Already mired in controversy thanks to certain artists refusing to perform over the NFL’s handling of Colin Kaepernick, the Super Bowl halftime show’s saga just took another turn.
Unable to get anyone of substance (Rihanna, Carbi B) to perform, the NFL finally offered the gig to one of the most radio-friendly acts in the music business, Maroon 5.
Led by Adam Levine, the band accepted the gig and will perform on Sunday in Atlanta along with Travis Scott and Big Boi even though most NFL players couldn’t name a single one of their songs.
In a new twist, Maroon 5’s press conference ahead of the show was canceled, ostensibly to avoid the band having to answer questions about Colin Kaepernick.
As the NFL noted, “the artists will let their show do the talking.”
— NFL345 (@NFL345) January 29, 2019
To make the whole thing even fishier, Maroon 5 announced on Tuesday that they, along with the NFL and Interscope Records, are making a $500,000 donation to Big Brothers, Big Sisters of America.
Obviously, the donation is a great thing but it would appear it is being done to help smooth out any bad feelings Maroon 5’s decision to take the halftime gig has created.
“I think there are plenty of people—a lot of the players, to be honest—who support Kap and also do their job for the NFL,” Maroon 5 keyboardist PJ Morton told People. “I think we’re doing the same thing. We can support being against police brutality against black and brown people and be in support of being able to peacefully protest and still do our jobs. We just want to have a good time and entertain people while understanding the important issues that are at hand.”
Fair enough. But it is curious the NFL wouldn’t let Morton or his bandmates share similar sentiments in their pre-show press conference.
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