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Colin Kaepernick Believes Jay-Z Has Guilty Conscience Over Deals

Culture7 sourcesSep 3, 2026
FlatRigor 527 sources

The Story

Colin Kaepernick stated he believes rapper Jay-Z has a guilty conscience regarding his business dealings with the NFL and Target. Kaepernick's comments came in response to Jay-Z's remarks about him during a concert in July. Jay-Z had mentioned Kaepernick and his NFL settlement in a rap, stating, "Buddy took a check, I ain’t even mad at him, but along with that check you have to sign a non-disparagement. I’m the one [the NFL] can’t control." Kaepernick is honoring a boycott of Target due to the retailer's rollback of diversity, equity, and inclusion practices, and will not sell his upcoming memoir, "The Perilous Fight," in their stores. He is partnering with the National Association of Black Bookstores for his book tour. This contrasts with Jay-Z's partnership with Target for an exclusive version of his "Reasonable Doubt" album. In 2017, Jay-Z had dedicated a performance of his song "The Story of O.J." to Kaepernick after the quarterback began kneeling to protest police brutality. Kaepernick, who has not played in the NFL since the 2016 season finale, has stated the league is actively blackballing me and has targeted their brothers who have been protesting. He and former teammate Eric Reid sued the NFL citing collusion, settling in early 2019. Kaepernick, 38, now watches college football instead of the NFL, which he called disingenuous.

The Spread

What they agree on

  • Colin Kaepernick has not played in the NFL since the 2016 season.
  • Kaepernick began kneeling during the national anthem in 2016 to protest police brutality and racial injustice.
  • Kaepernick and former teammate Eric Reid sued the NFL over alleged collusion.
  • Kaepernick and Reid settled their lawsuit with the NFL in early 2019.
  • Kaepernick is currently 38 years old.

Where they split

  • The Nation frames Kaepernick's actions within a broader history of sports activism and the potential for future movements.
  • Townhall frames Kaepernick's activism as "whining" and criticizes his decision to "politicize the NFL" while employed.
  • NBC News focuses on Kaepernick's specific comments about Jay-Z's "guilty conscience" and the fallout from Jay-Z's remarks.
  • The Independent sources focus on Kaepernick's current viewing habits, specifically watching college football instead of the NFL.

Source Perspectives

Left2 sources
Center4 sources
Right1 source