The Continuing Saga of Colin Kaepernick vs. the NFL

Update - Saturday, 11-23-19

Still no new job offers coming his way. Here's an interesting article on the latest news regarding CK https://sports.yahoo.com/fair-or-not-we-know-why-colin-kaepernicks-phone-isnt-ringing-with-nfl-offers-after-weekend-workout-210253095.html?.tsrc=daily_mail&uh_test=2_15

Update - Monday, 11-18-19

So, the big event didn’t exactly go as planned. Kaepernick refused to sign a routine waiver form, argued over several details, and eventually pulled out and moved the whole show down the road to a local high school. Many fans and supporters followed him. Most of the NFL folks did not, including Hue Jackson, a respected former NFL head coach (and maybe former supporter) who was chosen by the league to conduct the workout. Jackson went home instead.

Ok, so I failed to predict that CK would get his panties in a twist and not show up for his NFL scheduled workout! Dang it! I really should have guessed he would go all Diva and pull something like this!

Anyway, here is the official response from the NFL http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001077164/article/nfl-releases-statement-on-change-to-colin-kaepernick-workout

And for the sake of balanced reporting, here is a article including statements from CK and his agent regarding the whole fiasco https://sports.yahoo.com/colin-kaepernicks-workout-was-an-allin-gamble-015347827.html?soc_src=community&soc_trk=ma

And of course, you shouldn’t miss Stephen Smith’s take on this! https://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2019/11/17/stephen_a_smith_colin_kaepernick_doesnt_want_to_play_football.html

Let’s check my predictions –

1.       I said he would look good and most of the reports were fairly positive, especially in regards to his arm strength. There were a few questions about accuracy, but that was never really his strong suit anyway. He stuck with mostly throwing, but all indications were that he looked to be in good shape overall, so I’m calling this one in my favor!

2.       I predicted all 32 teams would attend and I was close. Until the drama started, 25 teams had indicated they would participate. (Unfortunately for Kap, only 8 bothered to follow him down the road to his own private show.) Video will be sent to all 32 teams. Some of them might take the time to watch it. I wouldn’t. Ok, I admit it, I was off (by a little) on this one.

3.       Still waiting to hear if anyone will make him an offer, but this prediction was based on him actually conducting his official NFL tryout/workout. His continuing display of nonconformity will probably turn off some teams and may hurt his chances here. Calling this one even.

4.       And again, we’ll have to wait on this one as well. But just to get ahead, here’s a further prediction. Now that he has once again thumbed his nose at the league, I will double down on this prediction. I don’t see him playing in the NFL again. And honestly, if he does, he would probably be better off signing in the off-season and giving himself a legitimate chance to earn a roster spot and playing time. (Instead of signing somewhere now following this disaster of a PR stunt.)

ORIGINAL POST 11-15-19

So, the NFL has arranged a special Tryout/Workout for Colin Kaepernick this Saturday in Atlanta to demonstrate his skills to potential suitors in the league. Nevermind that the season is more than halfway over, the tryout is being held on a day when it is unlikely that any head coaches or General Managers will be able to attend, and the league has already paid him a huge settlement to just go away.

I have written about Kaepernick before (https://rdperryauthor.blogspot.com/2018/09/nike-just-do-it-or-not.html) and despite his skill set, I still have doubts about whether or not he will ever again play in the NFL. But here are some of my thoughts on his upcoming tryout.

First of all, I question the sincerity of the NFL. I think this is probably just a PR stunt designed to head off another possible lawsuit. The timing is definitely suspect. Kaepernick asked for a Tuesday workout, when most teams’ HC and GM would actually be available, but he was told he could have this Saturday in Atlanta or nothing. Seems strange, but what can you do? CK appears optimistic tweeting “I’ve been in shape and ready for this for three years, can’t wait to see the head coaches and GMs on Saturday.” Good luck with that!

So, here are my early predictions regarding the big tryout!

1.       He will look really good. As with top college prospects and their pro day workouts, a scripted workout with familiar receivers should be a piece of cake. No doubt, CK will show off his mobility and arm strength and he will surely be in excellent physical shape. I think he will put on an impressive show.

2.       All 32 teams will send someone.  Probably not a lot of head coaches or GMs will attend, but unless your team is just dying to be accused of racism, or being part of the black-balling cabal, at the very least someone from the scouting department will show up. I really believe that even the teams that have absolutely no need for a QB will still participate in this sham of a tryout.

3.       At least one team will make him an offer of some kind. He does have skills. And he is better than many of the NFL’s current back-up QBs (and a few starters maybe). Despite the social activism baggage he carries, someone will take a chance. I think.

4.       And finally, I predict that he will not sign with anyone. (I could be wrong on this one!) The problem will be one of two things, in my opinion. First, I don’t think he will sign with a team, unless he believes he will start or at least compete for the starting job. At this point in the season, I just don’t know if any HC wants a QB controversy, but who knows? Secondly, I don’t think he will sign for back-up money. If he believes he is worthy of a starting spot, then he will expect a salary that reflects that, and I’m not sure any team is willing to pay big bucks for a back-up. There really is a legitimate reason why so many teams have QBs on their rosters who are less talented than CK.

So, there are my predictions for the big show in Atlanta. On Monday, I will update the blog and see how accurate I am!