San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick made news on two fronts within the last two days.
For openers, the 49ers announced that the star-crossed quarterback will opt out of his contract to become a free agent. There are also reports that Kaepernick will stand, as opposed to kneel, for the National Anthem. Kaepernick was scheduled to make $14.9 million in salary and bonuses, which will not count as savings on the team's salary cap. If Kaepernick had not opted out of his contract, the 49ers would have released him.
However, Kaepernick opting out of his contract would not preclude him from returning to San Francisco. General manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan, both in their first season in their newly appointed roles, confirmed as much.
Kaepernick made as much news away from football as he did within it in 2016. He was a lightening rod for refusing to stand during the National Anthem, several other players in the NFL, college and high school followed the move. Kaepernick’s reason for changing his National Anthem stance is because he believes there has been positive change in America and he does not want to detract from that, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Kaepernick’s change of heart, however, was not met with rave reviews. He has been referred as a hypocrite and a sellout. Much of the narrative has been that Kaepernick’s move is self-serving so as to make himself marketable as a free agent to potential suitors.
I am all in favor of Kaepernick now choosing to stand for the National Anthem even if his beliefs are no different. Even though he had the right to kneel during the National Anthem, I do not believe the American flag is the platform to make political statements. My reasons, however, are not what most people give. The common narrative is to respect the flag because of the military (past and present). I have utmost respect for those serving our country past and present but I can’t help but be a cynic because people use the military angle when convenient, yet our veterans are treated like crap. You don’t believe me, go to any random VA Hospital.
My reason for saluting the American flag is because as a first generation American, i know my parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles took a risk to come to the United States from Italy to make a better life for themselves along with me, my brothers, sisters and cousins. I would be disrespecting their efforts if I did not stand for the National Anthem.
I can’t help but be a cynic in looking at Kaepernick’s decision to stand for the National Anthem. The message reeks of, “I’ll stand up for what I believe in as long as I have millions of dollars in my pocket.” I guess football pays more than being unemployed.
While Kaepernick’s message is self-serving, we are guilty of the same thing when we are in the job market or dating market. You put your best foot forward so you can find suitors. Not to mention, in your first few months of dating or at a new job, you are on your best behavior.
I was skeptical of Kaepernick’s social movement all along even though the issues he initially addressed are real from oppression of minorities to police brutality. I became even more skeptical when after the presidential election he not only admitted he didn’t vote but has never been registered to vote. Really? You’re 27 years old, you get on your soapbox calling for change yet you don’t use a basic fundamental right to bring change. As polarizing as Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump are, I get not wanting to vote for them but at least vote a third party candidate and the other ballot initiatives.
As for Kaepernick the football player, the narrative is that the 2012-2013 version that led San Francisco to consecutive NFC Title Games and a Super bowl appearance has vanished without a trace after subpar seasons in 2014-2015.
Though the 49ers were God awful in going 2-14 in 2016, Kaepernick played reasonably by numbers when replacing Blaine Gabbert after five games. He threw 16 touchdowns and just four interceptions. It’s not like he was throwing to Jerry Rice and Terrell Owens and handing off to Roger Craig and Ricky Watters.
The only question is are the 49ers in the present or past tense for Kaepernick.
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