Roger Goodell reacts to Jay-Z allegations, addresses NFL relationship

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell broke his silence about the allegations against Jay-Z. In a press conference on Wednesday, Goodell said the relationship with the league and Jay-Z has not changed.

“We are aware of the civil litigation and Jay Z’s strong response,” Goodell said, per Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. “The relationship is not changing.”

On Sunday, Jay-Z was named in a civil lawsuit accusing him and Sean “Diddy” Combs of raping a 13-year-old girl. The 55-year-old is the founder of the entertainment company Roc Nation, which has produced the last five Super Bowl Halftime Shows.

Before Goodell’s comments, a source told the Associated Press that there’s no relationship change with the NFL and Jay-Z. “With the ongoing legal process, there’s no change to the relationship with Roc Nation and that includes the Super Bowl,” one of the people told the AP.

Jay-Z began partnership with Roger Goodell and NFL in 2019

Shortly after the lawsuit was filed, Jay-Z issued a strong response statement. “The allegations are heinous in nature that I implore you to file a criminal complaint, not a civil one!” the statement read. “Whomever would commit such a crime against a minor should be locked away, would you agree?”

Jay-Z also told Tony Buzbee, the attorney representing the unnamed woman, called him a “fraud” and a “deplorable human.” The 24-time Grammy winner added that Buzbee has “no honor nor dignity” and made a “terrible error in judgment.”

Roc Nation signed a multi-year deal with the NFL in 2019 and renewed the partnership in October of this year. Under the partnership of Roc Nation, the Super Bowl halftime performers have included  Shakira and Jennifer Lopez; The Weeknd; Dr. Dre with Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, Kendrick Lamar, 50 Cent and Anderson .Paak; Rihanna; and, most recently, Usher. Lamar will headline the upcoming Super Bowl Halftime Show in February.

“Kendrick Lamar is truly a once-in-a-generation artist and performer,” Jay-Z said in a statement in September. “His deep love for hip-hop and culture informs his artistic vision. He has an unparalleled ability to define and influence culture globally. Kendrick’s work transcends music, and his impact will be felt for years to come.”