Unasked Questions in the Colin Kaepernick Media Tour

Colin Kaepernick has made headlines recently while promoting his book, The Perilous Fight. His appearances on shows like The View, The Daily Show, and The Pivot have ensured his presence in the media. However, one element is notably absent from his tour: challenging questions.

Kaepernick seems to be selecting interview settings that won’t confront him with tough inquiries. Media coverage has largely been accommodating, avoiding the more contentious aspects of his activism and sports career. Below are key questions that remain unanswered:

Controversial Comparisons

Kaepernick likened the NFL to slavery, a statement attracting significant attention. During an interview with Ryan Clark, a former ESPN analyst, he drew parallels between the NFL combine and a slave auction. Despite this comparison, Kaepernick continues to train in hopes of rejoining the league — a contradiction worth exploring. The NFL has been a path to wealth for many Black athletes, which complicates his critique of it.

The Impact on Policing

Kaepernick’s protests sparked national debate on policing. While some see his actions as peaceful, others argue he contributed to the demonization of police, affecting community safety. Research by Harvard’s Roland Fryer indicated a link between viral police incidents and decreased policing, leading to increased murder rates. This trend was evident after George Floyd’s death, where a rise in homicides affected many Black communities. Kaepernick wasn’t solely responsible, but his rhetoric played a part.

Calls for Rebellion

In 2020, during the George Floyd protests, Kaepernick posted, “When civility leads to death, revolting is the only logical reaction.” Such statements raise questions about his role in escalating tensions. The unrest resulted in deaths and significant property damage. Some argue that Kaepernick’s statements might contradict his peaceful image.

Performance on the Field

Kaepernick’s exit from the NFL involved multiple factors. In his last season, he had a 1-10 record as a starter, with a completion rate below 60%. While not disastrous, this performance wasn’t enough to offset the controversy surrounding him. Talent remains a significant factor in NFL recruitment, and it’s uncertain if his skills alone would have kept him in the league among top players like Aaron Rodgers or Tom Brady.

Martyr vs. Athlete

In 2019, Kaepernick arranged a last-minute change to his workout, frustrating NFL teams prepared to assess him. This maneuver led to questions about his interest in activism over his football career. His shift to activism brought significant attention and lucrative opportunities, such as a deal with Nike.

Kaepernick’s media appearances lack the probing questions that might reveal more about his motivations and beliefs. It appears those interviewing him are prioritizing admiration over critical inquiry.

Matt Calkins, a columnist for Outkick, has covered the intersections of sports and culture extensively. He previously worked as a sports columnist for the Seattle Times and the San Diego Union Tribune.