A panel of NFL executives and coaches weighed in on the Colin Kaepernick story, pointing at the national anthem protest as a significant factor in his being unsigned by an NFL team to date.
That said, it is more complicated as to why Kaepernick is still out of work.
For example, one personnel director explained that the position he plays itself is causing him problems. A quarterback is typically seen as a positive motivator and role model. Not someone who kneels and whines about their situation.
“Another guy at another position exercises that same right, he probably doesn’t get the same feedback as the guy who is supposed to be the All-American guy at quarterback,” the executive said.
ESPN reports:
“I don’t think that should have kept him from getting a job or coming in and competing. He made his statement, he was recognized for making that statement, and some people jumped on board with him and others were against his stance, but he made his point. Now you move on to the next thing.”
It hasn’t worked out that way so far.
“It is really not about his ability,” an exec said. “It’s about the risk of what happens to the team concept when you sign a guy — a quarterback — who has put his personal agenda ahead of what we are all charged to do, which is put the team first. As a team builder, I cannot risk that happening again, especially for a borderline starter who needs the entire offense catered to his style.
“Tom Brady or Philip Rivers would never consider making a stand on something like that, and it’s just because it’s not the place. I don’t disparage what he did.”
Then he offered up this salient point that explains the entire problem with Kaepernick: He brought his anti-police, anti-America protests to work with him
“I understand and I’m all for people standing up for a cause, just not while they’re at work,” that same personnel director explained.
Hundreds of people gathered outside NFL headquarters earlier this week and protested in support of the polarizing quarterback.
Over 1,000 people gathered outside the NFL, accusing the league of blackballing Colin Kaepernick for kneeling during the national anthem: pic.twitter.com/HHNrq3xL26
— CBS News (@CBSNews) August 24, 2017
But Kaepernick’s problems are of his own doing.
Other executives have argued that the anthem protests show a man who isn’t interested in working quite as much as he’s interested in being a “race messiah” as another NFL source stated.
“Colin thinks he’s fighting a much higher battle than he is,” the source told the Daily Caller. “He views himself as a race messiah.”
That statement involved a report that Kaepernick had actually turned down a contract with one team because he wanted to push the race angle.
Technically, he passed on two contracts, the first being when he turned down a $14.5 million contract with the 49ers, the team he played for last season, to enter the free agent market.
One NFL head coach told ESPN “I do not think he (Kaepernick) is done.”
“I think he can still play,” the coach said. “He is awkward. People want a certain look.”
That look involves standing at attention, offering respect to a flag that many people died fighting for.
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