NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell recently addressed the claims that former 49ers Quarterback and current free agent Colin Kaepernick was being blackballed from NFL.
In an NFL forum that took place this past Thursday (Aug 3) at the Denver Broncos indoor practice facility, Goodell denied all accusations that Kaepernick was blackballed from the league because of his controversial protest over police brutality last season.
He responded to the issue at hand stating, “No, teams make decisions (based) on what’s in the best interest of their team, and they make those decisions individually,”
When asked about if his activism played a role over his talent he responded, “There are other people who make those evaluations, and that’s a decision that those teams all make individually,” Goodell said. “It’s not one that I would make as a commissioner.”
Choosing the safer route, the always controversial Goodell denied all claims that Kaepernick’s activism was a factor in the NFL’s declining ratings and citing it to the increase in streaming, as well as saying that players in the league should use their voices, but responsibly.
“I think they are leaders in their communities; I think they have a voice and they should express it. And I think it’s important for them to do it responsibly,” he said.
After the news had broken that the Baltimore Ravens, who are currently eyeing Kaepernick, claimed that his activism would play a role in their decision, the always outspoken Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman stated how “troublesome” it appears for the Ravens organization.
“For you to say you have to check with sponsors and fans because this guy took a knee and made a statement?” Sherman said. “Now if you told me this guy threw eight pick-sixes last year and played like a bum, had no talent, that’s one thing. But Ryan Fitzpatrick, Ryan Mallett or whoever is playing for the Jets right now – whoever is starting for the Jets is terrible – have jobs. You’re telling me fans would rather you lose and put a worse player out there because a guy took a stand? That’s where it’s so troublesome to me.”
Do you think Kaepernick will be signed this season? Let us know what you think in the comments.
Source: vibe.com
