Update: Game Informer received word from EA saying that the edit was a “mistake.”
?We made an unfortunate mistake with our Madden NFL soundtrack. Members of our team misunderstood the fact that while we don?t have rights to include Colin Kaepernick in the game, this doesn?t affect soundtracks. We messed up, and the edit should never have happened. We will make it right, with an update to Madden NFL 19 on August 6 that will include the reference again. We meant no disrespect, and we apologize to Colin, to YG and Big Sean, to the NFL, to all of their fans and our players for this mistake.?
Original: The menu music is one of the trademarks of the sports game genre. But the soundtrack of Madden NFL 19 may just end up being its most controversial aspect. The controversy centers around the song “Big Bank” by YG. As one would expect the song is heavily censored in-game. Along with the usual profanities, references to drug use, and sexual language, a mention of controversial quarterback Colin Kaepernick is also removed from the song. The issue came to light after Madden NFL 19‘s PC release and review copies of the game went out. The specific line in question, performed by rapper Big Sean, is “You boys all cap, I’m more Colin Kaepernick.” You can hear the original song below, the line in question is around the 2:14 mark:

Here’s what the Madden 19 version sounds like, courtesy of Twitter user @jeanclervil:

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