Massive crowds gathered this week outside of ESPN offices to show their support for Colin Kaepernick and to encourage the NFL to add him to a roster. Kaepernick made national headlines last season when he kneeled during the national anthem in a silent protest of police brutality.
“I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color,” Kaepernick said. “To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder.”
According to a article published by BleacherReport in March:
“Kaepernick has opted out of the final season of his contract with the organization in order to become an unrestricted free agent, the 49ers announced Friday. His exit will save the front office $14.5 million in base salary based on what he would have earned through the restructured contract he signed last year.”
If Kaepernick did not opt out, he would have been released by the 49ers according to General Manager John Lynch.
“What we both agreed was that under the current construct of the situation, everything, the contract, it wasn’t going to work.”
Kaepernick is currently operating as a free agent.
Ravens general manager and head coach are considering Kaepernick as a backup to their quarterback. However, the decision is dependent upon the approval of Ravens owner (and billionaire) Steve Biscotti.
Kaepernick has agreed to stand for the national anthem for the 2017 league year. Despite this, it seems as though team owners may still consider him too controversial.
If Kaepernick is not signed by a team this season, I truly hope he can still make serious money moves but I would not look at it as a failure.
I know he is an athlete first and foremost and his love for the game in general is why he might want to be signed.
However, The influence Kaepernick has gained along with the impact he continues to have in the minds of many young African-Americans in this country, will go way further than throwing a football on a field.
His stance and what he represents should not be diluted and controlled by people who cut his check, which is what people of color are faced with in this country within this white supremacist system. He does not need to waste his time in the NFL, stressed out about race politics within a space owned and operated by rich, white men if he feels very strongly about his beliefs.
Racist Team Owners
Lets not forget Donald’s Sterlings comments and antics after being exposed by his side-piece.
I know Sterling does not represent all team owners but it is interesting to hear his views within his position as Clippers owner (at the time).
It would be dope if Kaepernick got some game from Master P, Ice-cube and Tiny, who have used their celebrity status and influence to start independent basketball leagues. Maybe Kaepernick could do something similar with football if he is unable to land a spot on the NFL roster this year.
Whatever the outcome, Kaeperinck has my support and respect. Thank you for speaking up and translating the pain of so many of our brothers and sisters.
