NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell Confirms the NFL Will Continue Working With Roc Nation and Jay-Z Amid Civil Lawsuit [Video]

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell is seemingly standing by Jay-Z as he tackles an ongoing sexual assault lawsuit.

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Speaking at a press conference following a league meeting in Irving, Texas, Goodell stated Wednesday that the NFL’s partnership with Roc Nation, the entertainment company founded by the rapper and entrepreneur, is “not changing” amid the civil lawsuit accusing Hov of sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl.

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

The NFL and Roc Nation entered a partnership in 2019 for the company to serve as the league’s “live music entertainment strategist.” Roc Nation has since annually produced the halftime show at the Super Bowl, including Kendrick Lamar’s upcoming performance in New Orleans in February. This partnership was extended by both parties in October, emphasizing their ongoing collaboration.

“I think they’re getting incredibly comfortable with not just the Super Bowl but other events that they have advised us on and helped us with,” Goodell added. “They’ve been helpful in the social justice area to us on many occasions. They’ve been great partners that have provided a lot of value to us.”

The 55-year-old strongly denied the accusations in a lengthy statement on Sunday.

“These allegations are so heinous in nature that I implore you to file a criminal complaint, not a civil one!! Whomever would commit such a crime against a minor should be locked away, would you not agree?” Jay said. “These alleged victims would deserve real justice if that were the case.” He also added, “You have made a terrible error in judgment thinking that all ‘celebrities’ are the same. I’m not from your world. I’m a young man who made it out of the projects in Brooklyn. We don’t play these types of games. We have very strict codes and honor. We protect children,” he wrote.

The lawsuit was initially filed in federal court in October with only Diddy listed as a defendant, then re-filed on Sunday to include Jay. Diddy has denied the allegations. The lawsuit claims that in 2000 when the accuser was 13, the rappers sexually battered her at a house party after the MTV Video Music Awards in New York.

In addition to the upcoming Super Bowl halftime show, Beyoncé will perform at halftime of the game between the Baltimore Ravens and Houston Texans on Christmas. The show will be streamed on Netflix.