The NFL Releases Statement on JAY-Z Super Bowl Rumors: ‘No Decisions Have Been Made’

It was rumored a few days ago by a couple of British papers, including Metro that JAY-Z had turned down a gig to perform at the Super Bowl. The report made waves, taken as Jay standing in solidarity with Colin Kaepernick, who has essentially been blackballed from the NFL and still remains unsigned after kneeling during the anthem last year.

However, the NFL has released a statement, saying no decisions about performers have been made as of yet.

"No decisions have been made on the performer(s) and we are not going to speculate on particular artists," an emailed statement from the NFL reads, as obtained NBC's Pro Football Talk. "Along with Pepsi, we know that we will put on a spectacular show. When it is time to announce her name we will do it. Or his name. Or their names."

While Metro speculated that Justin Timberlake would perform during halftime and would therefore, possibly include JAY-Z, who was rumored to be uninterested in the gig, the speculation took on a life of its own. And the NFL's statement is rather vague, saying no decision has been made, but not denying that offers have been made, or that none were made to Jay.

Of course, people wanted to cling to the news because of Jay's recent boldly pro-black stance on his latest effort, 4:44 and given the widespread NFL boycott which is still being heavily discussed among football fans. Add that to reports that the NFL's TV ratings continue to take a downward slide, and the rumor held more weight.

JAY-Z hasn't responded to any of the news as of yet, though it'd be interesting to hear his side of things. At any rate, we'll have to see who will follow Lady Gaga's performance last year for Super Bowl 2018.