Eminem takes a knee during halftime performance despite reports the league told him not to

Legendary rapper Eminem took a big stand at the halftime show during the SuperBowl on Sunday, taking a knee after performing alongside Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Kendrick Lamar and Mary J. Blige. This, of course, was in tribute to Colin Kaepernick, who was barred from doing the same during the US national anthem prior to games.

There were reports earlier that the NFL had told Eminem not to do so. However, the league denies that.

"It was no surprise to us," said NFL spokesperson Brian Mccarthy. "We watched all elements of the show during multiple rehearsals this week and were aware that was going to happen."

This has happened in hockey as well. In August of 2020, Ryan Reaves and Robin Lehner of the Vegas Golden Knights knelt alongside Jason Dickinson and Tyler Seguin of the Dallas Stars during the singing of the U.S. and Canadian national anthems prior to their game. This followed Matt Dumba of the Minnesota Wild becoming the first NHL player to do so a few days earlier.

While initially forbidding its players from kneeling during the anthem, the NFL has since relented on that policy.

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