Rapper Jay-Z addressed the NFL's national anthem controversy over the weekend, saying "injustice," not disrespecting the stars and stripes, is the root of the issue.
Jay-Z, whose real name is Shawn Corey Carter, said he supports the protests that involve players taking a knee during the national anthem over perceived injustices.
"I want you all to understand, when people are kneeling and putting their fist up . . . what they are doing, it's not about the flag; it's about justice," Jay -Z said in Miami Sunday night. "It's about injustice.
"And that's not a black or white thing. It's a human issue. Everybody should feel the same way. If your 16-year-old child left the house and didn't come back, everyone should be affected. That's not a black or white issue. That's a human issue. That's a young person who lost their life senselessly."
TMZ posted a clip of Jay-Z's comments.
The 47-year-old rapper added, "And black people in particular, we got to get our [expletive] together. We got to start working with each other. We can't be hiding. We're not second-class citizens to anybody."
The national anthem protests began with Colin Kaepernick last season, but the practice expanded to several other players this fall. After President Donald Trump commented on the issue in September, more than 200 players partook in the protest.
Only three players took a knee before games this past weekend, which coincided with Veterans Day.
© 2025 Newsmax. All rights reserved.