In a story that sounds like something out of pop culture Mad Libs, New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft on Tuesday visited rapper Meek Mill in a Philadelphia-area prison.
Kraft, who was accompanied by Philadelphia 76ers co-owner Michael Rubin, took some time after his visit to advocate for Mill, whom he has known for years and who currently is serving a two-to-four-year sentence for violating the terms of his parole.
“He’s an amazing young man,” Kraft told reporters outside the State Correctional Institute-Chester, as seen in a video posted by NBC10 in Philadelphia. “I know how I’d feel if I were in the situation he is. He’s very intelligent.
“I’ve had the pleasure, through Michael, (of) getting to know him over the last two to three years — maybe even longer. Every time I see him, I just come away more impressed. It makes it clear to me we have to do something with criminal justice reform.”
Mill’s current incarceration has been a source of great controversy, with the 30-year-old’s attorneys accusing the judge in the case of holding a grudge against their client. The Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office has stated on multiple occasions it would not oppose Mill, whose initial arrest came in 2007, being released on bail.
“It’s really bad,” Kraft said. “I know some of our players in the NFL have talked about this. I see it firsthand. It’s just wrong. We have to find a way to correct it and also help the community help themselves. It’s just sad. This guy is a great guy. Shouldn’t be here. And then think of all the taxpayers here paying for people like this to be in jail and not out being productive.”
Mill, real name Robert Rihmeek Williams, was born and raised in Philadelphia. His 2012 song “Dreams and Nightmares” served as the Eagles’ anthem during the team’s recent Super Bowl run, which culminated in a win over Kraft’s Patriots in Minneapolis.
