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Colin Kaepernick’s place in history might evolve the same way boxing great Muhammad Ali’s place in history evolved over the decades. At the time of his career peak, Ali was also a controversial figure. When the U.S. military drafted him, he refused induction and became a hated person because of his refusal to join the army. He stated that he was morally and religiously opposed to the Vietnam War.
The subject of Kaepernick’s place in history recently came up with regard to Black Twitter. Black Twitter is the social media community made up of African-American users on the social media app Twitter. This community focuses on issues of interest to the black community in the United States.
Journalist Jason Whitlock borrowed the moniker “Mute-hammad Ali” from Black Twitter and named it one of the biggest accomplishments of Black Twitter.
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Whitlock claimed that Black Twitter “baited” Kaepernick into taking a knee during the Star-Spangled Banner in the pre-game ceremonies of NFL games:
“I like to call him Colin Kaepernick, the mute version of Muhammad Ali. Black Twitter baited Kaepernick into taking a knee.”
Historical perspectives often change. While Ali’s actions back in 1966 were widely criticized at the time, most people today see Ali as a hero for standing opposed to war. Kaepernick may have some time before a majority of people see his actions as heroic. However, in the years since he first took a knee, both fans and the NFL have already shifted their opinions of his protest.
Colin Kaepernick remains a free agent without a quarterback gig in the NFL
At 35 years old, Colin Kaepernick may still have what it takes to be a quarterback in the NFL. However, he has not had the chance to play since he opted out of his contract in 2017 after the San Francisco 49ers indicated they would release him.
With no NFL team immediately signing him after his opt-out, many speculated that the league blackballed him to prevent him from playing. Kaepernick and the NFL would eventually settle his grievances in 2019 for an undisclosed amount. Fast forward to the 2022 season and Colin Kaepernick remains a free agent waiting for a second chance that might never arrive.
If you use any of the above quotes, please credit Jason Whitlock and H/T Sportskeeda
