Powerful spoken words, shirts reading “I’m With Kap” and signs aimed to turn up the heat on the NFL. Just a taste of the scene from the “United We Stand” rally in front of NFL Headquarters supporting Colin Kaepernick.
Kaepernick continued his charitable efforts with a donation of $100,000. Of that total, $33,000 went to the Girls Club of the Lower Eastside depicted above.
Colin Kaepernick Foundation donated another $100,000 to three organizations as he continues his pledge to donate $1 million: pic.twitter.com/FyGviyo75v
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 23, 2017
Far more credence has been offered to the voice of Kaepernick’s naysayers as opposed to his supporters. “United We Stand” was not simply a message in favor of Colin Kaepernick, it was a reflection of the current climate of our country. We can not simply Stick to Sports.
It was roughly one year ago, Kaepernick unbeknownst to anyone took a knee on the sideline of a preseason game in San Diego. Now, the dawn of a new season just two weeks away. Quarterbacks such as Blake Bortles, Chad Henne & Josh McCown among others battle for starting spots while Kaepernick remains without an NFL home.
What started as a knee has been followed with embarrassment by NFL teams. The Ravens held internal discussions, and while their Super Bowl winning General Manager & Head Coach approved the addition, their owner was reluctant. Shame could not guilt an NFL team into signing Colin Kaepernick.
Earlier Wednesday, Derrick Johnson, interim president of the NAACP, requested a meeting with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. The request was made to discuss Kaepernick’s status and NFL players ability to exercise their First Amendment rights without fear of consequence.
That meeting with Goodell was declined. Dr. Hazel N. Dukes, President of the NAACP New York State Conference, spoke out on the NFL’s misstep.
#NAACP President Hazel Dukes speaks at the Kaepernick Rally on multiple invitations declined by the #NFL today #KaepernickRally #ImWithKap pic.twitter.com/QfdXjJXvDa
— Stephen Florival (@StephenFlorival) August 23, 2017
The NFL has concealed concussions, domestic abuse while turning a blind eye to players convicted of manslaughter, DUI, and drug use. Their blackballing of Colin Kaepernick has been a bigger “distraction” than any signing likely would have been. Kaepernick was a 4th and goal completion from winning Super Bowl XLVII, currently, he’s on 4th and career.
BSO was all over the scene. Former Steelers & Jets Guard Willie Colon, as well as CNN’s Symone Sanders, gave us some exclusive thoughts.
Flip the pages for the sights and sounds from the “United We Stand” rally.