Madden 19: EA Apologizes For Censoring Colin Kaepernick's Name In A Song

It was recently discovered that Madden NFL 19, which is available now for EA and Origin Access subscribers before its public release, removed Colin Kaepernick's name in the YG song "Big Bank" featured on the game's soundtrack. The line is supposed to be "You boys all cap, I'm more Colin Kaepernick." However, his name was scrubbed from the verse sung by Big Sean, leading to a really strange edit that caught the attention of pre-release players.

EA has now explained that it was an "unfortunate mistake." According to EA, some of its developers did not believe they had the rights to Kaepernick's name, so that's why it was censored out of the song. EA indeed does not have the rights to Kaepernick, as he's not signed to any NFL roster, but this doesn't apply to the soundtrack.

"We messed up, and the edit should never have happened," EA Sports said.

Kaepernick's name will be added back with an update due out on August 6. "We meant no disrespect, and we apologise to Colin, to YG and Big Sean, to the NFL, to all their fans, and our players for this mistake."

Kaepernick made international headlines in 2016 when, as the QB for the San Francisco 49ers, he sat during the national anthem. He told NFL media at the time that he did this in protest over the treatment of black people and people of color in the US.

EA Sports initially said Kaepernick's decision to sit would be briefly mentioned by the Madden commentators in Madden NFL 17, but this apparently never happened.

Madden 19 officially launches on August 10, but EA/Origin Access subscribers can play a 10-hour trial right now. The premium edition then unlocks on August 7, while everyone can start playing on August 10. For more, check out GameSpot's Madden 19 Review in Progress.