Update: 11:51 am ET (Jan. 16 2019) – A new report from TMZ claims that Colin Kaepernick never spoke to Travis Scott about the Super Bowl halftime show. Sources close to the celebrity site said that Kaep is calling BS on the initial report, saying the former QB never gave his seal of approval to Scott.
Ebro Darden confirmed the newest report on social media, tweeting “Kap did not approve this bulls**t. Get the f**k outta here.”
Kaepernick never made this about the NFL or the flag.
Because the NFL, the owners + The President made it about the anthem & the flag and screwed Kaepernick out of work.
I have refused to watch Football until Kaep gets paid, which would be the NFL acknowledging their mistake.
— Kojo Ebro (@oldmanebro) January 16, 2019
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Original story below:
Travis Scott landed in the center of controversy after he announced that he would be performing during the Super Bowl halftime show in Feb. 2019. The outrage mostly stemmed from the split views regarding the NFL and its treatment of former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who had been blackballed from the league for silently protesting social injustice during the national anthem. Despite fan opinions, however, a new report claims Trav consulted with Kaep before the big performance, and their chat went rather well, according to Variety.
According to the new report, Travis and Kaepernick had at least one phone conversation earlier this year. While it’s unclear what the two spoke about, a source close to Trav admitted that the two did not agree on everything that was talked about, but emerged from the discussion with “mutual respect and understanding.”
As previously reported, Scott recently announced that he only agreed to perform during the halftime show as long as the NFL donated to Van Jones’ social justice organization, Dream Corps. “I back anyone who takes a stand for what they believe in,” he said in his announcement. “I know being an artist that it’s in my power to inspire. So before confirming the Super Bowl Halftime performance, I made sure to partner with the NFL on this important donation. I am proud to support Dream Corps and the work they do that will hopefully inspire and promote change.”
According to the insider, Travis reiterated to Kaepernick that he would only confirm his performance after the donation was secured.
The two may have reached an understanding, but fans are still trying to persuade the rapper to make a statement during the halftime stage. A Change.org petition has been launched, requesting that Maroon 5, Travis Scott, and Big Boi take a knee during their performances. It has already garnered more than 85,000 signatures. “It appears these artists aren’t backing out at this point. So now what?,” the petition description reads. “There’s one way they can still redeem their reputation with their fans. Maroon 5, Travis Scott and Big Boi: take a knee during your set.”
The Super Bowl will kick off on Feb. 3.