When Colin Kaepernick chose to kneel during the National Anthem before NFL games in the 2016 NFL season, he angered a number of owners and fans around the league. Kaepernick wanted to bring awareness to the plight of young African American men in the United States in the wake of a number of murders of unarmed men at the hands of police officers. However, by taking part in this silent non-violent protest, Colin has found himself seemingly blacklisted from playing in the NFL as far as players like the Seattle Seahawks' Richard Sherman is concerned.
Now, more players are stepping up in support of Colin Kaepernick.
Doug Baldwin comes to Kaepernick's defense
After the Baltimore Ravens head coach and general manager said they would like to bring in Colin Kaepernick to backup Joe Flacco, the Ravens team owner made it clear he might not be comfortable with Colin joining his team. The owner of the New York Giants said he would not sign Kaepernick because of how Giants fans felt about him kneeling during the National Anthem.
The New York Giants refused to waive a kicker who was facing allegations of repeatedly beating his wife. At that time owner, John Mara said that only on-field play mattered when it came to keeping players on the Giants team.
When asked about Colin Kaepernick originally, Seattle Seahawks receiver Doug Baldwin said he didn't think the National Anthem protest had anything to do with Kaepernick not finding a home. This past week, Baldwin has changed his mind. According to the Seahawks receiver, he takes back that original comment and feels that the NFL owners are sending a message to players.
"I definitely think that the league, the owners are trying to send a message of, 'Stay in between the lines,'" Baldwin said. "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."
It sounds like Baldwin believes that the NFL wants players like Colin Kaepernick to remain silent about social issues and just play the game of football.
Derek Carr wants Kaepernick back in the NFL
It isn't just African American players who are standing up for Colin Kaepernick and his right to bring publicity to issues plaguing America. While the NFL believes that standing up for social causes is something that their players have no right to do, some people like Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh said that Colin should not be judged for taking a stand.
Another star player in the NFL who wants to see Colin Kaepernick back is Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr. When asked, Carr said that Colin is both a talented player and a great person. Carr pointed out that the Raiders don't need a quarterback but he made it clear that teams who do should give Kaepernick a chance.
