Everyone knows the news by now that San Francisco 49ers quarterback, Colin Kaepernick, sat during the national anthem of a 49ers preseason game. The media has bounced around this story over the weekend and on Monday for a number of reasons. Race relations is a hot-button issue in the United States right now, stemming from police brutality cases, raging poverty in America’s large cities, and the progressive movements aiming to tackle these issues head on.
To have a clear optic to see this situation, you have to realize that public statements should be made. But there are definitely a couple of motives which shine light on the belief that Kaepernick has a bigger agenda than just conquering social issues within the country.
The Fading Image of Colin Kaepernick
Kaepernick By the Numbers
First, let’s look at the numbers to put a light on Kaepernick with some factual evidence. In 2013, the young quarterback broke into an elite status within the league with mind-blowing athleticism, matched with incredible size and strength for an NFL quarterback. He was a freak athlete, who many hadn’t see anything like before. Kaep was built like a defensive lineman, had a strong arm, and ran a 4.53, 40 time. In his best season with the Niners, he threw 21 touchdowns with a QBR of 65.9. In that year Kaepernick also led the Niners to a Super Bowl appearance against the Baltimore Ravens.
Since 2013 Kaepernick’s numbers have declined because of both injuries and the loss of head coach, Jim Harbaugh. The Niners coaches since the loss of Harbaugh have been bad to say the least. Last season, Kaepernick was sidelined with an injury and spent almost the entire year on the trade block. Coming into this season, he is seen as the backup to Blaine Gabbert.
In the preseason game last week against the Green Bay Packers, Kaepernick threw for only 14 yards and completed only a couple of passes against second-string defenders! Physically, he looks way too slim and has lost muscle definition. For a guy who benefited off of his unmatched size and strength, his game has been ravaged by his loss of muscle and weight. With all of the negatives this preseason, some are even thinking that he might be cut from the roster to save the 49ers from paying $12 million dollars in guaranteed money this season.
Kaepernick Needed to Regain Attention
With all of these things crashing down on Kaepernick, he doesn’t have many options. With a fading image, what is the most common thing many public figures try doing? Make some kind of bold statement. Do something out their comfort zone to create media buzz and attention.
All the way from politicians to professional athletes, this is done time and time again. They tap into a hot-button issue in the country and take a bold stance on it. That practice in and of itself is totally fine, but you have to question the timing and sincerity of these actions in certain instances.
These kinds of statements mean absolutely nothing. They are the weakest form of activism that exists. If Colin Kaepernick was actually trying to help out core issues in the country, he would have done something effective in the community. He would have used a social or political platform, rather than NFL game. Denying to the stand up for the national anthem is not the way to create awareness for an issue. It is, however, a way to the get the cameras pointed on you and have sports talk radio taking stances and having hot takes on the action. The statement is simply a headline, not a call-to-action for society.
Kaepernick’s Background
When you look back at the history of Colin Kaepernick, it isn’t the most convincing narrative. He was born to a single mother and his father left before he was born. His biological mother then put him up for adoption, hoping he would have a better life. He was then adopted by a white couple (Rick and Theresa Kaepernick) who raised him like he was their very own. Colin was given an education and exposed to the game of football in high school. There he shined and later was recruited to Nevada, where he played his college football.
Kaepernick said in his interviews that he has seen oppression of minorities before. There is no doubt that he probably has at some point in his life. Although, this isn’t a man who lived his entire life in poverty-stricken neighborhoods. He is from Milwaukee, Wisconsin and grew up there and later moved to Turlock, California.
It’s not to be said that he doesn’t have the right or experience to protest for these issues. He has every right, inclination, and influence to do so. The point is that although he appears to be deeply affected by the issues in this country, he didn’t grow up through them.
There are players and people who have come from a lot worse backgrounds, who find success, and then voice their opinions, but in a political way. Usually these people have seen minority oppression for their entire lives, and it has affected them on a very deep, personal level. It’s hard to see this passion of activism with Colin Kaepernick. If it was there, it would have not taken him years to point out, where he is on the verge of losing his job by being cut from team, to now speak out on these important issues.
Conclusion
The timing is skeptical to say the least, considering the downfall that Kaepernick has experienced in the NFL. This is a press-release to get his name circulating back in the media. It gives him some leverage on the organization. Cutting him now would give the optic that the 49ers organization is either racist or is against social activism. Do note, that there are definitely times and places for social activism.
Showing disrespect to the military, nation, and the national anthem are not ways to voice frustration with the country. The national anthem is written with the blood of Americans throughout hundreds of years. Without their sacrifices, we wouldn’t able to sing it today. There would be no country, no football, and most importantly no freedom to speak of all.
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