Maroon 5 are set to be the headliners of the 2019 Super Bowl halftime show, but apparently they weren’t the first choice for the ceremony. Us Weekly is reporting that Rihanna was previously approached by the NFL for the performance – but turned it down in solidarity with Colin Kaepernick.

“The NFL and CBS really wanted Rihanna to be next year’s performer in Atlanta,” a source told Us. “They offered it to her, but she said no because of the kneeling controversy. She doesn’t agree with the NFL’s stance.”

Former 49ers quarterback Kaepernick hasn’t played since the 2016 season, and claims that the NFL teams have blacklisted him for his silent protest against police brutality and racial inequality, kneeling during the national anthem at games. Earlier this year he appeared in a Nike campaign, leading to calls from the world’s worst people to boycott the brand.

The 2019 Super Bowl takes place in Atlanta on February 3, 2019. Given Rihanna is reportedly finishing a dancehall-inspired album right now, the performance would presumably have fit into her promotional campaign.