SportsSeptember 2, 2026
blackballing
BLAK-baw-ling
Definition
To exclude someone from a group, organization, or professional field as a form of social or economic punishment.
Etymology
Originating in the 18th century, the term comes from the practice of voting on potential members of a club by placing black or white balls into a container; a black ball represented a vote against the candidate, effectively barring their entry.
In the news
Kaepernick uses this term to claim that NFL teams are intentionally coordinating to prevent him from being signed to any roster due to his political protests. It highlights his perspective that he is being penalized through organized exclusion rather than merit-based evaluation.
Colin Kaepernick says NFL blackballing him: ‘I watch college football’
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