A day after NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said he would “encourage” a team in his league to sign quarterback Colin Kaepernick, President Trump, shockingly, also spoke up in support of the quarterback he once called “a son of a bitch.”
In an interview with the Sinclair Broadcast Group, Trump said the 32-year-old former quarterback of the San Francisco 49ers should get another shot at playing in the NFL as long as he is still qualified.
“If he deserves it, he should,” Trump said when asked if Kaepernick should get another crack at the NFL. “If he has the playing ability. He started off great, and then he didn’t end up very great in terms of a player. He was terrific in his rookie year. I think he was very good in his second year. And then something happened. So his playing wasn’t up to snuff. The answer is absolutely I would. I would love to see him get another shot. But obviously he has to be able to play well. If he can’t play well, I think it ould be very unfair.”
"Absolutely I would," support @Kaepernick7 getting a 2nd shot in the @NFL — @POTUS in my interview today on racism, policing, statues & yes–sports. #ColinKaepernick pic.twitter.com/0B83cNbesW
— Scott Thuman (@ScottThuman) June 17, 2020
If Kaepernick does get a chance with a team, as Seahawks coach Pete Carroll hinted he might, it may come with the Los Angeles Chargers, according to head coach Anthony Lynn.
Lynn, who currently has Tyrod Taylor as his starter and rookie QB Justin Herbert out of Oregon as his backup, said Kaepernick fits the style of quarterback Los Angeles wants and that the Chargers potentially would work him out if the need should arise.
“It would be something I think any team would have to explore with a talent of that caliber that is available under these circumstances,” Lynn said. “I know he has a high IQ at the position. It comes down to physical shape and his ability to do what he does. You can figure out real quick where he is in his career after an intense workout.
In somewhat related news, it was announced on Thursday that Kaepernick will be joining the board of directors at the blogging platform and online publisher Medium. In addition to the board seat, Kaepernick will be writing stories and collaborating on editorial features for the site and his media company, Kaepernick Publishing, will also create feature content focused on race and civil rights in America.
“We’ve been in talks with Colin for some time, and we are honored to be electing him to join our board,” said Medium CEO Evan Williams. “Colin’s voice and actions have led the discussion on racial justice, and the world is finally catching up to him. He’s an incisive, independent thinker, whose integrity as an activist and athlete has inspired so many. We’ve enjoyed collaborating with Colin so far, and look forward to tapping into his perspective, as a partner and leader.”
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