The group will put $50M toward efforts to reform parole policies with the hopes of reducing recidivismGETTY IMAGES
Patriots Owner Robert Kraft and Fanatics Founder & Exec Chair Michael Rubin have joined with rappers Meek Mill and Jay-Z to "back a new organization focused on criminal justice reform," according to Brett Samuels of THE HILL. Kraft and Rubin yesterday appeared at an event in N.Y. for the "launch of the Reform Alliance." The group will put $50M toward its "efforts to reform parole and probation policies with the hopes of reducing recidivism." Kraft said that he was "inspired to join the effort after visiting Meek Mill in prison last April after the rapper was sentenced to two to four years for parole violations." CNN's Van Jones will "serve as the organization's CEO" (THEHILL.com, 1/23). Kraft said the current criminal justice system is "not good for America." Kraft: "I'm happy I had the chance and the exposure to see it. It's just crazy. I hope everyone in this room gets behind this effort, and we can make America better if we really deal with this problem." Another co-founder of the Reform Alliance is Clara Wu Tsai, the wife of Nets co-Owner Joe Tsai (USA TODAY, 1/24).
POWER PLAYERS: Kraft said Meek Mill and Rubin are the "heart and soul” of the Reform Alliance, and “we’re going to get a million people out of our unfair parole and justice system” (“GMA,” ABC, 1/23). ESPN’s Max Kellerman said the Reform Alliance “could have a significant impact because celebrity, obviously, draws attention to the issue.” ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith said Kraft has some "obviously incredible connections," so "we can’t ignore that and the influence that brings.” But the net's Will Cain said celebrities are "speaking out more and more on important issues and I’m uncertain of what real effect they have" (“First Take,” ESPN, 1/24).
