Colin Kaepernick has been an ongoing topic since taking a knee at the San Fransisco 49ers’ final 2016 preseason game. Kaepernick opted to kneel during the U.S. national anthem rather than stand as expected, as he had done in previous games. This form of silent protest against police brutality against Black people by Kaepernick has escalated to recruit others in support of his intended message. This has been an ongoing battle between not only players in the NFL and Commissioner Roger Goodell, but also in the political world: the U.S President even got involved.

Kaepernick has never hidden his message, but rather used his position within sport, and the platform it affords, to promote knowledge regarding racial injustice and police brutality. Those who stand behind Kaepernick do so by also taking a knee; it is a visual way to reach thousands of viewers through a peaceful movement.

Though the NFL as a league has not been in support of Kaepernick and his movement, his fellow players and staff have been advocating for this protest against racism. With the NFL not being supportive of such a significant topic, many halftime performers turned down the opportunity to perform. Maroon 5’s booking, therefore, is under a cloud, as it appears that they were a last resort among bigger names.

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