Jay-Z’s Relationship with NFL ‘Not Changing’, Roger Goodell Declares Amid Allegations

The NFL is standing by Jay-Z despite his involvement in a recently amended lawsuit.

Commissioner Roger Goodell addressed the situation during the league’s winter meetings, confirming that their partnership with the rapper remains intact despite the allegations.

“We’re aware of the civil allegations and Jay-Z’s really strong response to that,” Goodell said. “We know the litigation is happening now. From our standpoint, our relationship is not changing with them, including our preparations for the next Super Bowl.”

Jay-Z, whose real name is Shawn Carter, was named in a lawsuit originally filed against Sean “Diddy” Combs. The lawsuit alleges that Jay-Z was present at a 2000 party where the plaintiff, then 13 years old, claims she was assaulted and accuses him of participating.

The rapper has denied the allegations, calling them “idiotic” and “heinous in nature” in a statement, further describing them as part of an extortion attempt. His lawyer has filed a motion to dismiss the claims and to make the accuser’s identity public.

“These claims are not about justice for victims. Nor are they about giving victims of sexual violence a voice,” the filing stated. “Instead, they are merely the next chapter in Attorney [Tony] Buzbee’s sprawling extortion saga — a saga whose aim is base and measured in dollars.”

Jay-Z’s company, Roc Nation, has been a key partner of the NFL since 2019, producing events and collaborating on social justice initiatives. Their partnership was recently extended.

“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,” Goodell said. “They’ve been a big help in the social justice area to us on many occasions. They’ve been great partners.”

Jay-Z’s wife, Beyoncé, is slated to perform at halftime during the Ravens-Texans Christmas Day matchup.