Colin Kaepernick accuses NFL owners of collusion

Colin Kaepernick has accused NFL owners of collusion, drawing parallels between his own exclusion from the league and the recent removal of rapper Macklemore from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour. Kaepernick claims that after Macklemore made comments supporting Palestinians during a performance in New Jersey, New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft barred the rapper from performing at MetLife Stadium, citing a history of antisemitic rhetoric.

In recent interviews, Kaepernick also alleged that NFL owners sought a prominent Black figure to help end the controversy surrounding his national anthem protests. He claimed the league previously offered him a role leading social justice initiatives, which he rejected, and instead entered into a partnership with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation. Kaepernick characterized Jay-Z’s involvement as the league finding a “Black face” to subvert the protests.

Despite his criticisms of the league—which he has compared to a system of modern slavery in terms of power dynamics—the 38-year-old former quarterback stated he is still preparing for a potential return to professional football.