Kenny Stills was openly critical of the NFL’s new partnership with Roc Nation on Monday, so it’s fair to wonder if the Miami Dolphins wide receiver was irritated when a series of Jay-Z songs played at the start of practice the following day. At the very least, Stills knew it was coming.
Dolphins head coach Brian Flores picks the soundtrack for practice, and he chose eight straight Jay-Z songs to kick things off on Tuesday. Some wondered if he was sending a message to Stills, but a team spokesperson says Stills knew the songs would be played and Flores did not mean anything by it.
According to a team spokesperson, Kenny Stills knew the Jay-Z music was coming, and it wasn’t intended to challenge Stills’ stance on the rapper’s partnership with the NFL. I can’t speak to how @KSTiLLS received the Jay-Z tribute at practice. That would have to come from Kenny. pic.twitter.com/ThDamHx8RA
— Omar Kelly (@OmarKelly) August 20, 2019
Flores has yet to explain his reasoning, but one Dolphins reporter speculated that the coach may have been trying to prepare Stills for potential distractions he will have to deal with.
One possible explanation is Flores wanting Stills to be further equipped to deal with noise – during games – that could distract him. (Next level mind games!) But we won't know until Flores explains this.
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) August 20, 2019
Stills said Monday that the NFL’s partnership with Jay-Z’s company is “not something I agree with or respect.” The veteran also made headlines earlier in the month when he challenged Dolphins owner Stephen Ross’ support of Donald Trump. Stills has been a community activist during his time in Miami and is among those who protested during the national anthem.
We don’t know what motivation Flores may have had, but it’s hard to believe starting practice with eight consecutive Jay-Z songs the day after Stills made his comments was a coincidence.
