Entertainment
Colin Kaepernick says NFL continues to blackball him ten years after kneeling protests
Former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick reiterated claims that league executives are keeping him out of football, while the NFL pointed to its ongoing social justice initiatives.
The short version
- Colin Kaepernick told NBC News that he believes NFL owners and executives are actively blackballing him ten years after he began kneeling during the national anthem to protest police brutality.
- Kaepernick has not played in the NFL since opting out of his San Francisco 49ers contract in March 2017.
- The NFL has repeatedly denied collusion or blackballing claims, highlighting its $575 million in contributions toward social justice programs.
Key facts
- Colin Kaepernick stated in an interview with NBC News that he believes the NFL is actively blackballing him over his political and societal stance.[Fox News]
- Kaepernick opted out of his San Francisco 49ers contract in March 2017 and has remained unsigned since.[Fox News]
- In October 2017, Kaepernick filed a collusion grievance against the NFL, which he and teammate Eric Reid settled in February 2019 for under $10 million combined.[Fox News]
- The NFL denied blackballing Kaepernick and highlighted that its Inspire Change fund has contributed over $575 million to social justice initiatives.[Fox News]
- Kaepernick is scheduled to be awarded the Muhammad Ali Center's Humanitarian of the Year Award on November 7.[Fox News]
What remains uncertain
- Whether NFL team owners colluded or actively shut down efforts by team staff to hire Kaepernick remains unverified beyond Kaepernick's statements and settled legal claims.[Fox News]