Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Doug Baldwin believes Colin Kaepernick is being blackballed by the NFL.
The Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers have had some fierce battles in recent years. Doug Baldwin and Colin Kaepernick have been a part of many of them. Through these games, the two have gained respect for each other. Kaepernick has gained Baldwin’s respect by his actions off the field and his willingness to speak out against racial issues.
Earlier in 2017, the Seahawks receiver said he didn’t think the quarterback had trouble finding a job because of his off the field actions, which were polarizing. Kaepernick is most famous for kneeling during the national anthem in 2016. In a recent interview, Baldwin seems to have changed his opinion on the matter.
“After viewing what’s going on,” said Baldwin, via ESPN, “I’ve got to take [my original statement] back. I definitely think that the league, the owners are trying to send a message of, ‘Stay in between the lines.’ It’s frustrating because you want to have guys who are willing to speak out about things that they believe in, whether you agree with it or not.”
Whether or not you agree with what Kaepernick did, there’s a lot of truth in what Baldwin said. The NFL seems to discourage players from speaking on controversial topics. While the merits of it can be debated, the league should take a lesson from the NBA. Under new commissioner Adam Silver, basketball players like LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony have been outspoken on previously untouchable issues.
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Kaepernick has reportedly gotten interest from the Baltimore Ravens, but they’re taking a wait and see approach with Joe Flacco’s injury. The Seahawks expressed interest earlier, but decided to go a different direction. Considering all the mediocre quarterbacks that have gotten jobs this offseason, maybe Baldwin has a good point.