logo
Super Bowl halftime performer charged for running on field with ‘Sudan and Free Gaza' flag

Super Bowl halftime performer charged for running on field with ‘Sudan and Free Gaza' flag

Chicago Tribune27-06-2025
NEW ORLEANS — A Super Bowl halftime show performer was charged Thursday with two misdemeanors, about 4 1/2 months after he ran across the field at the Superdome waving a flag that included the words 'Sudan and Free Gaza,' Louisiana State Police said.
Zul-Qarnain Kwame Nantambu, 41, turned himself in to authorities to face of charges resisting a police officer and disturbing the peace by interrupting a lawful assembly, police said. He surrendered in coordination with his attorney and was booked into the Orleans Parish Justice Center.
Nantambu revealed the flag and ran on the field during rapper Kendrick Lamar's halftime performance on Feb. 9. He was detained on the field after his demonstration but not charged. The NFL said at the time he would be banned for life from league stadiums and events.
According to a statement from police, Nantambu had been hired as an extra performer and 'had permission to be on the field during the performance, but did not have permission to demonstrate as he did.'
NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy thanked investigators for their work.
'We take any attempt to disrupt any part of an NFL game, including the halftime show, very seriously and are pleased this individual will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law,' McCarthy said in a statement.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Report: NFL Pushed for Unprecedented Length of Games for Rashee Rice Suspension
Report: NFL Pushed for Unprecedented Length of Games for Rashee Rice Suspension

Yahoo

time21 hours ago

  • Yahoo

Report: NFL Pushed for Unprecedented Length of Games for Rashee Rice Suspension

The National Football League faced some skepticism from fans when it was announced that Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice wouldn't be suspended for the start of the regular season. Now, a new report has shed light on why the NFL hasn't suspended Rice yet. Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network reported that the NFL pushed for Rice to be suspended 10 games during the 2025 season after he pleaded guilty to two third-degree felonies: collision involving serious bodily injury and racing on a highway causing bodily injury. These charges stem from the multi-car crash in Dallas in 2024. Related: Rashee Rice contract (): $1.771 million cap hit (2025), $2.066 million cap hit (2026) However, Rice's attorney, agent, and the NFL Players Association contested the 10-game suspension proposal. The case was made that the league office was pushing for an unprecedented suspension length and asked the NFL to negotiate a much shorter suspension. A September 30 hearing date has been set, where both sides are set to meet in front of disciplinary officer Sue L. Robinson. However, the NFL is willing to negotiate on suspension length. If the two sides can agree on the length of a multi-game suspension, Rice would miss the start of the regular season. Related: Rashee Rice stats (): 103 receptions, 1,226 receiving yards, 11.9 yards per reception, 59 first downs, 9 touchdowns in 20 career games The issue for the NFL is that it wants to send a message to players regarding reckless driving and excessive speeds. Multiple NFL players have been cited this offseason for driving at over 100 mph, and the league is just a few years removed from former Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Henry Ruggs causing a fatal crash on November 2, 2021, that killed 23-year-old Tina Tintor and her golden retriever. In that accident, Rice was found to have been driving at 156 mph in the seconds before the crash. Rice's crash injured two victims, who have filed a lawsuit seeking damages for their injuries. While Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison only received a three-game suspension for violating the league's substance-abuse policy, stemming from a 2024 DUI citation, he did not cause a crash when he was behind the wheel. Related: The NFL's proposal of a 10-game suspension likely came with the league acknowledging it would need to be negotiated down with Rice's representation and the NFLPA. A settlement between the two sides could potentially result in a six-game suspension beginning with the regular-season opener. If there's no settlement, Rice will be on the field for the Chiefs' first four regular-season games. Related Headlines Report: NFL May Be Willing to go to U.S. Supreme Court Over Brian Flores, Jon Gruden Lawsuits Interested Minnesota Twins Buyer 'Blindsided' By Recent Decision MLB Rumors: Several Arizona Diamondbacks Players Unhappy with Star Ketel Marte

Will NFL, Rashee Rice come to an agreement on length of suspension?
Will NFL, Rashee Rice come to an agreement on length of suspension?

NBC Sports

timea day ago

  • NBC Sports

Will NFL, Rashee Rice come to an agreement on length of suspension?

Regardless of whether the NFL should have immediately set a hearing in the Rashee Rice disciplinary case the instant he pleaded guilty to two felonies on July 17, the league and Rice haven't been able to strike a deal on suspension. The league, as recently noted by Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, proposed a suspension that would last more than half of the season. Rice's position is that there's no precedent for that kind of punishment. Rice's side undoubtedly will point to the fact that the league suspended Jets cornerback Brandon Echols only one game in 2023, after causing a crash at a high rate of speed. Another driver was injured in the wreck, resulting in broken ribs and spinal surgery. The league would likely say there's no precedent to support a lengthy suspension of Rice, because the situation itself is unprecedented. First, he was racing. In broad daylight on a Dallas highway. Second, he caused a multi-car pileup that easily could have killed someone. Third, injuries happened. Fourth, the whole thing was caught on video. Then there's the fact that Rice initially left the scene. Although he eventually realized he had no choice but to admit he was driving, expect the hearing before Judge Sue L. Robinson to include evidence regarding Rice's behavior after the crash. Vikings receiver Jordan Addison, who was charged with DUI and pleaded to a lesser misdemeanor charge, recently received a three-game suspension. Yes, it's a different policy. Regardless, Rice pleaded guilty to two felonies. He'll spend 30 days in jail. He should get four games, at a minimum. The real question is whether Judge Robinson (and, on appeal, the Commissioner or his designee) will ignore the fact that no one was killed and determine a punishment aimed at deterring others from playing Russian roulette with a two-ton steel machine on wheels. Because that's what Rice did, regardless of the fact that he (and those in the other cars around him) got lucky. The two sides can reach an agreement on a suspension at any time. If they don't, a hearing will happen on September 30. Rice will be available to play until the case ends. And, yes, folks in the league continue to be confused by the league's departure from the standard practice resolving suspensions before Week 1. Whatever the reason(s), it's not the way these situations are typically handled.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store