The S.F. Police Officers Association yesterday sharply criticized 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick’s recent statements about police brutality, saying he showed not just "an incredible lack of knowledge," but a "naivety and total lack of sensitivity towards police officers," according to Vivian Ho of the S.F. CHRONICLE. In a letter to 49ers President & CEO Jed York and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, Police Officers Association President Martin Halloran called Kaepernick’s statements “foolish” and said he had “embarrassed himself, the 49ers organizations and the NFL based on a false narrative and misinformation that lacks any factual basis" (S.F. CHRONICLE, 8/30). In San Jose, Cam Inman notes Kaepernick yesterday "went about business as usual at the 49ers' facility," even as his protest "drew condemnation across the nation." Kaepernick "did not formally address the media" (SAN JOSE MERCURY NEWS, 8/30).
FUTURE WATCH: NFL agent Drew Rosenhaus, who does not rep Kaepernick, said the protest will "have an impact on potential new endorsements." Rosenhaus: "I'm not sure that anybody who currently endorses him will drop him because of his decision to exercise his right to free speech. But I'm not sure that he will get any new deals because it is so controversial. ... Everybody has an opinion, but that doesn't always work for endorsement opportunities" ("Closing Bell," CNBC, 8/29). In S.F., Ann Killion notes if 49ers coach Chip Kelly releases Kaepernick before the start of the regular season, it "could play into the narrative that Kelly has a problem with African American players." The Cowboys "just lost" starting QB Tony Romo to injury, but it is "hard to imagine" Owner Jerry Jones signing someone who will not stand for the Anthem. This protest "might end up being the legacy of Kaepernick’s career" (S.F. CHRONICLE, 8/30). The CHRONICLE's Eric Branch wonders if the 49ers will eventually "decide it’s not worth keeping a reserve quarterback whose beliefs on social issues could provide an ongoing distraction" The protest "could inspire more questions about Kaepernick’s focus and commitment, issues that have been raised previously" (S.F. CHRONICLE, 8/30). In Pittsburgh, Ron Cook writes it is "possible Kaepernick made a tough decision for the 49ers just a little bit easier" (PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE, 8/30). The SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE editorial board writes, "In the results-oriented world of the NFL, only the best players are allowed to be a 'distraction'" (8/30). ESPN's Adam Caplan cited a team exec as saying that to bring Kaepernick on, "you'd have to talk to your players, you'd have to see if they would accept him," as well as "talk to the owner." Caplan: "This is not the easiest situation to deal with" ("NFL Insiders," ESPN2, 8/29).
PLAYERS VOICE OPINIONS: In Boston, Rachel Bowers writes under the header, "Within NFL, Colin Kaepernick Has Both Support And Opposition" (BOSTON GLOBE, 8/30). ESPN.com's Tim McManus noted Eagles rookie LB Myke Tavarres "has reversed course and will now stand" for the National Anthem before Thursday's game against the Jets, after "earlier saying he would sit it out in protest" (ESPN.com, 8/29). Saints QB Drew Brees said, "He can speak out about a very important issue. But there's plenty of other ways that you can do that in a peaceful manner that doesn't involve being disrespectful to the American flag" (ESPN.com, 8/29). Bears LB Danny Trevathan: "If you want to do it, you should do it, but you have to know what you stand for and give it what you got" (CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, 8/30). Dolphins DT Ndamukong Suh said, "You’ve gotta respect the man’s opinion, as well as his actions. I definitely understand where he’s coming from." Dolphins QB Ryan Tannehill: "That’s a guy’s right to take a stance in how he sees fit." Dolphins coach Adam Gase on Sunday said that he "would not discourage any of his players from making a public stance on an issue that was important to them" (PALM BEACH POST, 8/30). In Nashville, Joe Rexrode notes yesterday at the Titans facility he "did not encounter anyone ... willing to rip Kaepernick." At most, a "little shade thrown his way in regard to the anthem and the concept of respecting veterans" (Nashville TENNESSEAN, 8/30). Saints S Roman Harper said he and Kaepernick have "different views" but the 49ers QB is "allowed to do what he wants." Saints S Kenny Vaccaro: "I just don't think that's exactly the right way to do it" (New Orleans TIMES-PICAYUNE, 8/30).
COACH SPEAK: Jets coach Todd Bowles: "We all have the right to do what we want." But in N.Y., Daniel Popper notes a number of Jets players yesterday "all refused to comment specifically on Kaepernick’s situation" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 8/30). Lions coach Jim Caldwell: “I don’t necessarily agree with what [Kaepernick] does, but the fact of the matter is he’s open to express himself." Caldwell also said that he "would never mandate the player participate" in the National Anthem. Caldwell: “If they feel strongly about something, I certainly don’t mind that they speak their mind" (DETROIT NEWS, 8/30). In Charlotte, Jonathan Jones notes Panthers coach Ron Rivera "couldn't endorse" Kaepernick's decision. Rivera: "Our guys know they’re supposed to stand at attention at the line" (CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 8/30). Buccaneers coach Dirk Koetter said he "would personally be disappointed" if a player sat out the Anthem but "that would be hard to enforce that rule" (TAMPA BAY TIMES, 8/30). Raiders coach Jack Del Rio said, "It's never come to a point where I've had to address it; it's always been understood. ... Save those individual decisions to express yourself for an individual forum" (SAN JOSE MERCURY NEWS, 8/30). New Giants coach Ben McAdoo: "I'd be disappointed if one of our guys chose not to stand" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 8/30). Ravens coach John Harbaugh said, "You cannot deny someone the right to speak out or mock or make fun or belittle anybody else's opinion" (ESPN.com, 8/29).
WITHIN HIS RIGHTS? Pro Football HOFer Jim Brown: "He’s within his rights and he’s telling the truth as he sees it. ... Pandora’s Box is open and I’m very happy that it is" (CSNBAYAREA.com, 8/29). Yankees P C.C. Sabathia: "There’s a lot of stuff going on that’s not right; it’s just something that he chose to do. It’s his right" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 8/30). But tennis player John Isner said Kaepernick's protest is "pathetic." Isner: "The cause he was going for, fine by me. He could have found some other ways to present his voice there" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 8/30). Mets RF Curtis Granderson: "If you watch a baseball game, you don't always see all of the players out there, for different reasons. I haven't ever asked anybody why they're choosing not to, they could just be getting ready for the game or what have you, but it hasn't ever been any voice of concern or reason over it here" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 8/30). Yankees 3B Chase Headley, whose uncle and grandfather served in the military, said, "That’s probably not the route I would have chosen, but I’m not going to condemn him" (NEWSDAY, 8/30).
