San Francisco, Calif- March 22, 2017- Free agent quarterback Colin Kaepernick has opted out of his contract with the San Francisco 49ers earlier this month, but a NFL team has yet to sign to him. It is speculated that teams are hesitant to offer him a contract due to his stance on racial justice issues in America, which have been highly publicized.
Kaepernick gained a lot of media attention when he first took a knee during the national anthem before games last fall. This stirred up much controversy between fans, politicians and sports commentators alike and before the election, Donald Trump has stated, “I think it's personally not a good thing. I think it's a terrible thing." Previously, those who criticized Kaepernick accused him for not using his “privilege” and money to help communities rather than just taking a knee. However, the quarterback proved his naysayers wrong. After pledging to donate $1 million in charity, he gave money to local organizations in the Bay Area, held a clinic to empower young black men, donated money to support the Standing Rock protests, and donated his enormous shoe collection to charity in less than a year.
According to a Bleacher Report article, one unnamed AFC general manager mentioned “...Some teams fear the backlash from fans after getting him (Colin Kaepernick). They think there might be protests or Trump will tweet about the team.” The manager also added that some teams “genuinely hate him and can’t stand what he did”. It hasn’t been confirmed if by “teams” the anonymous manager is referring to the fans, coaches, or other managers in the NFL. Trump, who is no stranger when it comes to calling out people he doesn’t agree with, has already criticized Kaepernick for not being offered contracts via Twitter, at a Trump rally in Louisville, and to other media outlets.
Despite teams not weighing in on his talents but rather how he addresses social issues, Colin Kaepernick has continued to use his platform and resources to help disenfranchised citizens. This week, he has donated $50,000 to the Meals on Wheels program which may lose funding from the government. And another $50,000 to the Love For Somalia campaign, which will give food and water to Somalis experiencing a historic famine.
What is even more puzzling about Kaepernick’s situation is that he is one of the best offensive players in the NFL. Just looking at his statistics and postseason appearances alone, he is a player who can definitely make a positive impact on any team. It raises the question, can professional athletes have public opinions on politics and social issues without any repercussions? Also, why is him taking a knee months ago being overshadowed by all the positive work he’s currently doing?
It has been confirmed from ESPN’s Adam Schefter that Kaepernick will no longer take a knee during the national anthem. It is believed that he decided to do this in hopes of landing a contract with a new team. Through all the negativity from the public, and apprehension from NFL organizations, 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh has been a ray of light for the quarterback. Harbaugh has revealed to the media that he told teams that Colin Kaepernick can still be great and help them win championships if they give him a chance.
Great job!
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