Colin Kaepernick accuses NFL of 'colluding' against Macklemore amid 'Free Palestine' controversy

Former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick accused New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft and other NFL owners of "openly colluding" to force Macklemore off Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour following the rapper’s pro-Palestinian remarks.

Kaepernick drew a direct comparison between Macklemore’s removal and his own allegation that NFL owners conspired to keep him out of the league after he began protesting during the national anthem in 2016.

"What Robert Kraft and what they’re saying by denying Macklemore the opportunity to go out and perform with Ed Sheeran is that they are willing to collude," Kaepernick told Ben Meiselas during a MeidasTouch interview .

"They are openly colluding." MACKLEMORE DOUBLES DOWN AFTER GETTING KICKED OFF ED SHEERAN TOUR AFTER PRO-PALESTINE STANCE Macklemore had been scheduled to open for Sheeran at Gillette Stadium , which is owned by Kraft’s company, as part of the singer’s "Loop Tour." However, Macklemore said Sheeran informed him that Kraft objected to his appearance and contacted other NFL stadium owners after the rapper used his performances at MetLife Stadium to say "Free Palestine," criticize Immigration and Customs Enforcement and perform his Gaza protest song "Hind’s Hall." Kraft confirmed that Macklemore would not be allowed to perform at Gillette Stadium but disputed the suggestion that the decision was intended to silence advocacy for Palestinians.

He instead cited what he characterized as Macklemore’s history of anti-Semitic rhetoric and imagery.

Tour promoter Messina Touring Group subsequently removed Macklemore from the remaining dates , saying multiple venues had indicated they would not host the concerts with him on the bill.

Sheeran said the decision belonged to the promoter and maintained that he had attempted to facilitate a conversation between Macklemore and Kraft.

Kaepernick argued that the episode demonstrated the willingness of powerful owners to coordinate when they believe their interests are threatened.

KAEPERNICK TELLS 'THE VIEW' THAT NFL OWNERS KEPT HIM OUT OVER POLITICS AND POWER, CLAIMS THEY DONATE TO TRUMP "They also want people to know that if you take an action that they don’t agree with, they will come for you," Kaepernick said.

"They will organize against you, which means that we collectively have to organize to be able to protect our interests as well." "When we filed the grievance, it was like, 'well, the owners wouldn’t do that.

Everybody just wants to win within the NFL,'" he added elsewhere in the interview.

"And the realization is, 'no.

They want to protect their interests.

They want to protect their power.