ROCKY RIVER, OHIO- Maybe…. could be, possibly. The firestorm created by San Francisco 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick over a week ago is still fresh on everyone’s mind. Though sacrificing the perception of who he is and possibly his career for the sake of standing up for what he believes, Kaepernick should feel a bit uneasy about what transpired today as the team announced that Blaine Gabbert, his competition for the 49ers starting QB job, was named starter for the season opener on Monday night. Trivial? Perhaps. But it is an important message sent out by the 49er organization that maybe, just maybe, they’re feeling the heat of not only what Kaerpernick did, but also what they failed to do.
This could not have been a “football decision” by the 49ers, anyone who knows the game could never come to the conclusion that starting Gabbert is in the best interest of the team. To the contrary, naming him the starter thus forcing Kaepernick to the bench, will most definitely shift the focus away from the moment. Don’t misunderstand me, as wrong as I think he was for doing what he did, I will fight to the death for his right to do it, but if the 49ers have subtly initiated a counter to his actions and the NFL follows suit by changing their policy on the players’ choice whether or not to stand for the National Anthem, then does all of this really matter?
As courageous as his stance is, it really is, I personally could never stand by my actions as he has, the one thing he has done is make people think. Love him or hate him, he is inciting dialogue. The San Francisco 49ers have made their statement, many other professional athletes may or may not chose to do the same. Next Sunday marks the 15th anniversary of arguably our nations’ most despicable, emotional, depressing day in our history, 9/11. It also marks the day we kick off the NFL season. Could the 49ers have proactively saved themselves from any further embarrassment by their actions today? Could the NFL follow their lead and mandate players to salute and respect the flag and National Anthem on such an emotional day? Does it all really matter?
Maybe… could be, possibly.
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