Kaepernick ‘issue’ a sad state of affairs
Judging from the paranoia sweeping across the NFL, Colin Kaepernick plans to set fire to an American flag before every game if given a chance to play. And as the ashes simmer, you’ll hear him loudly raging against democracy, homosexuality and the military, as field-level fans shake their fists and storm out of the stadiums in protest.
Hey, might as well throw some more nonsense out there, while it’s hot.
It would be difficult to prove that Kaepernick is being blackballed by the league as a whole, but it’s pathetic enough to watch individual owners retreat in fear. And of what, exactly? Kaepernick bringing attention to police brutality and societal injustice against African Americans?
Nobody seems to notice that the 49ers gave Kaepernick the prestigious Len Eshmont Award last season for “inspirational and courageous” play. They had no problems with Kaepernick as a man or a teammate. Also swept under the rug, with great vigor, is the fact that Kaepernick’s season — 16 touchdown passes and only four interceptions through the eternal confusion as to who should be handling the position — makes him a far better call than a sorry group of retreads
for teams looking for a backup quarterback. Or a starter, for that matter.
Here’s a league that welcomes second chances for players associated with domestic violence, drug abuse and serious criminal behavior. Nothing wrong with a little after-hours gunfire, or throwing a woman down a flight of stairs. All part of the colorful NFL landscape, right? Stand up for noble causes in a peaceful manner — well, we can’t have that.
Take a few tips, all you blowhard owners: Kaepernick’s silent protests last season had nothing to do with diminishing TV ratings. If he joins your team and and it leads to winning, the fans will be totally behind him. And if you’re really terrified of a man kneeling or raising a fist during the national anthem, consider what Kaepernick might be thinking. I can’t see him continuing that form of protest — he has said he won’t — because the message is too ambiguous. Is he not proud to be an American? Is this some kind of jab at the men and women serving overseas?
Of course not, but if it can be interpreted that way, Kaepernick needs to express himself in other ways. And I’m sure he will, all for the good, while continuing to be active in community service and making significant contributions to charity.
It remains to be seen if he’ll be given a uniform. So far, Eagles safety Malcolm Jenkins is correct when he calls NFL owners “cowards.” Seattle’s Richard Sherman is right on the money when he tells USA Today, “It’s not about football or color. It’s about ‘Boy, stay in your place.’ ” That’s today’s NFL, a haven for backward thinking.
3-Dot Lounge
Many years too late, the Clippers have removed Doc Rivers from his executive responsibilities, leaving him only to coach the team. He’s a good man. We knew that in 2014 when the Clippers, reeling from the scandalous Donald Sterling affair, rallied around their collective outrage and beat the Warriors in the playoffs. But Rivers never did one thing to infuse youth into the organization. While the Warriors became a model for youthful development and smart drafting, Rivers brought in a bunch of no-hope veterans — Glen Davis, Hedo Turkoglu, Josh Smith, Lance Stephenson, so many more — and left the team on a perpetual treadmill. This is undoubtedly good news for Jerry West, who will have more say in personnel moves, and Lawrence Frank, the executive vice president who will now oversee basketball operations. It’s a black mark for owner Steve Ballmer, who couldn’t see the truth until now . ... The Giants will honor their 1997 team before Saturday’s 6 p.m. game against Arizona, and you get their point. After finishing dead last the year before, that team made the playoffs. The comparison doesn’t carry much weight, though. The ’97 team had legitimate power with Barry Bonds hitting 40 home runs, Jeff Kent 29 and J.T. Snow 28. Brian Sabean made two of his best-ever trades, acquiring Kent from Cleveland (along with starting shortstop Jose Vizcaino) and three very useful pitchers — Wilson Alvarez, Roberto Hernandez and Danny Darwin — from the White Sox for prospects, the best of whom turned out to be Keith Foulke. The current Giants don’t see much hope for a power-laden team, and contractual issues have them unable to make an attractive deal. ... The Boston Red Sox opened the season with concern about Pablo Sandoval, who indeed was a complete bust. Now they have a choice at third base between Eduardo Nuñez, acquired from the Giants (and able to play several positions), and recently summoned rookie Rafael Devers. The two of them are a combined 29-for-68 (.426) with six homers with the Red Sox . ... Ian Clark is going to get plenty of exposure as a backup guard to Rajon Rondo and Jrue Holiday in New Orleans. Everyone wants to know if DeMarcus Cousins (reportedly slimmed down) and Anthony Davis can coexist, a touchy situation with Cousins eligible to opt out after the upcoming season. “I think we have a very good chance to shock a lot of people,” Cousins told the Undefeated . ... From a source close to the Tampa Bay Rays, on long-injured Matt Duffy: “He’s still in their plans. They’re hoping he comes off the disabled list and can play in September. If he’s healthy, I think they keep him and trade (shortstop Adeiny) Hechavarria, who makes a lot more money.”