SEATTLE- The Seattle Seahawks postponed their meeting with former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick then signed another quarterback. He gained national attention after starting the take knee movement in which NFL players would take a knee during the national anthem. What is next for this quarterback? How many teams want him? Is he being unfairly targeted?
Kaepernick should still be able to sign with a team regardless of politics. Perhaps it would be easier for Kaepernick to compromise for the sake of playing again if that’s what it takes. Perhaps he can simply join peaceful protests that still get the message out. It would be seen as respectful. It seems Kaepernick shouldn’t have to walk on egg shells like this but he might have to.
There is a lot of grey area on this subject. Although the easy way out is to agree with the notion of always standing for the anthem, we must remind ourselves that as Americans, this is the sort of speech and assembly we value. Most of us are taught to respect the anthem, the nation’s leadership, law enforcement and military under every circumstance. However, Kaepernick should still get back in the NFL. Some team should be willing to take a chance on him, even if that means signing him to an average deal. Even if such a team decides they can’t handle the financial pressure and therefore release him, at least make some sort of attempt at resurrecting his career. He has an 88.9 quarterback rating for his career so he has great awareness when passing the ball.
Chances are Kaepernick effectively ended his career. When fans start to turn against the game and refuse to attend, something is wrong with this picture. Everyone knows about the majority opinion that taking a knee is still disrespectful and that the national anthem is to be respected under all circumstances regardless of America’s image.
The harsh reality is that few teams, if any, will take a chance signing a quarterback that protests the national anthem. It is simply cause and effect.
Is this wrong though? The United States is a nation that values liberty with the highest regard. It is a fundamental part of humanity that is above one nation. It is a global, human right. Does Kaepernick have the right to protest without losing his job? Is this a political discussion or a business question? After all, many empty seats are a striking image in the NFL. Empty seats should be the result of poor performance, not protests. Fans go to these stadiums watch football, not pay attention to politics and be constantly reminded of the nation’s shortcomings.
Therefore, we see too many empty seats which is why Kaepernick is having a tough time signing with a team. Kaepernick is right to protest the mistreatment of African-Americans. Kaepernick has rights, but so do the fans. The fans can refuse to attend games due to protests. They can just as well refuse to watch the games on television as it is their right to protest as well.