While a new avenue with the Seahawks has opened up, albeit with a rather significant hiccup early in that process, Colin Kaepernick remains embroiled in a collusion lawsuit with the NFL.
The latest owner deposed in the case, Jerry Jones, has been the most vocal about players standing for the national anthem. As he did for the depositions of Texans owner Bob McNair and Ravens decision-makers Ozzie Newsome and John Harbaugh, Kaepernick is sitting in on the proceedings, Charles Robinson of Yahoo.com reports. This deposition in Frisco, Texas, is scheduled to last several hours.
Jones is one of many owners scheduled to be deposed in this case. In addition to previously reported members of the deposition list — Patriots owner Robert Kraft, 49ers CEO Jed York and Pete Carroll — Dolphins owner Stephen Ross and Seahawks owner Paul Allen are also on this docket, Robinson reports. The Yahoo reporter notes Jones’ inclusion stems from several factors, among them comments he made about retribution for Cowboys who protested during the anthem and conversations Jones had with President Donald Trump about the NFL’s response to protests during anthems.
The outspoken Dallas owner is among a group of owners who have urged Roger Goodell to end the players’ right to kneel during the playing of the national anthem, and Robinson reports Jones is expected to make another push for this practice to end at the next set of owners’ meetings in May.
This case is not expected to be resolved soon, with Robinson reporting these historic proceedings will likely drag into 2019.
As for a possible Kaepernick/Seahawks agreement, the quarterback’s camp said (video link via Ian Rapoport of NFL.com) the Seahawks issued an ultimatum that hinged on Kaepernick kneeling during the anthem. Word out of Seahawks headquarters was that the franchise wanted a firm plan from the 30-year-old passer about how his role in the racial inequality-centered protest movement going forward. Robinson reports the Seahawks were specific regarding the anthem, and that the former Super Bowl starter declined to make a commitment at this time.
The Seahawks saw Michael Bennett become part of this protest movement last season, refusing to stand during the anthem. A 2017 report also indicated Kaepernick would stand for the anthem if he was signed last season. It’s unclear if that stance has changed, but it certainly remains an issue in the passer landing a contract offer. The Seahawks door is not believed to be closed, but the team also has other Russell Wilson backup candidates in mind.
Ok, less see if we can get the comment count to 50 before the next article on Manziel and the spring league appears.
He’s a tuchus
One of the reasons no one wanted to keep Tebow on the roster, other than he wasn’t a good QB, was all the hooplah that followed him. Back-up QB should NOT have any headlines, no reason, they’re a back-up they don’t play unless forced into the starting role due to injury. Tebow was all God all the time. Kaepernick is an even bigger distraction. Main Headline: “Kaepernick Kneels in Protest at Super Bowl” On Page 15: “Seahawks Win Super Bowl; Wilson MVP”
This lawsuit is so idiotic. What part of employers have the right to hire/fire/not hire you for any lawful reason, or for no reason at all doesn’t this guy understand?
He opted out of his own contract, then proceeded to tell teams he was unwilling to take a backup role or backup money. He was one of the worst starting QBs in the league just prior to his anthem nonsense.
Would he make a serviceable backup for a few teams? Sure, why not, but he is no longer a starter and hasn’t been for years. On top of all of this, when he does have a backup job in Hand from the Ravens, his genius girlfriend decides to go onto social media and basically cost him his job with her stupidity.
Unfortunately, no team wants drama following around its BACKUP QB of all positions, yet this guy is too dumb to realize that. At this point, signing Aldon Smith brings less headaches than Kapernick. I just want him to go away like Johnny 8-ball.
Agreed kap Retire no team wants you. Especially in America.
Not that I’m trying to defend Kap but the only reason he opted out was because he knew the Niners were going to cut him before his contract became guaranteed
This guy is like a bad rash that won’t ever go away.