Skip to main content

CSN Bay Area

HOME  >  NEWS  >  SPORTS
Explanation not changing minds, but Kap can keep trying
Share This Post
Comments
Sunday, August 28, 2016 - 4:15pm
Follow @rattocsn

Colin Kaepernick spoke up for himself again Sunday, and the number of minds changed by his fuller explanation of why he is no longer going to stand for the National Anthem is not yet known.

We suspect it will be close to zero for the foreseeable future, knowing what we do about the nation’s body politic. As a society, we absorb noise well.

Then again, that isn’t really the end game here. His right to speak stands inviolate, and for the moment anyway, nobody in a position to try to silence him is interested in doing so.

His teammates have given no indication that they will join him, but neither have any of them condemned him for speaking up, let alone out. His employers have chosen a prudent middle road – “We defend his right not to do what we enthusiastically believe.” And even the company that controls his employers is letting the wind take its own course.

[RELATED: Kaepernick addresses teammates, gains understanding]

And that may be all there is to come from this – one man expressing himself through a gesture without official repercussions. It isn’t quite the same as free speech, because all provocative speech comes at a price in a country in which the predominant conversational tack is angry invective.

It may also turn out that nobody who heard his explanations Sunday will be moved to the opposite side of the debate on it. The issues he spoke on aren’t going to be changed by one man in a reclining pose, but hundreds and thousands of people striving through deed as well as word and body position on a daily basis for a more just and rational society.

But what may have changed is the level of the side debate for (a) why he did what he did, (b) his right to do so, and (c) whether his income or competence as a quarterback should be considered automatic disqualifiers.

That last one is most important, because there was a lot of speech thrown around this issue all weekend on all sides, and everyone got to have their say. In that way, at least, the First Amendment worked as it should.

Moreover, his willingness to stand and more fully articulate his reasons for sitting through the anthem may convince some critics that he meant what he said and did for reasons other than employment. “May,” that is. Minds once painted shut usually need a crowbar to be reopened.

And the next thing that may change is the willingness of other NFL players, or athletes in general, to join Kaepernick’s particular form of protest, or find one more suited to their own particular temperaments. The level of social activism among athletes has still, for the most part, been reserved to rhetoric – by speech, by written word or by fashion choice. The most dramatic of all remains the University of Missouri football team’s announced plan to boycott a game if the school president did not resign after a string of racial incidents on campus and the school’s sub-tepid response. It worked, because numbers matter, even if only tactically.

Kaepernick sits alone for the moment, and the tenor of the debate has mostly surrounded his right to complain about the conditions in which many of his fellow citizens live, with the criticism largely based on whatever athletic, financial or character flaw he is perceived to possess. This is an interesting notion, the idea that one's right to object to the conditions in which one's fellow citizens live is actually limited by one's income, depth chart position or completion percentage.

[RELATED: Kaepernick: Will continue to sit until I see change]

Strength in numbers such as the U of M boycott, on the other hand, prevents opponents from isolating one person or other and labeling him or her a lone malcontent. When there are lots of voices raised, the debate stops being about the singer and becomes the song.

Kaepernick cannot be held responsible for all that. He spoke his conscience at the time presented him, and in the way he felt would resonate best. It won’t get him traded or released or promoted or re-signed. But neither did it get him condemned by those who most directly affect his career. His right to speak is being defended, which isn’t his issue necessarily, but it allows the issues upon which he speaks to get a further hearing.

And in time . . . well, time has its own funny way of sorting all that out. The point is, Colin Kaepernick may not have changed any hearts or minds, but he has won the right to keep trying. A very small victory given the issues at hand, perhaps, so maybe we call it a momentary win-lette and let the rest of the nation decide as it must what to make of it all.

NBCBayArea.com

There is no data to display.

Video

Maiocco: With way Philly tenure ended, Kelly in awkward spot with Kap
Dr. John Carlos: Kap has to 'walk through jungle of ignorance'
Comparing Kaepernick's stance with past civil rights protests
Rookie RB Washington reminds Carr of his brother's teammate

Giants

Giants prospect Ty Blach named to 2016 All-PCL team
Dodgers blank Cubs, keep two-game lead over Giants
Panik leads historic attack, Giants throttle Braves 13-4
New York wins Little League World Series; USA's first since '11
Read More

Athletics

LIVE: A's vs Astros
A's lineup: Muncy playing second, batting ninth vs Astros
A's activate Butler, option Alcantara to Single-A
Triggs earns first career win as A's take series from Cards
Read More

Sharks

Entering contract year, Burns awaits extension from Sharks
Sharks' Braun plays quiet, effective game
Boughner remains with Sharks as Avs go in different direction
Crosby named captain of Canada for World Cup of Hockey
Read More

49ers

Comparing Kap's stance with past civil rights protests
SFPOA president pens letter condemning Kap's comments
Price of 49ers tickets trending down at Levi's Stadium
College coach: Kaepernick's platform 'disrespectful, selfish'
Read More

Raiders

Del Rio: Raiders prefer their players 'respect the flag'
Raiders waive 14, place Holmes on IR; roster trimmed to 75
Chargers end spat with Bosa, announce four-year deal
Top 5 takeaways from Raiders' preseason loss to Titans
Read More

Warriors

Bill Bradley: 'I don't understand' Durant joining Warriors
Adams: Warriors 'will expect a lot' from Durant on defense
Warriors leaving KNBR, announce new radio deal with 95.7
Barnett: 'No doubt' Warriors should win multiple titles
Read More

NCAA

Harbaugh yet to name starting QB for No. 7 Michigan's opener
Webb tosses four TDs in Cal debut, Golden Bears beat Hawaii
Cal, Hawaii play tourists in Australia before season opener
Stanford in Top 10 of AP Preseason poll; Alabama No. 1
Read More
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • MLB Standings
  • G-Mag
  • When Giants Fan Met Dodgers Fan
  • Amy G
  • Insider Alex Pavlovic
  • Buy Giants Gear
  • Buy Giants Tickets

Latest News

Giants prospect Ty Blach named to 2016 All-PCL team
(6)
CSN Bay Area staff

GIANTS VIDEO

Bochy reacts to Giants' historic four-homer, four-triple game
Bochy reacts to Giants' historic four-homer, four-triple game
See more >

GIANTS INSIDER

  • Morning After: Span nearly had his Gregor Blanco moment
  • Rewind: Moore misses history, but gets huge win for Giants
  • Instant Replay: Moore one out from no-hitting Dodgers, Giants win
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • MLB Standings
  • All A's
  • Eireann Dolan's Call to the 'Pen
  • Insider Joe Stiglich
  • Buy Athletics Gear
  • Buy Athletics Tickets

Latest News

LIVE: A's vs Astros
CSN Bay Area staff

A's VIDEO

A's Triggs reacts to first career victory
A's Triggs reacts to first career victory
See more >

A's INSIDER

  • A's activate Butler, option Alcantara to Single-A
  • Rewind: A's unlikely starting cast getting job done vs Cards
  • Instant Replay: A's rally late, even series with Cardinals
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NHL Standings
  • Insider Kevin Kurz
  • Buy Sharks Gear
  • Buy Sharks Tickets

Latest News

Entering contract year, Burns awaits extension from Sharks
Kevin Kurz

SHARKS VIDEO

Beyond the Scoreboard digital exclusive: 1-on-1 with SAP CDO Jonathan Becher
Beyond the Scoreboard digital exclusive: 1-on-1 with SAP CDO Jonathan Becher
See more >

SHARKS INSIDER

  • Entering contract year, Burns awaits extension from Sharks
  • Sharks' Braun plays quiet, effective game
  • Boughner remains with Sharks as Avs go in different direction
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NBA Standings
  • Warriors Central
  • Steph-in' Amazing
  • Cookin' with the Currys
  • Insider Monte Poole
  • Buy Warriors Gear
  • Buy Warriors Tickets
  • Stream the Warriors on Live Extra

Latest News

Bill Bradley: 'I don't understand' Durant joining Warriors
(10)
CSN Bay Area staff

WARRIORS VIDEO

Analysis: Warriors leave KNBR, join forces with 95.7 The Game
Analysis: Warriors leave KNBR, join forces with 95.7 The Game
See more >

WARRIORS INSIDER

  • Kaepernick won't be last athlete to take stand against injustices
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NBA Standings
  • Insider James Ham
  • Buy Kings Gear
  • Buy Kings Tickets
  • Stream the Kings on Live Extra

Latest News

Divac hopes Cousins' positive attitude in Rio comes to Kings
(2)
CSN Bay Area staff

Kings Video

Ham: Kings 'making lot of phone calls;' trade on the way?
Ham: Kings 'making lot of phone calls;' trade on the way?
See more >

KINGS INSIDER

There is no data to display.

  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NFL Standings
  • Insider Matt Maiocco
  • Buy 49ers Gear
  • Buy 49ers Tickets

Latest News

Comparing Kap's stance with past civil rights protests
Ray Ratto

49ers VIDEO

Maiocco: With way Philly tenure ended, Kelly in awkward spot with Kap
Maiocco: With way Philly tenure ended, Kelly in awkward spot with Kap
See more >

49ers INSIDER

  • Harbaugh doesn't support Kaepernick's national anthem stance
  • Kerley's addition helps compensate during Ellington's absence
  • Analysis: Why 49ers could part ways with Kaepernick
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NFL Standings
  • Insider Scott Bair
  • Buy Raiders Gear
  • Buy Raiders Tickets

Latest News

Del Rio: Raiders prefer their players 'respect the flag'
(1)
Scott Bair

RAIDERS VIDEO

Rookie RB Washington reminds Carr of his brother's teammate
Rookie RB Washington reminds Carr of his brother's teammate
See more >

RAIDERS INSIDER

  • Del Rio: Raiders prefer their players 'respect the flag'
  • Raiders waive 14, place Holmes on IR; roster trimmed to 75
  • Top 5 takeaways from Raiders' preseason loss to Titans
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • MLS Standings
  • MLS Player Leaders
  • Buy Quakes Gear
  • Buy Quakes Tickets

Top Story

Quakes fire GM after nine years: 'Style of play got kind of boring'
(1)
Julio Lara

More Stories

Earthquakes part ways with general manager John Doyle
(1)
Playoffs hopes fading away for Earthquakes after loss to Crew
See more >

Quakes Shop

JOE STIGLICH

A's activate Butler, option Alcantara to Single-A
See more >

ALEX PAVLOVIC

Morning After: Span nearly had his Gregor Blanco moment
(5)
See more >

MATT MAIOCCO

Harbaugh doesn't support Kaepernick's national anthem stance
(80)
See more >

SCOTT BAIR

Del Rio: Raiders prefer their players 'respect the flag'
(1)
See more >

MONTE POOLE

Adams: Warriors 'will expect a lot' from Durant on defense
(3)
See more >

JAMES HAM

The Kings Insider Podcast with James Ham: Lawson signing
See more >

KEVIN KURZ

Entering contract year, Burns awaits extension from Sharks
See more >

RAY RATTO

Comparing Kap's stance with past civil rights protests

AFF - A'S

Authentic Fan Friday - A's

Come to Authentic Fan Friday at the A's! 

Sit in the Value Deck and score free giveaways - get more info here!

 

FOLLOW US!

Follow us on Twitter @CSNAuthentic.

SAY HEY TUESDAY

s

Join us for Say Hey Tuesday – every Tuesday Giants home game.

NCAA

  • Stanford Football
  • Stanford Basketball
  • Stanford Women's Basketball
  • Cal Football
  • Cal Basketball
  • Cal Women's Basketball
  • SJSU Football
  • SJSU Basketball
  • USF Basketball
  • USF Women's Basketball
  • Saint Mary's Basketball
  • Santa Clara Basketball
  • Fresno State Football

MORE

  • Biz Ball
  • Combat Sports
  • Motor Sports
  • Golf
  • Tennis
  • Ray Ratto

 

TICKETS

  • Giants Tickets
  • A's Tickets
  • 49ers Tickets
  • Raiders Tickets
  • Warriors Tickets
  • Kings Tickets
  • Sharks Tickets
Curry Jersey
Giants Fitted Hat
49ers Hoodie

Mega Menu: Shop

  • Giants
  • A's Shop
  • 49ers
  • Raiders Shop
  • Warriors
  • Kings Shop
  • Sharks Shop

Mega Menu: Shop - Tickets

  • Giants Tickets
  • A's Tickets
  • 49ers Tickets
  • Raiders Tickets
  • Warriors Tickets
  • Kings Tickets
  • Sharks Tickets

Latest Videos

Maiocco: With way Philly tenure ended, Kelly in awkward spot with Kap
Maiocco: With way Philly tenure ended, Kelly in awkward spot with Kap
See more >

ORIGINAL PROGRAMMING

  • G-Mag
  • All A's
  • Carpool Confessions
  • Steph-in' Amazing
  • Cookin' with the Currys
  • When Giants Fan Met Dodgers Fan
  • Amy G’s Exclusives
  • Eireann Dolan's Call to the 'Pen

TV SHOWS

  • All Videos
  • SportsNet Central
  • SportsTalk Live
  • But Seriously

INSIDERS

  • Ray Ratto - Senior Insider
  • Matt Maiocco - 49ers
  • Scott Bair - Raiders
  • Monte Poole - Warriors
  • James Ham - Kings
  • Kevin Kurz - Sharks
  • Joe Stiglich - A's
  • Alex Pavlovic - Giants
  • TV Schedule - Bay Area and California
  • Channel Locations - Bay Area
  • Channel Locations - California