Colin Kaepernick has been a free agent since March. (Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)
After a CBS reporter initially claimed Colin Kaepernick would stand for the national anthem this season, the free agent quarterback’s girlfriend has denied the statement. Backed up through a retweet by Kaepernick, Nessa Diab, a DJ for New York’s Hot 97, said her boyfriend “has never discussed this with anyone.”
The reports that Colin will stand for the anthem are completely false! He has never discussed this with anyone. pic.twitter.com/tWusUBJMeF
— NESSA (@nessnitty) October 8, 2017
Kaepernick also tweeted the following quote he credited to Winston Churchill, however, it has also been attributed to Mark Twain. He also retweeted others, like activist DeRay McKesson, who confirmed Kaep wouldn’t stop protesting.
A lie gets halfway around the world before the truth has a chance to get its pants on.
Winston S. Churchill
— Colin Kaepernick (@Kaepernick7) October 8, 2017
Kaepernick’s Know Your Rights campaign also clarified the report as “fake news” on Instagram.
“If it’s a report about Kap that’s not on this page, it’s probably not true,” it said.
Some reacted positively when the news was confirmed false.
And he should not! When they stop killing us, then we can stand for the National Anthem! Randy McAllister, RN and Veteran of the USAF
— Randy McAllister (@RMcAllisterRN) October 8, 2017
Thank you lord. @Kaepernick7 has done so much by bravery and intelligence. I understand he needs to work, but this movement cannot stop
— Rev. Dean A. Willich (@Pecator) October 8, 2017
Others delighted in Kaepernick’s ongoing free agency and slammed the star.
Loser gets what he deserves- nothing. The nfl gave him millions and he disrespects everyone who served. Screw him he’ll never play again.
— Empowering Change (@4Empowering) October 8, 2017
Who’s a real hero? I’m thinkin’…..not you!🙃🖕 pic.twitter.com/N17RYylECX
— Trump45🇺🇸USA1st (@Trump45_USA1st) October 8, 2017
Things got hairy Sunday, Oct. 8 when Jason La Canfora told CBS’s “The NFL Today” that the former San Francisco 49er would end his protest of Black oppression during “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
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“He’s not planning on kneeling,” La Confora said per Sporting News. “He’s going to donate all his jersey sales. He’s planning on standing for the anthem if given the opportunity.”
Then, La Confora tweeted that his discussion with Kaepernick did not include talk about him continuing the protest, but they did discuss his “will to play.” Sporting News reported La Confora said Kaepernick works out regularly and throws 100-plus passes at an undisclosed New Jersey gym daily. As for the protest, Kaepernick is reportedly pleased that other NFLers and athletes have joined in.
Standing for Anthem wasn't something that I spoke to Colin about sat. I relayed what had been reported about him standing in the future…
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) October 8, 2017
Reports about @Kaepernick7 standing for anthem had not been refuted. However, I cant say if they are true or not. Colin and I didn't discuss
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) October 8, 2017
Colin would have to address any future demonstrations. I didn't ask him if he would sit or stand. Our chat primarily about his will to play
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) October 8, 2017
I know @Kaepernick7 is fully committed to playing football and helping those in need. What he would do during the Anthem I do not know
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) October 8, 2017
However, many questioned La Confora’s credibility and wondered if he’d apologize to Kaepernick.
How long have you been doing this “reporting” thing? pic.twitter.com/XP9p5r9QN4
— Indi Montgomery (@indimontgomery) October 8, 2017
Then why did you lie about it? Trying too hard to steer public opinion. Report facts. Were you absent that day at journalism school?
— ⚾️bballdad4⃣4⃣7⃣4⃣5⃣ (@bballdad44745) October 8, 2017
Still waiting on that apology to Kaep and all of us who knew you were lying this morning with that false article @AP @LATimes @YahooSports
— Wake Up America (@MCHIns) October 9, 2017
Others shared their continued dislike for the athlete.
@kaepernick7 can pound sand — #BoycottNFL He has enough $$ to give away If honestly wants to help those in need —
— BtsBill 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@BtsBill) October 8, 2017
He’s a shitty qb. Who cares if he kneels or stands.
— P1_Browns (@browns33) October 8, 2017
and that dirtbag kaepernick has got the high school students kneeling. what a tool he should just quit football
— Moon Raven (@moonraventastic) October 8, 2017
Rumors surfaced in March that Kaepernick would no longer protest after the 2016 season. Sources told ESPN at the time that the quarterback reportedly felt that news coverage surrounding racial injustice supported his efforts. However, that hasn’t been confirmed.
Still, it’s plain to see who would benefit from Kaepernick ending his demonstration. For one, he kicked off a trend across the league which has seen hundreds of players partake over the course of the 2017 season. “Sunday Night Football” saw down ratings with the worst Week 3 in 11 years, according to Deadline. Should Kaepernick quit his protest, many NFLers could follow his lead which may lead to a rating turnaround. But with ratings being down in recent years, it may take more than Kaepernick to change things.
