Spike Lee will not release his multi-part documentary series for ESPN Films about Colin Kaepernick, who nearly ten years ago ignited a national debate by protesting racial inequality.
“ESPN, Spike Lee, and Colin Kaepernick have collectively decided to no longer proceed with this project as a result of certain creative differences,” the network told Reuters on Saturday afternoon.
On Friday, Lee informed Reuters that the series would not be released. He said: “Despite not reaching finality, we appreciate all the hard work and collaboration that went into this film.”
“It’s not coming out. That’s all I can say,”
“I signed a nondisclosure. I can’t talk about it.”
From 2011 to 2016, Kaepernick was a member of the San Francisco 49ers. In 2016, he protested systematic racism and police brutality by kneeling during the playing of the U.S. national anthem, sparking a nationwide controversy.
Since that season, the 37-year-old athlete has not participated in any NFL games. Many analysts thought that the main reason teams were hesitant to sign him was because of his political involvement, which sparked a movement that infuriated US President Donald Trump.
Later, in 2019, he filed a grievance alleging collusion against team owners, which was resolved with the league.
According to a Kaepernick spokesman, the athlete was silent on Saturday regarding the documentary series.
