Colin Kaepernick has been making the rounds promoting his new book, “The Perilous Fight.” He’s appeared on platforms like “The View,” “The Daily Show,” and “The Pivot,” with interviews by Trevor Noah and Jemele Hill. However, amidst all this media exposure, one thing stands out: the lack of probing questions about his controversial past and present.
Press Tour without Pressing Questions
Kaepernick’s media appearances have lacked critical inquiry. As a journalist, witnessing the seemingly uncritical coverage of such a divisive figure raises questions about what remains unasked. While Kaepernick might wish to avoid tension during his book promotion, genuine scrutiny could reveal much about his views and actions.
The NFL and Slavery Comparison
Kaepernick once compared the NFL combine to a slave auction, a statement that drew criticism. Despite branding the NFL as similar to slavery, he continues to train for a potential return, highlighting a contradiction. The NFL has generated numerous opportunities for Black athletes, making his comparison highly controversial.
Demonizing Police and Its Impact
Kaepernick’s protests against police brutality have labeled him a peaceful advocate. Yet, his strong rhetoric compared police to “slave patrols,” contributing to their vilification. Studies, including one by Harvard’s Roland Fryer, connected these perceptions to increased crime rates, suggesting negative effects on communities.
Calls for Action Post-Floyd’s Death
Following George Floyd’s death, Kaepernick’s online statements seemed to endorse violence as a response. The subsequent protests saw significant casualties and destruction. Statements like “revolting is the only logical reaction” paint a picture of a public figure who might unintentionally incite unrest.
Decline in Kaepernick’s Skills
There is discussion about whether Kaepernick’s declining football performance contributed to his NFL exit. His record in his final season did not meet some expectations and may have fueled his outsider status. Comparisons to top quarterbacks suggest that if his skills matched theirs, his controversial activism might have been tolerated.
Martyr or Quarterback?
The notion arises whether Kaepernick is more interested in his activist identity than in being a football player. A 2019 incident, where he altered the location of a workout, dissuaded teams from considering him further. This decision seemed to underscore that activism, supported by a lucrative Nike deal, might take precedence over his NFL career.
The reluctance of interviewers to challenge Kaepernick critically suggests a narrative centered around his protest. For those interviewing him, the choice to avoid difficult questions related to his controversial persona is apparent.
Outkick columnist Matt Calkins provides a perspective on this intersection of sports and culture, highlighting the contrast in Kaepernick’s public and private personas.
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