JAY-Z’s connection with the NFL is still very much alive despite the recent sexual assault lawsuit against the hip-hop millionaire, according to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.
Speaking after the league’s winter meetings Wednesday (December 11), Goodell confirmed that JAY-Z and his company Roc Nation would remain tasked with the Super Bowl halftime show and have been leading the NFL’s social justice initiatives.
“We’re aware of the civil allegations and JAY-Z’s really strong response to that,” Goodell stated. “We know the litigation is happening now, so from our standpoint, our relationship is not changing with them, including our preparations for the next Super Bowl.”
He also praised the contributions of Roc Nation and said these contributions go far beyond the Super Bowl. “I think they’re getting incredibly comfortable with not just the Super Bowl but other events they’ve advised us on and helped us with,” he added. “They’ve been a big help in the social justice area to us on many occasions. They’ve been great partners.”
Therefore, while the legal battle still continues, the NFL remains positive to continue with JAY-Z, clearly opening up the promise of such collaboration on-field and off-field.