Colin Kaepernick may get signed as NFL admits it was wrong about him taking a knee amid George Floyd protests
Colin Kaepernick was ousted from the NFL after he began taking a knee in the 2016 season with the 49ers. However, sources say he may get a new chance in the wake of George Floyd protests. The 32-year-old quarterback has gone for three long seasons without being hired by an NFL team after being labeled a controversial distraction by some higher-ups in the league owing to the pushback received from hordes of fans. The backlash began after he started taking a knee during the National Anthem in his 2016 season to protest police brutality against black Americans.
However, Kaepernick may get a second chance in the NFL after nationwide protests that have broken out over the May 25 death of George Floyd, a black father-of-two who died at the hands of a white police officer during his arrest in Minneapolis.
“The last few weeks have been a big wake up call for many people who are decision-makers in the NFL and some owners have looked at the situation with Colin in a whole different light. They actually now feel that they would like to right a wrong and potentially work with him,” a source told HollywoodLife.
Kaepernick became a free agent in 2017 after leaving the 49ers. No NFL team has shown interest in him since he was ousted from the league. “So discussions have intensified to see if he would be a good fit to be offered a chance to join the team or not. In the darkness of tragedy, it appears some good might actually come from it within the league,” the insider continued.
Meanwhile, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell released a statement on June 5 admitting they were wrong "for not listening to NFL players" earlier.
“We, the NFL, condemn racism and the systematic oppression of Black People. We, the NFL, admit we were wrong for not listening to NFL players earlier and encourage all to speak out and peacefully protest. We, the NFL, believe Black Lives Matter," he said.
“Teams have had the discussion of giving Colin a chance to compete for a QB position on their squad, but there are so many variables to still occur that it might take some time for any forward progress to even happen,” the source continued. “The wounds of George Floyd are still so fresh that everyone involved wants to make this whole situation something special and not just a publicity stunt.”
“For one, teams can’t have workouts or practices with their current player’s thanks to the Coronavirus," the insider explained. "The season to actually be played is expected, but not confirmed, which throws another wrench into negotiations and when it comes to contracts, salary caps, and team unity. That all plays a part in decisions from an owner’s perspective to bring Colin onto a team."
“Plus would he want to play with the certain teams that are interested? There are more questions than answers right now, but at least now teams are asking those questions and considering bringing Colin in. Whereas close to two weeks ago that really wasn’t the case at all," the source added. "There is now at least hope that Colin will be given a chance."