Posted on 03/02/2017 10:16:59 AM PST by nickcarraway
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who began the center of a national debate when he refused to stand for the National Anthem last season, reportedly will end his protest for the upcoming season.
Citing sources close to the soon-to-be free agent, ESPN Senior Writer Adam Schefter reported on Kaepernick’s decision Thursday.
He said the sources told ESPN that Kaepernick was ending his protest so as to not detract from the positive change that he believes he has has already created.
While few other NFL players joined in the protest it did spread to colleges and high schools around the country.
ESPN also reported Kaepernick’s representation, Select Sports Group, sent a letter to the league informing them that the veteran quarterback will opt out of his contract with the 49ers and become a free agent.
The 29-year-old would have earned over $14 million dollars had he elected to remain with San Francisco in 2017. Kaepernick was initially signed through 2020, but the decision to opt out became possible after the two sides reworked his original contract in October. The move also leaves the 49ers without a quarterback on their roster.
Kaepernick reclaimed the starting quarterback job shortly after agreeing to the new contract. He started the final eleven games, threw 16 touchdowns to just four interceptions, and was named the team’s recipient of the annual Len Eshmont award, which goes to the player who “best exemplifies the inspirational and courageous play of Len Eshmont, an original member of the 1946 49ers team.”
A return to the 49ers appears unlikely, but new general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan did meet with Kaepernick last week at the team’s facility in Santa Clara. “We had a great discussion. Colin left excited, we left excited and I think as Kyle and I really believe, the evaluation is still very much fluid,” Lynch said during an interview on KNBR radio.
Kaepernick’s protest drew both praise and the ire of fans.
He also pledged through his foundation to donate $1 million to community groups seeking social justice within their hometowns. Kaepernick has given away $100,000 donations each month for the last 10 months.
On Thursday, his decision end his protest triggered an avalanche of social media comments.
Free agent = money = standing for the Anthem. Saying “my work is done” is sparse cover for the greed.
Piss on him and piss on the NFL.
What total b.s., Kaeperdick didn’t produce any “positive change” at all.... he’s just looking at his free agency and desperate to try to land a good deal when no team wants him. Which means he is a total fraud and hypocrite, since his “principled stand” vanishes as soon as his career needs take precedence.
Like they had one last season?....................
He may become patriotic with his dollar-centric head but what about his heart? Where is he?
“O Canada!”, that is.
BS - this ass will turn on a dime for money and will “stand” for it (money)
Oh Canada,....
What a worthless POS.
That the NFL would have him is reason enough for it to disappear.
I hope no one hires him.
I'd prefer he stick to his beliefs and continue to kneel knowing that few teams would want him and his controversy associated with the team.
Too late for any redemption. He’s a non person to me.
Kaepernick and his agent think this will help him get a contract.
There is no commitment that he won't refuse to stand again or find some other way to protest.
He just wants to get paid.
“Can you speak Canadian?” - North Dallas Forty
He is a liar who just wants a job next year. He will kneel all of next year.
Just like the Rams were ‘forced’ to draft the poofter, some team will be forced to ‘honor the morally incorruptible Krapernick’ and sign him. Goodell will make it so.
Then I hope he gets cut in pre-season.
Maybe an Arena Football team is in his future.
NFL is dead to me.
Given his 'performance' in the just concluded season, *that* is a distinct possibility...
the infowarrior
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.