Jay-Z says Colin Kaepernick turned his ‘legitimate workout’ into publicity stunt: report

Jay-Z appeared to take issue with the way Colin Kaepernick’s workout for the NFL unfolded Saturday. The rapper and mogul believed Kaepernick turned his “legitimate workout” into a publicity stunt, according to XXL.

Jay-Z pressured the NFL into hastily putting the workout together in order to repair his own public image, according to Dan Patrick — Jay-Z said he “took a reputational bullet” after signing a deal with the NFL to help with social justice efforts, per Patrick’s reporting.

Kaepernick was originally supposed to workout at the Atlanta Falcons’ training facility in Flowery Branch, Ga. The 32-year-old instead opted to workout in front of teams at a high school in Atlanta when the NFL would not allow media into his session at the Falcons’ facility.

James Brown shares his thoughts on Colin Kaepernick's workout this weekend. pic.twitter.com/Mrinw0w1CU

— NFLonCBS (@NFLonCBS) November 17, 2019

Kaepernick’s team released the following statement:

“From the outset, Mr. Kaepernick requested a legitimate process and from the outset the NFL league office has not provided one. Most recently, the NFL has demanded that as a precondition to the workout, Mr. Kaepernick sign an unusual liability waiver that addresses employment-related issues and rejected the standard liability waiver from physical injury proposed by Mr. Kaepernick’s representatives.

Eric Reid speaking with the media now about Colin Kaepernick’s workout yesterday.

More ⬇️@E_Reid35 | @Kaepernick7 | @wcnc | @SportsWCNC pic.twitter.com/qq4Uukux1t

— Ashley Stroehlein (@ashstro) November 17, 2019

“Additionally, Mr. Kaepernick requested all media be allowed into the workout to observe and film it and for an independent film crew to be there to ensure transparency. The NFL denied this request. Based on the prior conduct by the league office, Mr. Kaepernick simply asks for a transparent and open process which is why a new location has been selected for today. Mr. Kaepernick looks forward to seeing the representatives from the clubs today.”

It’s Jay-Z and the NFL that organized a publicity stunt. They’re furious Kaepernick wouldn’t play their game. https://t.co/kJVCsSQ79B

— Dave Zirin (@EdgeofSports) November 17, 2019

Kaepernick hasn’t played since the 2016-17 season, when he originally started using the national anthem to protest racial injustice.