nation doesn't involve Kaep in something at some point.
Jay's been on a different slant in the most recent yrs. 444, The Zimmerman Doc, the Kalief Browder doc, the New Meek Mil doc and some advocacy for criminal justice reform are indicators to me. I don't get the narrative that 'Jay's a capitalist above all' in today's climate. Yeah, maybe 10+ yrs ago. Man's worth a billion; I think for Jay, it's more about impact and power now.
My reservation is what the NFL would agree to. The announcement doesn't give much clarity into the 'what' of the partnership.