I happened to read the story where Mike Freeman a reporter for Bleacher Report interviewed seven anonymous NFL executives regarding the recent and continued actions of Colin Kaepernick. The reporter asked the question, if Colin Kaepernick was released by the 49er’s what would be his chances of finding work with another NFL franchise? Each responded with they would never sign him in the wake of the national anthem protest.
Furthermore, they emphasized that they would not want him on their team, accordingly one NFL executive stated “He’s a traitor,” another stated “F” Colin Kaepernick. Each of the executives said that they believed that he will never play in the NFL again, if and when he is cut.
Here is where their anonymous responses become of great concern, and should be looked into by the NFLPA, one of the executives said that he believes 90-95 percent of the NFL front offices have blacklisted Colin Kaepernick.
If NFL executives don’t like what he has done and find his actions unacceptable and reprehensible that’s all fine and good, that’s there right and because there are feelings on both sides of the issue.
When NFL executives start stating and mentioning the term “blacklisted” that, in my judgment, means that they have the potential to engage in collusive efforts to ensure that he does not have the opportunity to play in the league. If that is the case then they could be in violation of the collective bargaining agreement. The NFLPA better be prepared to represent Colin Kaepernick regardless if owners are colluding to keep him out of the NFL when he is cut.
By Fred Cromartie, Ed.D.
Dr. Cromartie, is the Director of Doctoral Studies at the United States Sports Academy, and can be reached at cromarti@ussa.edu.