As Meek Mill continues to fight for his freedom, more and more high-profile figures are expressing their support for the incarcerated rapper.
On Tuesday, New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft and Philadelphia 76ers owner Michael Rubin visited Meek at the Chester State Correctional Institution in Pennsylvania, where the 30-year-old rapper is serving time for a probation violation.
Following their visit, Kraft spoke to reporters outside of the facility, where he praised Meek’s character while also calling for criminal justice reform.
“He’s an amazing young man,” Kraft told reporters. “I know how I’d feel if I were in the situation he is in. He’s very intelligent. I’ve had the pleasure of—through Michael—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. This kind of case, to be in a situation like this, it’s really bad. […] It’s just wrong and we have to find a way to correct it and also help the community help themselves. This is just sad. This guy is a great guy and shouldn’t be here.”
In November 2017, Judge Genece Brinkley handed Meek a two- to four-year prison sentence for violating the terms of his probation stemming from a 2008 conviction for gun- and drug-related charges. The sentence, which many considered to be too severe, reignited an important public debate over widespread corruption and discrimination within the criminal justice system.
Meek’s team has since filed multiple motions seeking to have him released from prison. Attorney Joe Tacopina has accused Judge Brinkley of having a longstanding vendetta against the rapper and has made several attempts to remove the judge from the case.
Meek’s request for bail is now being reviewed by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.
