colin-kaepernick

The NFL plans to play "Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing" before the first games of the 2020 season, ESPN reported.The Black national anthem will be played before the "The Star-Spangled Banner" at the first game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Houston Texans as well as every other game in the first week of the season. The league also plans to honor victims of police brutality via helmets and jerseys.Needless to say, the internet was less than excited about the anthem announcement and couldn't help but to point out the evident...

Alexis Ohanian announced he was resigning from Reddit's board on Friday, writing in a blog post that he plans to use his "Reddit stock to serve the black community."Ohanian, who is married to tennis legend Serena Williams, explained that his daughter was one of the reasons why he decided to resign."I co-founded Reddit 15 years ago to help people find community and a sense of belonging. It is long overdue to do the right thing. I’m doing this for me, for my family, and for my country. I’m writing this as a father who needs to be able to answer his black daughter when she asks: 'What did you do?'" Ohanian wrote."I have resigned as a member of the reddit board, I have urged them to fill my seat with a black candidate, and I will use future gains on my Reddit stock to serve the black community, chiefly to curb racial hate, and I’m starting with a pledge of $1M to [Colin Kaepernick’s Know Your Rights Camp]. I believe resignation can actually be an act of leadership from people in power right now. To everyone fighting to fix our broken nation: do not stop," Ohanian...

Colin Kaepernick said he is setting up a legal defense fund to help people who were arrested during protests in Minneapolis this week."In fighting for liberation there‘s always retaliation. We must protect our Freedom Fighters. We started a legal defense initiative to give legal representation to Freedom Fighters in Minneapolis paid for by @yourrightscamp," Kaepernick said in a tweet.In fighting for liberation there‘s always retaliation. We must protect our Freedom Fighters. We started a legal defense initiative to give legal representation to Freedom Fighters in Minneapolis paid for by @yourrightscamp For representation or to donate https://t.co/q0pzAObCiG— Colin Kaepernick (@Kaepernick7) May 29, 2020Dozens of people have been arrested during protests in the wake of George Floyd's death after former police officer Derek Chauvin knelt on his neck for eight minutes.Thousands of people have retweeted a photo of Kaepernick side by side with a picture of Chauvin kneeling on Floyd's neck. The activist was blackballed from the NFL after protesting police brutality by kneeling during the national anthem in 2017.If you’re unbothered or mildly bothered by the 1st knee, but outraged by the 2nd, then, in my father’s words, you’re “more devoted to order than to justice.” And more passionate about an anthem that supposedly symbolizes freedom than you are about a Black man’s freedom to live. pic.twitter.com/kxpVOEeTNR— Be A King (@BerniceKing) May 26, 2020Even LeBron James shared the image. Since the protests began earlier this week, celebrities and people online have been donating to the Minneapolis Freedom Fund to help pay to bail out those arrested by police. Police have been criticized for their arbitrary arrest tactics during the week in Minneapolis, sparking widespread outrage on Friday morning when they arrested a Black CNN reporter live on television as he reported the news, as Blavity previously reported.The situation was criticized by Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, who also apologized to CNN for the arrest. The Wall Street Journal was the first to report Kaepernick's decision to help protesters out through his organization, which has also been heavily involved in COVID-19 relief efforts.On Thursday, Kaepernick wrote a powerful message on Instagram showing support for the protesters."When civility leads to death, revolting is the only logical reaction. The cries for peace will rain down, and when they do, they will land on deaf ears because your violence has brought this resistance. We have the right to fight back! Rest in power George Floyd," he...

Update (March 19, 2020): The Carolina Panthers released outspoken strong safety Eric Reid Wednesday, despite signing him to a three-year, $22 million extension last February. According to ESPN, the 28-year-old was scheduled to count $8 million against the Panthers salary cap, and releasing him will save them $3 million in cap space, including “$5.5 million with a post-June 1 designation.”Reid, who has produced fairly well on the field, has been outspoken about the league’s involvement, or lack thereof, in social issues and is a close friend of Colin Kaepernick. He was the first person to kneel alongside Kaepernick when the former San Franciso 49ers quarterback began his protest against police brutality in August 2016 by sitting down during the national anthem. Reid and Kaepernick sued the NFL for collusion in 2018. The suit was settled in March of 2019 with Kaepernick and Reid reportedly receiving less than $10 million each. A few months later, the safety lambasted Jay-Z for partnering with the NFL, as Blavity previously reported. "Interesting timing on the partnership with Jay-Z on the heels of Stephen Ross’ fundraiser for Donald Trump and the backlash his other companies are getting because of it. #PayAttentionFolks," the Baton Rouge native wrote in an August 2019 post.Interesting timing on the partnership with Jay-Z on the heels of Stephen Ross’ fundraiser for Donald Trump and the backlash his other companies are getting because of it. #PayAttentionFolks— Eric Reid (@E_Reid35) August 14, 2019Reid said he had a good run with his team in response to the public announcement on Twitter on Wednesday."It’s been a pleasure Carolina! I enjoyed my time and the support I received from the fans, media, teammates, and staff there will be remembered," he wrote. "Looking forward to furthering my career in another city!"It’s been a pleasure Carolina! I enjoyed my time and the support I received from the fans, media, teammates, and staff there will be remembered. Looking forward to furthering my career in another city!— Eric Reid (@E_Reid35) March 18, 2020 Reid wasn't the only one to be released from his contract. On Tuesday, quarterback Cam Newton was relieved of this contract. Safety Colin Jones, tight end Greg Olsen and guard Trai Turner were also let go, ESPN reports.  Original story (February 11, 2019): Eric Reid has signed a new $22 million deal with the Carolina Panthers and insists that it’s further proof of the NFL’s underhanded actions.Last year, Eric Reid and Colin Kaepernick individually sued the NFL for collusion, as Blavity reported, accusing the league of conspiring to deny both men opportunities to play professional football in retaliation for their political activism. Kaepernick began the #TakeAKnee movement to protest police brutality; Reid, Kaep's former teammate, joined the quarterback in his protest.Reid signing the lucrative deal might seem to invalidate his claim. Instead, the safety says the timing and size of the signing prove he was once blacklisted.“[Last year] I didn’t sign until the [fourth] week and did for almost the league minimum," Reid said according to MarketWatch. "And this year I signed a more substantial contract. And nothing has changed. I’m still the same player.”In September 2018, Reid signed to the Panthers in a one-year deal worth only $1.69 million for the Panthers, NFL.com notes. Reid wants to know why he is in demand now that some of the furor around kneeling during the anthem has faded.At the time, general manager Marty Hurney said, “Eric has been a starting safety in the NFL and has played at a high level throughout his career. After we put [safety] Da’Norris Searcy on injured reserve, Ron [Rivera] and I discussed our options, and Eric was at the top of our list.""He is a physical safety with good ball skills and play-making ability," he continued.Before being signed to Carolina, Reid spent a full year as a free agent. Kaepernick has remained a free agent since the end of his time in the NFL in 2016.Reid said his suit against the NFL would continue, and he doesn't think the $22 million contract is an olive branch. He also said he doesn’t believe a deal is on the horizon for his friend and fellow activist Colin Kaepernick.“Knowing what I know my hope tank is on E [empty],” Reid...

Throughout his career, Jay-Z has been a major force in elevating rap music in America. Outside of rapping, the 50-year-old has been growing into his own as a businessman and social activist. However, sometimes Jay-Z’s worlds collide and he uses music to share a few choice words with us. On Jay Electronica’s long-awaited debut album A Written Testimony, the media mogul addresses his controversial collaboration with the NFL on the track titled, “Flux Capacitor.”Hov raps that he has too much money to be a sellout and that his voice is needed on the gridiron. “Why would l sell out? I’m already rich, don’t make no sense. Got more money than Goodell, a whole NFL bench. Did it one-handed like Odell, handcuffed to a jail. I would’ve stayed on the sideline if they could’ve tackled that s**t themselves.” In August 2019, his company Roc Nation partnered with the NFL to lead a campaign focusing on the intersection of music and social justice, as Blavity previously reported. The deal was frowned upon by a number of the rapper’s fans because of his relationship with former NFL player Colin Kaepernick. At the press conference announcing the collaboration, Jay-Z praised Kaepernick for his demonstrations but noted it was time for a different approach to combating social issues. "That's his version of an action item, this is our version of an action item," he explained. "We all do different things. We all work differently for the same results. I don't knock what he's doing, and hopefully, he doesn't knock what I'm doing,” he said according to Complex.Critics have been vocal about how the rapper's NFL deal doesn’t match his approach to social justice and opposes Kaepernick’s struggle. But Jay-Z realizes the pressure that comes with this type of partnership. In a New York Times interview published before Super Bowl LIV, Jay-Z talked about the negative attention he’s received because of the deal."We didn't say, 'Let’s go make some money off the NFL,''' he said. "As long as real people are being hurt and marginalized and losing family members, then yes, I can take a couple rounds of negative press."It doesn’t seem that Jay-Z is done making moves as an activist, a mogul or a musician, though. He’s a featured guest on Jay Electronica’s album with a prominent presence. He tag-teams with Jay Electronic for a number of tracks that we will be playing all summer, including "A.P.I.D.T.A." This song was made on the night Kobe and Gianna Bryant were killed in a helicopter crash, according to Complex. Both rappers take a somber approach to the track, with Jay-Z rapping about the phone calls he'll never receive and Jay Electronica revealing some of his emotions following the death of his mother. Bryant isn't mentioned by name in the song, but the timing of its creation suggests that “A.P.I.D.T.A.” was inspired somewhat by the late...

Colin Kaepernick has worked diligently to make a name for himself off of the field with his foundation Know Your Rights Camps, and now he's establishing a publishing company.On Thursday, the former quarterback announced he will be releasing his memoir through his new company, Kaepernick Publishing, in partnership with Audible, USA Today reports.The 32-year-old says he enjoys reading and pushes the importance of literacy to the youth with his foundation. However, the philanthropist says having his own publishing company will allow him to craft the narrative of Black people. "I learned early on that in fighting against systematic oppression, dehumanization and colonization, who controls the narrative shapes the reality of how the world views society,” Kaepernick said. “It controls who’s loved, who’s hated, who’s degraded and who’s celebrated.”During the exclusive interview with USA Today Sports, the activist said he's motivated to create opportunities for Black and brown writers, authors and creators to retain ownership of their work. Above all else, he said the "manipulation, the colonization, the distortion of stories, narrative, history has been done forever" and he is striving to counteract and centralize those images.“One of the quotes that comes to mind is Malcolm X’s quote, ‘If you’re not careful, the newspapers will have you hating the people that are being oppressed and loving the people that are doing the oppressing.’ He’s speaking to the control of the narrative. So for me recognizing the importance of our community being able to control our own narratives and tell our own stories, this is something I thought had to be the next stepping stone for us to properly address and identify not only how we view ourselves, view our communities and how we tell our stories but also giving the world to view us in the way that we want them to as well,” he said.Kaepernick said Black literature, especially the Autobiography of Malcolm X — which is given to each child at every Know Your Rights Camp — continues to inspire and teach him how to navigate spaces that he's entered and develop his thoughts.Kaepernick, who kneeled during the national anthem at NFL games in protest of police brutality, plans to provide insight into his actions and thoughts during the pivotal time in his memoir. The unnamed memoir will also fill in the gaps since leaving the field and his path toward activism in the community, USA Today reports. “I’ve had a lot of questions surrounding what got me to the point of protesting," he said. "Why did I do it? Why did I do it at that moment? Why wasn’t it earlier in my career? A lot of questions surrounding what led me to that point. Which led me to wanting to share that story and give insight. So I think there’s a lot of interest around it, but time will tell when the book comes out.”Despite having a tumultuous relationship with the NFL and its owners since being blackballed, the former San Francisco 49er said he still has a desire to play on another team. In November, Kaepernick worked out in front of multiple NFL owners and coaches, and to no avail. But with the lack of Black quarterbacks in the NFL, there's certainly a need for his return. “My desire to play football is still there,” Kaepernick said. “I still train five days a week. I’m ready to go, I’m ready for a phone call, tryout, workout at any point in time. I’m still waiting on the owners and their partners to stop running from this situation. So I hope I get a call this offseason. I’ll be looking forward to...

CNN correspondent and political analyst April Ryan came to the defense of former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick during his Twitter exchange this week with former White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer. Kaepernick sent a tweet Saturday criticizing the airstrike that killed senior Iranian General Qasem Soleimani and blasted America’s imperialism efforts across the globe. “There is nothing new about American terrorist attacks against Black and Brown people for the expansion of American imperialism,” the professional football player turned activist tweeted. “America has always sanctioned and besieged Black and Brown bodies both at home and abroad.”There is nothing new about American terrorist attacks against Black and Brown people for the expansion of American imperialism.— Colin Kaepernick (@Kaepernick7) January 4, 2020Kaepernick's message instigated Spicer to quote overused Republican talking points that link criticisms of the attack with defending the enemy. Ryan almost immediately jumped to the quarterback's defense, pointing out the consistent inaccuracies of Spicer's argument now and in his former job.SHUT UP YOU LIAR! You are still lying and lied on @Kaepernick7 from that White House Podium! He said black and brown people! Can you say distraction @seanspicer Wag the dog again! https://t.co/YjGOEvIrjO— AprilDRyan (@AprilDRyan) January 5, 2020Remember all your lies are on tape! We can pull them up fast! https://t.co/YjGOEvIrjO— AprilDRyan (@AprilDRyan) January 5, 2020“SHUT UP YOU LIAR!” she tweeted back at the former press secretary. “You are still lying and lied on @Kaepernick7 from that White House Podium! He said black and brown people! Can you say distraction @seanspicer Wag the dog again!”The phrase "wag the dog" is often used to refer to a situation when something of lower significance is used to divert attention away from something of greater significance. For example, many have concluded that President Trump's Iranian strike was a way to distract from his current impeachment trial, which can easily fall under the "wag the dog" umbrella. Spicer never responded to Ryan's clapback, but instead, he turned his attention to Kaepernick's lead sponsor, Nike, by sending them a tweet simply asking the multi-billion dollar corporation, "Any comment?"Ryan and Spicer have had many heated exchanges during their time on opposite sides of the White House podium, with Ryan frequently probing for information on the president's Russian...

After Colin Kaepernick came under fire for changing the location of his NFL workout, Eric Reid came to the quarterback's defense. On Saturday, Kaepernick was invited to workout with the NFL to showcase his athleticism after being exiled for three years, allegedly because of his police brutality protests. Kaep was criticized by several, including ESPN First Take co-host Stephen A. Smith, for changing the time and location of the workout after learning no media would be present and he would have to sign a liability waiver.  The current Carolina Panthers player was the first to join Kaepernick in kneeling during the national anthem when they both played for the San Francisco 49ers.  Reid applauded Kaep for taking control of the situation and allowing the media to film his workout, rather than opting for the closed setting the NFL planned. https://t.co/SdQOtfHmtD pic.twitter.com/7FlxOiF24O— Eric Reid (@E_Reid35) November 16, 2019We already knew Colin’s arm talent was elite. Some doubted and now you have proof. Also, transparency is important. There’s no way we would allow the @NFL to control the narrative of Colin’s workout by not allowing media presence! Not to mention that dubious waiver— Eric Reid (@E_Reid35) November 16, 2019While supporting his friend via Twitter, Reid came across the sports commentator's video alleging Kaep doesn’t actually want to play in the NFL because of the way he approached the workout. The fact that Colin Kaepernick didn't show up to his original workout location eradicates his points altogether. pic.twitter.com/ROYderTuPw— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) November 18, 2019 “Twenty five teams show up in Georgia at the Atlanta Falcons practice facility — state of the art facility, NFL personnel, equipment, video, everything, and what does Colin Kaepernick do,” Smith said referencing Kaep's decision to change the location of the session, during a episode of ESPN's First Take, “Colin Kaepernick wants to change the venue.”“He don’t want to play. He wants to be a martyr...You don’t want to work. You just want to make noise and you want to control the narrative,” Smith continued. “It’s over.”Reid took issue with Smith’s remarks, alluding that the ESPN host is playing up to the NFL to make the league happy. Reid tweeted at Smith, citing Malcolm X and saying Smith doesn’t get a pass just because he’s Black. He questioned why Kaep would trust the NFL given its treatment of him. He also alleged that the TV personality has been on the league’s side this whole time in trying to keep Kaepernick out of a job. .@stephenasmith Tap dancing for the NFL like ⬇️. Damn straight Colin wants to control the narrative! He supposed to trust the organization that blackballed him and has done absolutely nothing in good faith??? Born on Tuesday, just not last Tuesday. https://t.co/EKztmcrDbu pic.twitter.com/gz0xnDe10e— Eric Reid (@E_Reid35) November 17, 2019"Tap dancing for the NFL like ⬇️. Damn straight Colin wants to control the narrative!" Reid tweeted to Smith. "He supposed to trust the organization that blackballed him and has done absolutely nothing in good faith??? Born on Tuesday, just not last Tuesday. The sports analyst had some words for Reid after learning of his comments. He criticized him for continuing to collect a check from the NFL despite his constant critiques of the league. He also made it clear that he believes the NFL is wrong in blackballing the quarterback, but he disagrees with the way Kaep approached the Saturday workout.  Man, please. You embarrass yourself @E_Reid35 every single time you open your mouth. You — of all people — talking of tap dancing when you’re the one collecting a check from the very institution you collect a check from. You @E_Reid35, who takes a knee — supposedlyfor brothers —— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) November 17, 2019Huh @E_Reid35? To call our or beat up everyone who utters a word you disagree with? All Brithers, BTW. Let me tell you something Mr. @E_Reid35: Kaepernick has been supported. We’ve all said he was done wrong. That he was blackballed. That he should be in the league. Who the hell— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) November 17, 2019Reid seemed to have ignored most of Smith’s tweets and continued to show support for his friend. After his game Sunday, Reid commented on the workout after his own game against the Falcons. Eric Reid speaking with the media now about Colin Kaepernick’s workout yesterday. More ⬇️@E_Reid35 | @Kaepernick7 | @wcnc | @SportsWCNC pic.twitter.com/qq4Uukux1t— Ashley Stroehlein (@ashstro) November 17, 2019 The game was held in Atlanta and Reid was at Kaep’s workout the day before to encourage his former...

Colin Kaepernick made a statement by wearing a “Kunta Kinte” shirt to his NFL workout Saturday.After being exiled by the NFL for three years, Kaepernick was finally invited to demonstrate his athleticism during a workout session, but he made sure to send a message to the league that he was not backing down or changing who he is in order to get signed, reports CNN..@Kaepernick7 rocking the Kunta Kinte shirt during his workout. pic.twitter.com/4ckCSOVhUl— Complex Sports (@ComplexSports) November 16, 2019Kunta Kinte is the main character in Alex Haley’s 1976 novel Roots: The Saga of An American Family, which was later turned into a miniseries. Kinte was kidnapped from Africa and forced into slavery in the American South. His owner attempted to rename him Toby, but Kinte refused to accept the name change and was therefore whipped repeatedly. After Kinte attempts to escape multiple times, his owner cuts off half his foot to ensure it won't happen again.The character is often referenced in pop culture to depict the Black struggle.This isn’t the first time Kaepernick has worn the t-shirt. He was also photographed wearing it in 2018 on his way to a deposition for his case against the NFL and charges of collusion. Saturday wasn't the first time the 32-year-old has used clothing as a form of protest, either. During a training camp in August 2016, he wore socks with pigs in police hats. In a press conference two months later, he wore a t-shirt showing a photo of Fidel Castro and Malcolm X.Now, many people are criticizing Kaep and his handling of the workout session as well as his choice of attire on Saturday.“If you’re interviewing for a job would you wear a shirt that is that polarizing to your job interview? ...You think that gives you the best opportunity to get said job? No it does not,” ESPN analyst Damien Woody said on Twitter.Hasn’t acknowledged that? But life isn’t fair. It damn sure ain’t ideal. And at some point, you’ve got the grab the opportunity. Kap’s occurred today. And what does he do: alters the process, and shows up with a T-Shirt alluding to SLAVERY @E_Reid35. For a JOB INTERVIEW! When— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) November 17, 2019He’s also come under fire for changing the time and location of the workout. Originally, it was set to be held at the Atlanta Falcons’ facility, but Kaepernick opted for a local high school and a later time instead, reports CBS. The workout set up by the league was supposed to be closed to the media, and they asked the athlete to sign a liability waiver. He allegedly refused and did the opposite. The ex-49ers player released a statement about the change, calling for transparency throughout the process, requesting the media be there to film the workout.#Transparency We are ready!!! For teams/media wanting to attend today please contact his agent now ❤️ pic.twitter.com/t06x22PoK9— NESSA (@nessnitty) November 16, 2019Sports analysts and fans are now condemning Kaepernick, calling Saturday a “publicity stunt” and saying he mustn't want to play again. Despite the criticism, supporters are applauding him for taking control of the situation, recognizing that his talent is still superior and asserting the only reason the NFL still won’t offer him a job is because of his protests.It’s almost like his talent wasn’t ever the issue here? 🙃 https://t.co/XTrVNAoDrz— COMMON (@common) November 17, 2019His arm. And his conscience. And his voice. If they want the arm, they have to take the rest. They don’t want that. They want silence and profits. https://t.co/a0W0YimpOE— Ava DuVernay (@ava) November 16, 2019Also understand all 32 NFL teams have had three years to contact Colin Kaepernick about a workout. That some of them are pump-faking like the schedule change was a determining factor is a lie. They were never serious in the first place. https://t.co/IJxLLKjb3r— Jemele Hill (@jemelehill) November 18, 2019Before leaving on Saturday, the quarterback made a statement saying he’s been ready to play for three years.“I’ve been denied for three years. We all know why. I came out here and showed it today in front of everybody. We have nothing to hide. So we’re waiting for the 32 owners, the 32 teams, Roger Goodell, all of them to stop running. Stop running from the truth, stop running from the people,” he...

Update (November 13, 2019): NFL.com reporter Ian Rapoport confirmed on Wednesday that Jay-Z was integral in getting Colin Kaepernick his latest tryout, which will take place on Saturday in Atlanta.Two notes: 1. Jay-Z, a partner with the NFL on social justice, had some influence here. 2. This is not part of Kaepernick’s settlement, nor did he ask for this in his settlement. https://t.co/6l7z3MYJ5x— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 13, 2019There was a deluge of responses on Twitter to the news about the tryout and Jay-Z’s potential involvement. For some, it was vindication for the mogul after months of withering criticism related to his lucrative deal with the sports league.I know Colin wants to play, but this feels so disingenuous on the NFL’s part. I’ve said this since the first time Donald Trump called him out at a rally: Colin Kaepernick will never play in the NFL again. I hope I’m very wrong about this, but NFL owners are cowardly. https://t.co/PBB8j4Spd7— Jemele Hill (@jemelehill) November 13, 2019Let me get this straight... The very same Jay-Z who was slandered by @E_Reid35 & @Kaepernick7, for taking an executive position with the NFL...actually used that very executive position to help Kaepernick in his quest to take a position with the NFL.🤔 Wow...imagine that🤨 pic.twitter.com/QGxsNtUq81— No Filter (@ZigWilliams) November 13, 2019OR, this feels like what you’ve been wanting to see: can we really doubt that without JAY-Z’s presence such a workout would be tenable? We know teams can’t be made to hire anyone, but getting this done is huge for the wonderful @Kaepernick7 and a reflection of Jay’s influence. https://t.co/lBbyh7ACvM— Michael Eric Dyson (@MichaelEDyson) November 13, 2019@JAY_Z_Daily Hov does a deal with the NFL and a few weeks later teams are showing up to see Kaepernick workout. Not saying he will get a job but for 3yrs they didnt want anything to do with him. *just thinking out loud*— William Davis (@WDavisIII) November 13, 2019Others said the tryout was an insult because the NFL forced Kaepernick to do the tryout on a Saturday, meaning most coaches and senior executives won’t be able to get there ahead of the games on Sunday. Some people heavily critiqued Kaepernick having to go through a combine-style workout similar to those held for rookies, not ones held for quarterbacks who've led teams to Super Bowls.Sports Illustrated reporter Michael Silver wrote a lengthy thread explaining the confusion both Kaepernick and NFL teams felt about the decision to hold the workout on a Saturday.“Not only was @Kaepernick7 caught off guard by Tuesday's league-initiated push for the workout, but so were most (or perhaps all) team executives. Kaepernick was given 2 hours to accept or reject the league's offer, and the date and place were non-negotiable. Ideally this workout would take place on a Tuesday (when most players are off, and coaches and GMs have more flexibility in their schedules), with a little more lead time to prepare,” Silver wrote.“Because it's Saturday, most teams will likely send pro scouts or other talent evaluators without decision-making power. That said, expect most teams to have at least one representative at the workout, if only because no organization wants to be singled out as non-compliant. It begs the question: If teams are interested enough to send employees to Atlanta to watch him on Saturday, why were so few of them motivated to bring him in for private workouts over the past 2 years, 8 months?” he added.He went on to question a number of decisions by the NFL that blindsided teams and Kaepernick, including the need for “an interview” after the workout. Silver also relayed how some NFL general managers felt about the situation.“Some teams are dubious about the circus element of the affair. Said one GM: "Would every team send the representative in a black T-shirt and trucker hat...without their logo, so it's not plastered all over the world?" Kaepernick sincerely wants to play. He has not rejected any offers. He has not demanded a certain salary or refused to be a backup. He is open to discussing all NFL opportunities,” Silver wrote.When news of Jay-Z’s involvement broke, the internet was similarly in its feelings, either praising Jay-Z and slamming his critics or continuing to attack the billionaire for his seemingly futile social justice efforts.This feels like if a guy invites an old girlfriend to dinner, gets her hopes up at the possibly of getting back together, but he really just wants to end the relationship on good terms so she tells all her friends that he isn’t the lying, manipulating pig they believe him to be https://t.co/34aCeLP7Hn— Etan Thomas (@etanthomas36) November 13, 2019The #Kaepernick workout seems like a scam to allow their pawn Jay Z to say something “actionable” came out of his money grab. How tf you make a Super Bowl QB go through the same process rookies go through? It’s hazing. It’s demeaning. It’s his only chance.— TruthBeTold (@Big6domino) November 13, 2019NFL tryna sabotage Colin Kaepernick's workout by scheduling it short notice AND on a Saturday when scouts are all over the country for college football games BUUUUUUT I guess that's the best Jay Z could do— Ronald A Coon, yeah (@dBdaSportsGuru) November 13, 2019Jay Z got Kaepernick the sham workout? pic.twitter.com/GvgZQ0zOE5— Mitch Trubisky Hater Account (@DJBLHolla) November 13, 2019Neither Jay-Z nor Kaepernick have commented on the speculations themselves. Original (November 13, 2019): Colin Kaepernick may be getting a chance to play football again.According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, NFL teams have been invited to attend a private workout Saturday in Atlanta to watch the former San Francisco 49ers quarterback.Kaepernick hasn't played in the NFL since the 2016 season when he started protesting police brutality by taking a knee during the national anthem before games. The 32-year-old opted out of his contract with the 49ers following that season and hasn't been signed by any team since then. ESPN obtained a memo from the NFL on Tuesday, saying the league has been discussing some possible steps with Kaepernick's representatives to help him make a comeback. The league said the quarterback's representatives recently emphasized his level of preparation. "We have therefore arranged this opportunity for him to work out and for all clubs to have the opportunity to evaluate his current readiness and level of interest in resuming his NFL career," the NFL's memo stated.In a Tuesday tweet, Kaepernick said he is ready for the workout."I’m just getting word from my representatives that the NFL league office reached out to them about a workout in Atlanta on Saturday," the quarterback tweeted. "I’ve been in shape and ready for this for three years, can’t wait to see the head coaches and GMs on Saturday."I’m just getting word from my representatives that the NFL league office reached out to them about a workout in Atlanta on Saturday. I’ve been in shape and ready for this for 3 years, can’t wait to see the head coaches and GMs on Saturday.— Colin Kaepernick (@Kaepernick7) November 13, 2019 Kaepernick's reps wanted the workout to be held on a Tuesday because most teams will be traveling to games on Saturdays, but the league denied the request, ESPN reported. Considering the inconvenient timing and the fact that the 32 teams didn't find out about the workout until Tuesday, Kaepernick's reps reportedly believe Saturday's session could be a PR move by the league.  According to The Washington Post, Kaepernick and the NFL recently reached a settlement after the quarterback accused the league and its 32 teams of colluding, saying they tried to stop him from playing because of his protests.Saturday's workout will reportedly include on-field work and interviews with the teams, but it will be closed to the media.According to CBS, the 32-year-old quarterback has passed for 12,271 yards, 72 touchdowns and 30 interceptions in 69 career games, leading the 49ers to the Super Bowl in...