Rihanna was one of the top contenders to headline the 2019 Super Bowl halftime show, with it ultimately going to Maroon 5, much to many's dismay. Turns out, Rihanna reportedly declined the opportunity due to support of former San Francisco 49ers Colin Kaepernick, according to an exclusive report in Us Weekly.

A source told Us Weekly that Rihanna "said no because of the kneeling controversy. She doesn’t agree with the NFL’s stance.” In 2016, Kaepernick famously took a knee during the national anthem in protest of the injustices faced by African-Americans, gaining the support of other athletes. But the NFL wasn't supportive of his actions. Kaepernick has remained a free agent since 2017 and is suing the NFL for colluding to prevent his hiring.

Back in August, Kaepernick's lawyer released a statement saying the case's abitrator "denied the NFL's request to dismiss Colin Kaepernick's complaint," noting that the football player has enough evidence to move forward with the lawsuit.

Though many aren't too happy about Maroon 5 headlining, Cardi B is reportedly in talks with the NFL to perform her M5 collaborative hit "Girls Like You," as well has have her own solo slot. You can't help but wonder what it would've been like to have Rihanna play the Super Bowl, though.

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