Kaepernick to showcase skills in strange tryout

Colin Kaepernick has to audition for a job in a workout strangely organized by the NFL while other quarterbacks with lesser talent were given opportunities over the past three years.

Of course, the reason Kaepernick hasn’t played in a game since New Year’s Day 2017 goes beyond football.

Kaepernick has been exiled since becoming a free agent months after he began kneeling during the national anthem before games in 2016 to protest social and racial injustice. He drew strong criticism from President Donald Trump and many others for his peaceful demonstration, and eventually sued the league for colluding to keep him out.

The NFL in February settled the collusion grievance Kaepernick and former teammate Eric Reid had filed. Reid now plays for the Carolina Panthers.

Meanwhile, plenty of mediocre quarterbacks have earned paychecks in the league during Kaepernick’s absence.

Many have expressed skepticism about the league’s out-of-the-blue, take-it-orleave-it tryout offer. The NFL gave Kaepernick a 2-hour deadline to accept the offer on Tuesday, according to a person familiar with the bizarre arrangement. The league denied Kaepernick’s request to hold the workout on a different day that would give general managers and head coaches a chance to be present.

The 32-year-old Kaepernick is in Atlanta, anyway. He’s determined to showcase his skills in front of anyone willing to watch.

Perhaps the league thought Kaepernick wouldn’t show up because of the stumbling blocks and the appearance that this is merely a public relations stunt. Those close to Kaepernick believe it’s a “farce” and a “charade,” but he’s going along with it because it’s the best chance he has to get in front of league personnel. Kaepernick has been diligently preparing to play, working out with trainers early in the morning five days a week.

The NFL said Thursday representatives from at least 11 teams, including the Broncos, have committed to attend the workout and more are expected. The league also plans to send video of the workout and interview to all 32 of its teams, including head coaches and general managers.