no there's just a fucking definition for it...that's all...what the fuck would you be protesting if kaep stated he wasn't interested in playing in the NFL???
Dolphins sign Cutler
- Thread starter Pimpslap407
- Start date
no there's just a fucking definition for it...that's all...what the fuck would you be protesting if kaep stated he wasn't interested in playing in the NFL???
All this is bullshit, I think we should all go get 4 white girls pregnant, and refuse to pay child support.
I don't want to hear one person talk about how Kap wanted a lot of money,because that myth is officially done.
http://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nfl...igned/ar-AAptyDL?li=BBnbfcL&OCID=ansmsnnews11
Fans launch petition to boycott NFL if Kaepernick remains unsigned
theScore
1 day ago
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Husband faces heat for sweet post about his wife
© Robert Hanashiro / USA TODAY Sports A group of fans who believe Colin Kaepernick is being blackballed by the NFL have launched a petition threatening to boycott the league if he isn't signed to a roster this season.
The Change.org petition, titled #NoKaepernickNoNFL, has received more than 31,000 signatures as of Saturday afternoon.
"We understand (the) NFL is very important to you. We also understand the purpose of Colin Kaepernick's protest is FAR more important than any games you will ever watch," the petition reads. "Simply put, if things stay the same for the way America - where 'all men are created equal' - treats people of color, then your loved ones, friends, and children will eventually be affected as well."
In addition to not watching any NFL games, the petition also asks supporters to avoid making social media comments about their favorite teams and not to purchase merchandise that represents the league or its teams until Kaepernick is signed.
Fans launch petition to boycott NFL if Kaepernick remains unsigned
theScore
1 day ago
SHARE
SHARE
TWEET
SHARE
Husband faces heat for sweet post about his wife
The Change.org petition, titled #NoKaepernickNoNFL, has received more than 31,000 signatures as of Saturday afternoon.
"We understand (the) NFL is very important to you. We also understand the purpose of Colin Kaepernick's protest is FAR more important than any games you will ever watch," the petition reads. "Simply put, if things stay the same for the way America - where 'all men are created equal' - treats people of color, then your loved ones, friends, and children will eventually be affected as well."
In addition to not watching any NFL games, the petition also asks supporters to avoid making social media comments about their favorite teams and not to purchase merchandise that represents the league or its teams until Kaepernick is signed.
They keep talking about this is his coach when he was in Chicago....the fuck did he win in Chicago? This is a joke man and anybody that defend this shit should be on watch.
link to petition to Goodell
https://www.change.org/p/roger-good...-if-colin-kaepernick-doesn-t-play-this-season
#NoKaepernickNoNFL - Boycott NFL Games If Colin Kaepernick Doesn't Play This Season
Unstripped Voice NC
On August 26, 2016, San Fransisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick sat down during the National Anthem before the 3rd preseason game of the upcoming 2016 NFL season. Right after the game, he told NFL Media why he sat during the anthem, prompting his now-famous statement:
"I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color. To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder."
Never before, since the great Muhammad Ali's refusal to serve in Vietnam in 1967, has an athlete taken such a direct stance highlighting the injustices of people of color -- and just like Ali, the reaction to Kaepernick's stance has been met with passionate responses, often times divided by the color line.
Since that statement, Kaepernick "upgraded" his protest to a knee, announced a plan to donate $1 million to the charities that focused on racial issues (which he followed through), had great support from some of his teammates, NFL colleagues, athletes from all sports levels (starting from junior high), and fans by taking a knee during anthems.
Best of all, Kaepernick's protest made the conversation about "racial/police brutality" front-page for the large part of the NFL season, a feat never done before in its history.
Because he needed to start, Kaepernick also restructured his contract during the 2016 season, taking away the final 4 years and reworking it into a 2-year deal (with a 1-year player option) -- allowing him to leave after the season if he chooses, which he did.
Since then, no one has offered Colin Kaepernick, a Super Bowl QB just a few years ago, a NFL job despite cries from NFL Players and analysts, both black and white. He also has a better Total Quarterback Rating (QBR) than half the backup quarterbacks signed right now.
This shows that the NFL Owners are not willing to bring Kaepernick into their team because -- according to many fans -- he is a "distraction". A man who protested because of injustices towards people of color is pretty much blackballed in a league that is 70% Black.
If you are appalled by this, then show your power by boycotting the NFL until Kaepernick gets signed to a team. This means to not watch any games, no social media comments about your favorite team before/during/after the games, don't attend the stadiums, and don't buy any merchandise which represents the league or your favorite team.
We understand NFL is very important to you. We also understand the purpose of Colin Kaepernick's protest is FAR more important than any games you will ever watch. Simply put, if things stay the same for the way America -- where "all men are created equal" -- treats people of color, then your loved ones, friends, and children will eventually be affected as well.
Finally, this situation really shines a light on how much the NFL really cares about its Black athletes. It's pretty much: Play for us, entertain us, make us money, and shut up.
WHO THIS PETITION WILL GO TO:
Once we reach 100,000 signatures, this petition will be delivered to Roger Goodell, currently the NFL Commissioner, as well as every team owner in the NFL:
Bill Bidwill - Arizona Cardinals
Arthur Blank - Atlanta Falcons
Steve Bisciotti - Baltimore Ravens
Kim & Terry Pegula - Buffalo Bills
Jerry Richardson - Carolina Panthers
Virginia Halas McCaskey - Chicago Bears
Mike Brown - Cincinnati Bengals
Jimmy Haslam - Cleveland Browns
Jerry Jones - Dallas Cowboys
Pat Bowlen - Denver Broncos
Martha Ford - Detroit Lions
Green Bay Packers, Inc. - Green Bay Packers
Robert C. McNair - Houston Texans
Jim Irsay - Indianapolis Colts
Shahid Khan - Jacksonville Jaguars
Clark Hunt - Kansas City Chiefs
Alex Spanos - L.A. Chargers
Stan Kroenke - L.A. Rams
Stephen M. Ross - Miami Dolphins
Zygi Wilf - Minnesota Vikings
Robert Kraft - New England Patriots
Tom Benson - New Orleans Saints
John Mara & Steve Tisch - New York Giants
Robert Wood Johnson IV - New York Jets
Mark Davis - Oakland Raiders
Jeffrey Lurie - Philadelphia Eagles
Art Rooney II - Pittsburgh Steelers
Jed York - San Fransisco 49ers
Paul Allen - Seattle Seahawks
The Glazers & Darcie Kassewitz - Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Susie Smith, Amy Strunk, Susan Lewis Barclay & Kenneth Adams IV - Tennessee Titans
Dan Snyder - Washington Redskins
Let's join together as fans and make our voices heard.
#NoKaepernickNoNFL
This petition will be delivered to:
Ray Lewis to Kaepernick: Keep activism private & let play "speak for itself"
https://www.change.org/p/roger-good...-if-colin-kaepernick-doesn-t-play-this-season
- Log in
#NoKaepernickNoNFL - Boycott NFL Games If Colin Kaepernick Doesn't Play This Season
Unstripped Voice NC
On August 26, 2016, San Fransisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick sat down during the National Anthem before the 3rd preseason game of the upcoming 2016 NFL season. Right after the game, he told NFL Media why he sat during the anthem, prompting his now-famous statement:
"I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color. To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder."
Never before, since the great Muhammad Ali's refusal to serve in Vietnam in 1967, has an athlete taken such a direct stance highlighting the injustices of people of color -- and just like Ali, the reaction to Kaepernick's stance has been met with passionate responses, often times divided by the color line.
Since that statement, Kaepernick "upgraded" his protest to a knee, announced a plan to donate $1 million to the charities that focused on racial issues (which he followed through), had great support from some of his teammates, NFL colleagues, athletes from all sports levels (starting from junior high), and fans by taking a knee during anthems.
Best of all, Kaepernick's protest made the conversation about "racial/police brutality" front-page for the large part of the NFL season, a feat never done before in its history.
Because he needed to start, Kaepernick also restructured his contract during the 2016 season, taking away the final 4 years and reworking it into a 2-year deal (with a 1-year player option) -- allowing him to leave after the season if he chooses, which he did.
Since then, no one has offered Colin Kaepernick, a Super Bowl QB just a few years ago, a NFL job despite cries from NFL Players and analysts, both black and white. He also has a better Total Quarterback Rating (QBR) than half the backup quarterbacks signed right now.
This shows that the NFL Owners are not willing to bring Kaepernick into their team because -- according to many fans -- he is a "distraction". A man who protested because of injustices towards people of color is pretty much blackballed in a league that is 70% Black.
If you are appalled by this, then show your power by boycotting the NFL until Kaepernick gets signed to a team. This means to not watch any games, no social media comments about your favorite team before/during/after the games, don't attend the stadiums, and don't buy any merchandise which represents the league or your favorite team.
We understand NFL is very important to you. We also understand the purpose of Colin Kaepernick's protest is FAR more important than any games you will ever watch. Simply put, if things stay the same for the way America -- where "all men are created equal" -- treats people of color, then your loved ones, friends, and children will eventually be affected as well.
Finally, this situation really shines a light on how much the NFL really cares about its Black athletes. It's pretty much: Play for us, entertain us, make us money, and shut up.
WHO THIS PETITION WILL GO TO:
Once we reach 100,000 signatures, this petition will be delivered to Roger Goodell, currently the NFL Commissioner, as well as every team owner in the NFL:
Bill Bidwill - Arizona Cardinals
Arthur Blank - Atlanta Falcons
Steve Bisciotti - Baltimore Ravens
Kim & Terry Pegula - Buffalo Bills
Jerry Richardson - Carolina Panthers
Virginia Halas McCaskey - Chicago Bears
Mike Brown - Cincinnati Bengals
Jimmy Haslam - Cleveland Browns
Jerry Jones - Dallas Cowboys
Pat Bowlen - Denver Broncos
Martha Ford - Detroit Lions
Green Bay Packers, Inc. - Green Bay Packers
Robert C. McNair - Houston Texans
Jim Irsay - Indianapolis Colts
Shahid Khan - Jacksonville Jaguars
Clark Hunt - Kansas City Chiefs
Alex Spanos - L.A. Chargers
Stan Kroenke - L.A. Rams
Stephen M. Ross - Miami Dolphins
Zygi Wilf - Minnesota Vikings
Robert Kraft - New England Patriots
Tom Benson - New Orleans Saints
John Mara & Steve Tisch - New York Giants
Robert Wood Johnson IV - New York Jets
Mark Davis - Oakland Raiders
Jeffrey Lurie - Philadelphia Eagles
Art Rooney II - Pittsburgh Steelers
Jed York - San Fransisco 49ers
Paul Allen - Seattle Seahawks
The Glazers & Darcie Kassewitz - Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Susie Smith, Amy Strunk, Susan Lewis Barclay & Kenneth Adams IV - Tennessee Titans
Dan Snyder - Washington Redskins
Let's join together as fans and make our voices heard.
#NoKaepernickNoNFL
This petition will be delivered to:
- Roger Goodell
- All 32 NFL Owners
Ray Lewis to Kaepernick: Keep activism private & let play "speak for itself"
- Read more" data-render="true" data-fetch_summary="{"model":{"model":"PetitionUpdate","id":"20951956"}}">
espn.com
- Read more" data-render="true" data-fetch_summary="{"model":{"model":"PetitionUpdate","id":"20938693"}}">
7 days ago
Petition update
NFL Commissioner claims Kaepernick is not being "shunned" by the league
Roger Goodell says it's up to the individual teams to do what's "best for them". In other words, he's following the company line.
- Read more" data-render="true" data-fetch_summary="{"model":{"model":"PetitionUpdate","id":"20938693"}}">
espn.com
- Read more" data-render="true" data-fetch_summary="{"model":{"model":"PetitionUpdate","id":"20937763"}}">
7 days ago
Petition update
First 1000 signatures reached!
Every milestone is important. Thank you! Share the petition to your friends. We won't be silent until the NFL gets it right with Kaepernick.
- Read more" data-render="true" data-fetch_summary="{"model":{"model":"PetitionUpdate","id":"20937322"}}">
7 days ago
1,000 supporters
- Read more" data-render="true" data-fetch_summary="{"model":{"model":"PetitionUpdate","id":"20924557"}}">
1 week ago
Petition update
Baltimore Ravens sign an Arena-Football QB over Kaepernick
This comes a day after the Ravens coach said he was "open" to Kaepernick joining them.
Last edited:
Cutler is a perennial loser......why on earth do you think that will change? I mean even the damn Bears ridded themselves of him and they are desperate.
And i remember they were even trying to trade him away.
Man not only is he trash but teammates are on record saying they hate him lol.
link to petition to Goodell
https://www.change.org/p/roger-good...-if-colin-kaepernick-doesn-t-play-this-season
Petitioning Roger Goodell and 1 other
- Log in
#NoKaepernickNoNFL - Boycott NFL Games If Colin Kaepernick Doesn't Play This Season
Thank you, I signed up.
teammates were ready to fist fight him on the field.
peep all of the caveats he included to say cutler played decent lol
he could only play decent when he stopped his career long habit of forcing passes also stopped throwing deep balls also adding a running game
he just described alex smith lol
I kinda want Ndamukong Suh to beat his azz during the season.
This is cut and dry. You don't need a semester of learning to understand this. It's not complicated. If I have to explain it to you, then you are too far lost. I shouldn't have to explain to a black man, if that's what you are, the injustice that is being done. It's quite apparent. I think you are just playing devil's advocate because you like male attention and like to be on the opposite side of things. Either way, that signifies you have issues.
You haven't explained anything. That's the crutch of my argument.
You still have not answered my question or any of my questions for that matter. Your inability to clarify your argument is a weakness in you not me. I'm more than willing to hear your side of it. Just waiting for you to clarify it.
Furthermore, how am I exactly a c00n for wanting to continue to watch the NFL? Because I disagree with what you fail to clarify because you can't clarify it?
Here's a thought exercise: if I'm supposedly going the wrong way, you tell me I'm going the wrong way, your certain of it, I then ask you for directions, to which you can't clarify beyond that only that I'm going the wrong way and I'm stupid for going in that direction...wouldn't the communication failure be on you?
I'm willing to hear you side...just clarify it.
Otherwise...cool it with the c00n shit. Cause until you understand your viewpoint well enough to explain it 'to a three year old' you very well may not know what the fuck you're talking about on a rational, logical level.
And I'm starting to think that you don't.
*two cents*
The league has murderers, wife beaters, dog killers, and drug addicts getting contract deals. One black man decides to make a stance on social inequality and black rights, a man that is obviously talented than many on current rosters, and you seem confused as to where the injustice is. lol. Just stop it already. If you don't see the lid being placed on black progress, then no one can help you. If you want to support white men blackballing someone to bring awareness, that's on you.
link to petition to Goodell
https://www.change.org/p/roger-good...-if-colin-kaepernick-doesn-t-play-this-season
Petitioning Roger Goodell and 1 other
- Log in
#NoKaepernickNoNFL - Boycott NFL Games If Colin Kaepernick Doesn't Play This Season
Unstripped Voice NC
On August 26, 2016, San Fransisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick sat down during the National Anthem before the 3rd preseason game of the upcoming 2016 NFL season. Right after the game, he told NFL Media why he sat during the anthem, prompting his now-famous statement:
"I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color. To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder."
Never before, since the great Muhammad Ali's refusal to serve in Vietnam in 1967, has an athlete taken such a direct stance highlighting the injustices of people of color -- and just like Ali, the reaction to Kaepernick's stance has been met with passionate responses, often times divided by the color line.
Since that statement, Kaepernick "upgraded" his protest to a knee, announced a plan to donate $1 million to the charities that focused on racial issues (which he followed through), had great support from some of his teammates, NFL colleagues, athletes from all sports levels (starting from junior high), and fans by taking a knee during anthems.
Best of all, Kaepernick's protest made the conversation about "racial/police brutality" front-page for the large part of the NFL season, a feat never done before in its history.
Because he needed to start, Kaepernick also restructured his contract during the 2016 season, taking away the final 4 years and reworking it into a 2-year deal (with a 1-year player option) -- allowing him to leave after the season if he chooses, which he did.
Since then, no one has offered Colin Kaepernick, a Super Bowl QB just a few years ago, a NFL job despite cries from NFL Players and analysts, both black and white. He also has a better Total Quarterback Rating (QBR) than half the backup quarterbacks signed right now.
This shows that the NFL Owners are not willing to bring Kaepernick into their team because -- according to many fans -- he is a "distraction". A man who protested because of injustices towards people of color is pretty much blackballed in a league that is 70% Black.
If you are appalled by this, then show your power by boycotting the NFL until Kaepernick gets signed to a team. This means to not watch any games, no social media comments about your favorite team before/during/after the games, don't attend the stadiums, and don't buy any merchandise which represents the league or your favorite team.
We understand NFL is very important to you. We also understand the purpose of Colin Kaepernick's protest is FAR more important than any games you will ever watch. Simply put, if things stay the same for the way America -- where "all men are created equal" -- treats people of color, then your loved ones, friends, and children will eventually be affected as well.
Finally, this situation really shines a light on how much the NFL really cares about its Black athletes. It's pretty much: Play for us, entertain us, make us money, and shut up.
WHO THIS PETITION WILL GO TO:
Once we reach 100,000 signatures, this petition will be delivered to Roger Goodell, currently the NFL Commissioner, as well as every team owner in the NFL:
Bill Bidwill - Arizona Cardinals
Arthur Blank - Atlanta Falcons
Steve Bisciotti - Baltimore Ravens
Kim & Terry Pegula - Buffalo Bills
Jerry Richardson - Carolina Panthers
Virginia Halas McCaskey - Chicago Bears
Mike Brown - Cincinnati Bengals
Jimmy Haslam - Cleveland Browns
Jerry Jones - Dallas Cowboys
Pat Bowlen - Denver Broncos
Martha Ford - Detroit Lions
Green Bay Packers, Inc. - Green Bay Packers
Robert C. McNair - Houston Texans
Jim Irsay - Indianapolis Colts
Shahid Khan - Jacksonville Jaguars
Clark Hunt - Kansas City Chiefs
Alex Spanos - L.A. Chargers
Stan Kroenke - L.A. Rams
Stephen M. Ross - Miami Dolphins
Zygi Wilf - Minnesota Vikings
Robert Kraft - New England Patriots
Tom Benson - New Orleans Saints
John Mara & Steve Tisch - New York Giants
Robert Wood Johnson IV - New York Jets
Mark Davis - Oakland Raiders
Jeffrey Lurie - Philadelphia Eagles
Art Rooney II - Pittsburgh Steelers
Jed York - San Fransisco 49ers
Paul Allen - Seattle Seahawks
The Glazers & Darcie Kassewitz - Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Susie Smith, Amy Strunk, Susan Lewis Barclay & Kenneth Adams IV - Tennessee Titans
Dan Snyder - Washington Redskins
Let's join together as fans and make our voices heard.
#NoKaepernickNoNFL
This petition will be delivered to:
Unstripped Voice started this petition with a single signature, and now has 57,216 supporters. Start a petition today to change something you care about.
- Roger Goodell
- All 32 NFL Owners
Ray Lewis to Kaepernick: Keep activism private & let play "speak for itself"
- Read more" data-render="true" data-fetch_summary="{"model":{"model":"PetitionUpdate","id":"20951956"}}">
espn.com
- Read more" data-render="true" data-fetch_summary="{"model":{"model":"PetitionUpdate","id":"20938693"}}">
7 days ago
Petition update
NFL Commissioner claims Kaepernick is not being "shunned" by the league
Roger Goodell says it's up to the individual teams to do what's "best for them". In other words, he's following the company line.
- Read more" data-render="true" data-fetch_summary="{"model":{"model":"PetitionUpdate","id":"20938693"}}">
espn.com
- Read more" data-render="true" data-fetch_summary="{"model":{"model":"PetitionUpdate","id":"20937763"}}">
7 days ago
Petition update
First 1000 signatures reached!
Every milestone is important. Thank you! Share the petition to your friends. We won't be silent until the NFL gets it right with Kaepernick.
- Read more" data-render="true" data-fetch_summary="{"model":{"model":"PetitionUpdate","id":"20937322"}}">
7 days ago
1,000 supporters
- Read more" data-render="true" data-fetch_summary="{"model":{"model":"PetitionUpdate","id":"20924557"}}">
1 week ago
Petition update
Baltimore Ravens sign an Arena-Football QB over Kaepernick
This comes a day after the Ravens coach said he was "open" to Kaepernick joining them.
ALL
For the Life of God please don't buy Madden 18 or beyond until CK is signed
Last edited:
Don’t smear Miami Dolphins for passing on Colin Kaepernick
Perry Trach
What if the Dolphins’ decision came down to these two? (Getty Images)
The backlash is coming. Some of it will hit the Dolphins tonight, and it’ll probably be a full-blown controversy by Monday morning.
Why did they choose Jay Cutler over Colin Kaepernick?
That’s the question that seems to dog every team that doesn’t pick Kaepernick, with the implication being that his national anthem protests are costing him football opportunities. And there might be some legitimacy to that suspicion, but it’d be highly unfair to throw accusations at the Dolphins for their recent choice.
For starters, no owner in the league has been as outspoken in his support of protesting players than Stephen Ross. He held a rare media availability in the locker room at last year’s season opener specifically to make sure everyone knew he had the backs of Michael Thomas, Kenny Stills, Jelani Jenkins and Arian Foster when they knelt during the anthem on Sept. 11 of all days.
Ross has upheld that support ever since, and if Stills and Thomas want to protest in the same way this season, there’s no doubt they’re free to do so.
Kaepernick’s name actually came up with Ross about a week before Ryan Tannehill went down. He was asked whether the ongoing saga of Kaepernick’s free agency made him think NFL teams were blacklisting a perfectly capable quarterback.
“I would sure hope not,” Ross said. “I know a lot’s been written about it, but you know owners and coaches—they’ll do anything it takes to win. If they think he can help them win, I’m sure—I would hope they would sign him.”
It would’ve been interesting to see if that applied to Miami had Cutler opted to stick with his broadcasting job. While the Dolphins wouldn’t have held Kaepernick’s activism against him, there’s a Miami-specific issue that would’ve complicated things: Kaepernick wore a Fidel Castro t-shirt to a press conference last year and voice support for some of his principles, and that’s unacceptable in South Florida.
Marlins manager Ozzie Guillen was suspended and ultimately lost his job in 2012 over similar comments. Heat owner Micky Arison drew criticism last April when his Carnival Cruise Lines made a deal for access to Cuba that included a ban on Cuban-born people from buying tickets, and the policy was quickly reversed.
There are Cuban communities throughout the United States, but none as prevalent as South Florida’s. It never came to this since the Dolphins targeted Cutler from the onset, but if they’d passed on Kaepernick on those grounds alone, it’d be justifiable.
Ultimately, though, this decision wasn’t about any of those things. Cutler was the best option for the Dolphins because of his familiarity with coach Adam Gase, and that’s valuable when the regular season is a little over a month away.
Gase doesn’t have to project anything with Cutler; he has a clear grasp of what he’ll get from him in this offense. He knows his mechanics and preferences, and he knows how to tailor the playbook based on that.
On paper, Kaepernick and Cutler aren’t that different. They’re within three points of each other in career passer rating, they’re both around .500 and both were dumped by dreadful teams that believed they’d be better off without them.
Cutler was good in his last healthy season. Under Gase in 2015, he completed 64.4 percent of his passes, threw for 3,659 yards and had 21 touchdowns and 11 interceptions for a career-best 92.3 passer rating. If Gase is confident he can get performance along those lines out of Cutler this year, that’s the sound choice.
Perry Trach
What if the Dolphins’ decision came down to these two? (Getty Images)
The backlash is coming. Some of it will hit the Dolphins tonight, and it’ll probably be a full-blown controversy by Monday morning.
Why did they choose Jay Cutler over Colin Kaepernick?
That’s the question that seems to dog every team that doesn’t pick Kaepernick, with the implication being that his national anthem protests are costing him football opportunities. And there might be some legitimacy to that suspicion, but it’d be highly unfair to throw accusations at the Dolphins for their recent choice.
For starters, no owner in the league has been as outspoken in his support of protesting players than Stephen Ross. He held a rare media availability in the locker room at last year’s season opener specifically to make sure everyone knew he had the backs of Michael Thomas, Kenny Stills, Jelani Jenkins and Arian Foster when they knelt during the anthem on Sept. 11 of all days.
Ross has upheld that support ever since, and if Stills and Thomas want to protest in the same way this season, there’s no doubt they’re free to do so.
Kaepernick’s name actually came up with Ross about a week before Ryan Tannehill went down. He was asked whether the ongoing saga of Kaepernick’s free agency made him think NFL teams were blacklisting a perfectly capable quarterback.
“I would sure hope not,” Ross said. “I know a lot’s been written about it, but you know owners and coaches—they’ll do anything it takes to win. If they think he can help them win, I’m sure—I would hope they would sign him.”
It would’ve been interesting to see if that applied to Miami had Cutler opted to stick with his broadcasting job. While the Dolphins wouldn’t have held Kaepernick’s activism against him, there’s a Miami-specific issue that would’ve complicated things: Kaepernick wore a Fidel Castro t-shirt to a press conference last year and voice support for some of his principles, and that’s unacceptable in South Florida.
Marlins manager Ozzie Guillen was suspended and ultimately lost his job in 2012 over similar comments. Heat owner Micky Arison drew criticism last April when his Carnival Cruise Lines made a deal for access to Cuba that included a ban on Cuban-born people from buying tickets, and the policy was quickly reversed.
There are Cuban communities throughout the United States, but none as prevalent as South Florida’s. It never came to this since the Dolphins targeted Cutler from the onset, but if they’d passed on Kaepernick on those grounds alone, it’d be justifiable.
Ultimately, though, this decision wasn’t about any of those things. Cutler was the best option for the Dolphins because of his familiarity with coach Adam Gase, and that’s valuable when the regular season is a little over a month away.
Gase doesn’t have to project anything with Cutler; he has a clear grasp of what he’ll get from him in this offense. He knows his mechanics and preferences, and he knows how to tailor the playbook based on that.
On paper, Kaepernick and Cutler aren’t that different. They’re within three points of each other in career passer rating, they’re both around .500 and both were dumped by dreadful teams that believed they’d be better off without them.
Cutler was good in his last healthy season. Under Gase in 2015, he completed 64.4 percent of his passes, threw for 3,659 yards and had 21 touchdowns and 11 interceptions for a career-best 92.3 passer rating. If Gase is confident he can get performance along those lines out of Cutler this year, that’s the sound choice.
kaep is NEVER playing in the NFL again....
whats so hard to understand about this?
whats so hard to understand about this?
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