As we all know, Kaepernick felt the wrath of millions of people when he chose not to stand for the playing of the National Anthem last year. It was a move that dominated the headlines in and out of sports, and everyone weighed in with passionate views on both sides of the argument.
He became public enemy number one...and number two was nowhere in sight.
Today Kaepernick announced that he would do an about-face and stand for the National Anthem this season, and somehow the news was met with even more criticism.
Kaepernick detractors cried foul because he is set to hit free agency after opting out of the final year of his contract with the 49ers. They speak to the hypocrisy of the move...alleging that he is only doing it to help his chances of landing on a new team.
To that I ask "What's wrong with that?"
Anyone who calls this move hypocritical is a hypocrite themselves. I mean...let's face it...we ALL tone things down when applying for new jobs.
We go conservative with our haircuts and hairdos. We cover up our tattoos. We lose whatever slang we are comfortable with and put on attire that displays the most conservative sides of ourselves.
We re-word our resumes to give the impression that we were the most loyal and hardworking employees at each and every job...whether that was actually true or not.
We refrain from bad-mouthing ex-bosses...and we refrain from suggesting that we are really in need of stability and a weekly paycheck.
We've all done it...All of us.
So why knock Kaepernick for doing this in his chosen profession? If, in fact that is the motive behind the move.
But detractors weren't the only ones crying foul today across social media, Kaepernick's most staunch supporters during the Anthem protest are mad too. The word sellout came up time and time again from now-angry supporters.
Wait...what? Let's put that notion to bed as well while we're at it.
Kaepernick started the protest, so it is well within his right to end it if and when he so chooses. He did it before it became popular, and did it with no leverage from a professional standpoint (he was the backup qb at the time with no assurance of an extension).
And most of all, he backed up his protest with action. He put his money where his mouth was. He gave to his community, he donated his time.
He used his fame and fortune to do the unpopular thing, he started a sensitive conversation that needed to be started. He opened some eyes and some progress was made.
To the angry supporters I ask...."So what are you going to do with the movement now? How much have you given? How much of your time have you donated? What stand did you take that could jeopardize the livelihood of your family?"
Again...the hypocrisy of calling someone a hypocrite.
Whether you agree with Kaepernick's views and tactics or not, don't cry foul from the sidelines. If you're passionate about what he started...do something to keep it going instead of bashing him for doing what he feels is best for his family.
follow @plcolter
No comments:
Post a Comment