NFL
**UPDATE**
Here at VA Mag, we’ve kept a close eye on current NFL free agent quarterback, Colin Kaepernick. Ever since Kaepernick’s decision to kneel became the ultimate conversation starter back in 2016, we’ve been on top of keeping our readers abreast of his situation. Fully supporting him and his stance against racial profiling and police brutality against black and brown men and women across the country. As heroic as his stance was, and still is, it unfortunately cost him his job and no other team signed him in the following seasons. Last year, we covered the deal he subsequently signed with Nike despite their partnership with the NFL, and touched on the collusion case Kaepernick had against the league. When Jay-Z announced his joint venture with the NFL and there were talks of how it was disrespectful to Kaepernick, but we took a different angle. We told everyone to just wait and see what Hov’s approach would be.
The Colin Kaepernick saga's newest development is a huge win for the advocate and his supporters. There was also a third winner involved, and in my opinion it should be of no surprise. That third party is none other than the shoe company who I've credited as always being on the right side of the issue. Nike yet again made it clear that they are a forward thinking company, with a full endorsement for Kaep and the issues that he's fought so hard to bring awareness to.
All eyes and ears have been paying attention to what's going on in the NFL. Viewership has been down from a season ago, due to multiple protests and boycotts of the NFL for opposite reasons. The NFL and fans alike are fundamentally a part of a civil war of sorts, where one side is protesting and choosing to kneel during the national anthem, locking arms, or placing their hands on the shoulders of their teammates who choose to take a knee. This comes at a time where racial injustice in America has caused a massive divide among citizens, and has spilled over into the world of sports.
The stars of today have been more vocal in their support for the fight against racial inequality and police brutality that Colin Kaepernick originally decided to take a knee for. Majority of the guys who have been participating are doing so to bring awareness to the hypocrisy of the country when it comes to social injustice and police brutality, piggybacking on the Colin Kaepernick protest. While the other side is going as far as burning season tickets, jerseys, and other team paraphernalia based on their favorite team's participation in the protest. Their feeling is that it's disrespectful to the flag, the military, and the country altogether.
