Miami Dolphins wide receiver Kenny Stills has been an outspoken critic of the NFL’s newfound relationship with hip-hop icon Jay-Z. Stills himself also took part in the Colin Kaepernick-led National Anthem protests.
Needless to say, the veteran receiver has been a hot topic around South Beach in recent days.
What we saw during Tuesday’s practice added yet another layer to the story. For some reason, head coach Brian Flores decided to play eight consecutive Jay-Z songs to start the session.
“A Dolphins spokesperson said new coach Brian Flores picks the music, and Stills was aware about the music before practice,” Safid Deen of the Sun Sentinel reported. “The playlist was not intended to challenge Stills’ stance on Jay-Z’s NFL deal or undermine Stills’ consistent efforts to raise awareness about issues like social inequality and racial injustices.”
Even if it wasn’t to send a message, there’s certainly something cryptic about Flores’ song selection. One has to wonder what type of message he was sending Mr. Stills.
This all comes as the NFL and Jay-Z have received push back for not including free-agent quarterback Colin Kaepernick in their social justice awareness platform.
We’re sure that what Flores and the Dolphins did during practice on Tuesday is not going to help matters much.