KRAFT MAKES PITCH FOR MEEK
Pats boss visits rapper, talks justice reform
Robert Kraft went to prison … to visit rapper Meek Mill. And during his unexpected drop-in at a Pennsylvania state penitentiary, the Patriots owner talked up the incarcerated artist and made a public push for criminal justice reform.
“He’s an amazing young man,” Kraft said of the star, known officially as Robert Rihmeek Williams, outside the State Correctional Institution Chester. “I know how I’d feel if I were in the situation he is.
“He’s very intelligent. I’ve had the pleasure, through (76ers owner) Michael (Rubin), (of) getting to know him over the last two to three years — maybe even longer,” Kraft continued. “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 has been serving a 2-to4-year sentence since November 2017 after violating his probation. The musician was released from prison in 2009 after doing time for charges of drug possession and carrying a firearm without a license. Since that time, Mill’s infractions have included traveling out of town without approval, failing a drug test and being arrested for an alleged fight at an airport.
There’s been some outcry against Mill’s punishment, with critics claiming the length of his sentence is too severe for probation violations. The Philadelphia District Attorney’s office filed a motion yesterday, telling the court it isn’t opposed to his release on bail, and his attorneys have reportedly filed their own motions to get him out of prison. But so far, Judge Genece Brinkley, who’s been overseeing the case, hasn’t budged.
“It’s really bad. I know some of our players in the NFL have talked about this. I see it firsthand. It’s just wrong,” Kraft said.
“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.”