Former San Francisco quarterback Colin Kaepernick went the entire 2017 season without being signed by an NFL team. However, a rumor that emerged on Tuesday via NFL reporter Mike Freeman indicates that the league may be looking to change that in 2018, particularly in recompense for the Oakland Raiders potentially violating the NFL's Rooney Rule.
Here is the interesting part. I’m told the league office told the Raiders (paraphrasing): we looked out for you on the Rooney rule, now help us by signing Kaepernick, and helping to end the collusion case. 4/
— mike freeman (@mikefreemanNFL) January 23, 2018
Again, just a rumor, but a believable one, because this is indeed how the league operates. 5/
— mike freeman (@mikefreemanNFL) January 23, 2018
The Rooney Rule dictates that all NFL teams must interview a minority-race candidate for open head coaching and senior football operations positions before they make an official hire. The current rumor is that the Oakland Raiders may have violated that policy when they hired new head coach Jon Gruden.
While just a rumor, Freeman indicates a potential hangup in the alleged "deal" could be an impact in Raiders ticket sales. The Raiders are moving to Las Vegas starting in the 2019 season, and revenue from season ticket sales will be a top priority that season. Kaepernick's impact on NFL business has been a contentious issue ever since he started his form of protest in the 2016 season.
The Raiders likely won’t give in to the league because they have expensive suites and seats to fill in Vegas. They may see Kaepernick as hindering that. Which is dumb but real. /9
— mike freeman (@mikefreemanNFL) January 23, 2018
While being unsigned, Kaepernick has continued to speak out on racial issues in the United States, which Kaepernick says was the reasoning for why he protested to begin with.
The NFL has become increasingly image conscious on the issue ever since President Trump made the remark that he would "fire" players that decided to demonstrate during the playing of the national anthem. The issue was amplified even more when John Schnatter, then CEO of Papa John's, said that the demonstrations had affected profits for his company. Papa John's is one of the NFL's biggest advertising partners.
Schnatter has since stepped down from his position as CEO following the backlash of his comments.
Kaepernick is a former Nevada quarterback that was taken in the second round of the 2011 NFL Draft. After not playing for much of the 2011 season, Kaepernick eventually usurped the starting job from the injured Alex Smith in the 2012 season. Kaepernick led San Francisco to the Super Bowl that year, where the 49ers lost to the Baltimore Ravens.
Kaepernick was eventually released from his contract following the 2016 season.
You Might Also Like
NFL
The NFL could make a drastic decision to prevent national anthem protests next season
By Bo ChurneyNFL
Playoff contender reportedly won't sign Colin Kaepernick despite new found need for a backup QB
By Cody TaylorNFL
Colin Kaepernick releases statement on decision to take legal action against NFL
By Raj PrashadNFL
Former GM says he would sign Colin Kaepernick under certain conditions
By Cole FrederickncG1vNJzZmiekaOvtsbZZ5qopV%2Bjs6170a6kqKpdpK6suMCnm2aqkZ6xpr7SZpqopJmjeqytxKmcq6aZmLhuvs6opZ6xXafCrbGO