The Colin Kaepernick show

The Colin Kaepernick saga continues with a free agent workout before a number of professional football teams. The outcome of this exercise has implications far beyond his athletic skills as the quarterback has made himself a social lightning rod.

While Kaepernick had every right to be televised kneeling for the playing of our national anthem, actions have consequences. Owners feel compelled to collaborate in filling seats. The extent to which they fail in this regard lessens profit and the money pool available for player compensation. Fans are the lifeblood of any professional sport, and to ignore their possible collective reaction would be foolhardy.

Professional skills aside, would Kaepernick become an unwelcome distraction in a locker room? Finally, can you really trust someone who has publicly placed his personal interests above those of his team? — Bill Kucera, Elmhurst