Earlier this week, Colin Kaepernick became the center of controversy after he refused to stand up as the national anthem played during a preseason game of the San Francisco 49ers. Following his actions, the quarterback is now in danger of getting released from the team.
According to Kaepernick, his decision not to stand up was his form of protest against the abuse committed by law enforcers on the public.
"I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag that oppresses black people and people of color," he said according to NESN. "To me, this is bigger than football, and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way."
"There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder," he added.
After his controversial protest, reports of Kaepernick being in danger of getting released by the San Francisco organization started to emerge. But, as clarified by Fox Sports, if the 49ers decide to trade him or waive his contract, the team will do so because of football reasons, and not the athlete's political views.
As explained by insider Jay Glazer of Fox Sports, there's a big chance that Kaepernick will not be on the team's final roster once the 2016 NFL season begins due to the decline in his performance as a quarterback. But aside from these, the team might also be concerned about the athlete's physical condition.
"Regardless of politics or not, he has a very, very big uphill battle to make this team," Glazer said. "I'd be shocked if he's on the 49ers by the time this season ends. It has nothing to do with political views whatsoever."
"He lost a ton of weight this offseason, had three surgeries, couldn't work out, lost that double threat, that size-speed ratio," he added. "No political views, he just hasn't been effective. He's regressing as a player. I'd be shocked if he's on this roster by the end of this year. He may not be on it in the next two weeks."
Based on the picture painted by Glazer of Kaepernick, it seems the QB will have a very hard time finding a new team if he gets released by the 49ers. Regardless political views, his performance and dedication as a professional athlete will dictate what's in store for him in the NFL in the future.
