It’s been over two years since Colin Kaepernick kneeled during NFL games to enact social and racial change in America. Since that time, the former San Francisco 49er remained unsigned with hopes of one day playing in the league again. Owners and other NFL personnel have tip-toed around the actual reason why Kaepernick remains contract-less. In a story by the New York Times, a high-profile team owner expressed his optimism yet no explanation.
Robert Kraft, the New England Patriots’ owner, said he’s hopeful that Kaepernick will hit the turf in the near future. “Let me say this: I would very much like to see him in the league,” he curtly said. Kraft also addressed a report that Kaepernick would sign with the Pats, but when asked to elaborate, the billionaire admitted, “I’m done talking about it” after claiming it was simply a rumor started within Kaepernick’s legal team.
While the Times’ article partly sought to produce a concrete answer on Kaepernick’s situation, the main focus centered on Eric Winston, the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) president and his fight for the league’s players and fair treatment.
Los Angeles Rams’ Andrew Whitworth touched on the frustrations the athletes currently face. “Guys are fed up,” he said. “The game right now — as strong as it is, as much money as is being made, and you’ve got a commissioner out there making the kind of money he’s making, guys are getting frustrated with how teams treat players in general sometimes. They’re getting tired of it.”
To wrap up most spectators’ and those on the inside’s thoughts, Winston said the game boils down to who holds the most power, not the most dividends. “It’s all about control,” he said. “Even more than money, it’s always been control.”
READ MORE: Mariah Carey Angers White Fans After Showing Support For Colin Kaepernick