Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Colin Kaepernick

Controversies are a part of history. Explore the biggest scandals linked to Colin Kaepernick.

Colin Kaepernick is a former NFL quarterback and current civil rights activist. He played six seasons with the San Francisco 49ers. Kaepernick gained widespread recognition in 2016 when he began kneeling during the national anthem to protest police brutality and racial injustice against African Americans in the United States. This action sparked national debate, with some praising him for raising awareness and others criticizing him for disrespecting the flag and the military. He became a free agent in 2017 and remains unsigned by any NFL team, leading to claims of blacklisting due to his activism.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

2012: Starting Quarterback

In 2012, Kaepernick became the starting quarterback for the 49ers after Smith's injury, leading to a quarterback controversy due to his dynamic play and arm strength. He was named NFC Offensive Player of the Week and led the 49ers to the playoffs.

August 2016: Praise for Malcolm X and Cuban Literacy Campaign

In August 2016, Kaepernick wore a t-shirt featuring a picture of a meeting between Malcolm X and Fidel Castro and praised the Cuban Literacy Campaign. He also expressed his belief in Malcolm X's ideology.

September 2016: Kneeling During the Anthem and Social Justice Involvement

In September 2016, Kaepernick kneeled during the U.S. national anthem after a conversation with Nate Boyer. He grew more involved in social justice issues and commented on the police shootings of Terence Crutcher and Keith Lamont Scott. He also acknowledged wearing socks depicting police officers as pigs as a statement against "rogue cops".

2016: Kneeling During the National Anthem

In 2016, Colin Kaepernick began kneeling during the national anthem at the start of NFL games to protest police brutality and racial inequality in the United States, gaining national attention.

2016: Kaepernick's Protest

In 2016, during the 49ers' third preseason game, Colin Kaepernick sat and then kneeled during the U.S. national anthem to protest racial injustice, police brutality, and oppression, sparking widespread and polarized reactions.

2016: Kaepernick's Social Commentary and Anthem Protest

In 2016, leading up to the NFL season, Colin Kaepernick was active on social media, commenting on police shootings. During the 49ers' third preseason game, he was noticed sitting during the "The Star-Spangled Banner" to protest oppression of black people and people of color.

August 2017: Unsigned Status and Blackball Allegations

By August 2017, Kaepernick remained unsigned, leading to allegations of blackballing due to his political statements. Statistics suggested it was unusual for a player of his caliber to remain unsigned for so long.

September 2017: Trump's Comments Intensify Protests

In September 2017, President Donald Trump's call for NFL owners to "fire" players who protest during the national anthem intensified the protest movement initiated by Colin Kaepernick.

October 2017: Grievance Filed Against NFL

In October 2017, Colin Kaepernick filed a grievance against the NFL, accusing league owners of collusion to keep him out of the league.

November 2017: Filing Grievance Against the NFL

In November 2017, Colin Kaepernick filed a grievance against the NFL and its owners, accusing them of collusion for keeping him out of the league.

August 2018: Arbitrator Rejects NFL Dismissal Request

In August 2018, an arbitrator rejected the NFL's request to dismiss Colin Kaepernick's collusion case.

2018: Nike Ad Featuring Kaepernick

In 2018, Nike released an ad featuring Colin Kaepernick with the slogan, "Believe in something. Even if it means sacrificing everything." The NFL acknowledged the ad, stating Kaepernick's social justice campaign, "deserve(s) our attention and action".

February 15, 2019: Settlement with NFL

On February 15, 2019, Colin Kaepernick reached a confidential settlement with the NFL and withdrew his grievance. Eric Reid, who had kneeled alongside Kaepernick, also settled with the league.

February 2019: Grievance Withdrawn After Settlement

In February 2019, Colin Kaepernick withdrew his grievance against the NFL after reaching a confidential settlement.

July 2019: Nike Withdraws Betsy Ross Flag Shoe

In July 2019, Nike withdrew its Air Max 1 Quick Strike Fourth of July trainers, featuring the Betsy Ross flag, after Colin Kaepernick expressed that he and others found the flag offensive due to its association with slavery. The decision led to varied reactions and economic repercussions.

November 22, 2019: Ta-Nehisi Coates on Kaepernick's "Fight Against Cancellation"

On November 22, 2019, in The New York Times, Ta-Nehisi Coates argued that Colin Kaepernick was "fighting against cancellation" rather than simply seeking a job in the NFL.

June 2020: NFL and Kaepernick Reconsidered Amid George Floyd Protests

In June 2020, amid the George Floyd protests, The New York Times highlighted the NFL's struggle with racial issues and the league's owners' rejection of Kaepernick. Commissioner Roger Goodell apologized for not listening to African-American players' concerns, leading to renewed discussion on Kaepernick's situation and protests.

October 2020: Abolition For The People project launch

In October 2020, Kaepernick Publishing launched "Abolition For The People" with Medium, featuring 30 essays advocating for police and prison abolition.

2020: Renewed Attention Amid George Floyd Protests

In 2020, amid the George Floyd protests against police brutality and racism, Colin Kaepernick's protests received renewed attention, though he remains unsigned by any professional football team.