New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft has taken a stance against criminal injustices after visiting jailed rapper Meek Mill on Tuesday.
Kraft and Philadelphia 76ers co-owner Michael Rubin have both openly supported the Philly native, whos currently serving a two-to-four-year sentence for probation violation.
“Amazing young man. I know how Id feel if I was in the situation he is,” Kraft said outside the state prison in Chester City. “Every time I see him, I just come away more impressed. Hes very intelligent. And makes it clear to me we have to do something with criminal justice reform.
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Both billionaires have witnessed the rallying cry behind Mills freedom in the sports world, a movement pushed heavily by the Philadelphia Eagles. Even the Meek’s iconic song Dreams and Nightmares served as the anthem for the Eagles journey towards winning Super Bowl LII.
Its really bad. I know some of our players in the NFL have talked about this. I see it firsthand. Its just wrong. We have to find a way to correct it and also help the community help themselves. Its just sad. This guy is a great guy. Shouldnt be here. And then think of all the taxpayers here paying for people like this to be in jail and not out being productive, Kraft said.
Aside from seeking his freedom, Meek Mills notoriety is currently being used as a spotlight to push the reform agenda further, especially in a city thats plagued by parole re-confinements.
Just in Philadelphia alone, half of the citys pre-trial jail population is held without bail for violating their parole or probation, according to The Atlantic.
Both the bail bonds and parole systems have contributed to the never-ending cycle within our justice system.
Patriots, Sixers Owners Visit Rapper Meek Mill Behind Bars
CBS3’s Chantee Lans reports.
While strict paroles can magnify imprisonment, especially with the abuse of power, bail bonds continue to perpetuate a system in which poor people cannot afford bail and remain in jail until their trial.
Such an injustice is prevalent and important to address, even by an NFL team owner.
However, my biggest question to Kraft is: Why address one injustice but not the other when Colin Kaepernick brought it up?
Was he not deemed a nice guy too? Is there a basis of merit for what reform should be supported?
I too have many questions about this visit that should be answered, but I guess until those questions are addressed. Lets look at the bigger picture: our justice system has problems that need to be fixed not later, but now.
