Jay-Z insists he discussed NFL deal with Kaepernick before going public

On Tuesday, the NFL formed a social justice partnership with Roc Nation, an agency founded by rap mogul Jay-Z.

Colin Kaepernick didn't appear to be part of the discussions and now reps from both sides are sparring over the timeline and extent to which he was briefed on the arrangement.

Jay-Z claims he spoke with Kaepernick, but the former quarterback's lawyer denied that the meeting occurred before the partnership had been formed, according to TMZ Sports.

A source from Roc Nation later clarified to TMZ it was made clear to Kaepernick that the partnership was set to be announced to the public, though it was a case of giving him a heads up rather than asking for approval.

Jay-Z and NFL commissioner Roger Goodell spoke to about 30 media members at a meeting at Roc Nation's New York offices on Wednesday. The two were asked about what their working relationship means for the national anthem protests.

"I think that we forget that Colin's whole thing was to bring attention to social injustice, so in that case, this is a success - this is the next thing," Jay-Z said. "There are two parts of protest: the protest, and then there's a company or individual saying, 'I hear you, what do we do next?' For me, it's about actionable items, what are we gonna do about it?"

Goodell said Kaepernick, who has been out of the league since opting out of his contract with the San Francisco 49ers following the 2016 season, is free to sign with "any team."

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