Colin Kaepernick
Role at the time: Former NFL quarterback; activist
Defended or excused
Statement summary
Colin Kaepernick accused Robert Kraft and NFL stadium owners of "colluding" to deny Macklemore the opportunity to perform, drawing a parallel to his own NFL blackballing.
“what Robert Kraft and what they're saying by denying Macklemore the opportunity to perform with Ed Sheeran is they are willing to collude”
Open the original interview (opens in a new tab)Colin Kaepernick calls out Robert Kraft, NFL owners amid Macklemore tour ouster
Why we used this label
On Macklemore's MetLife message and conduct, Kaepernick argues the artist should not have been denied the stage for it and warns the precedent threatens anyone who takes an action the owners dislike. That treats the conduct under scrutiny as acceptable. Robert Kraft and the stadium owners are the target of the criticism, not the case position. Amended by classification correction 322.