Donald Trump takes U-turn, says Colin Kaepernick 'absolutely' deserves a shot in NFL
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Looks like Donald Trump has had a change of hearts as president of the USA said he is “absolutely” in favour of giving Colin Kaepernick another chance in the NFL.
Looks like Donald Trump has had a change of hearts as president of the USA said he is “absolutely” in favour of giving Colin Kaepernick another chance in the NFL. The comments made by Trump is a complete contrast to his statement in 2017 when he said that players like Kaepernick, who kneel during the US anthem, are “sons of bi***s” and should be expelled from the league.
"If he deserves it, he should," Trump told a Washington, DC television station when asked if Kaepernick should get another shot.
"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. As far as kneeling, I would love to see him get another shot."
Black Lives Matter movement - making an impact
With the wave of protest continuing across the United States following the death of George Floyd, an African-America, in Minneapolis police custody, Trumps’ comments come as a result of the Black Lives Matter movement.
Recently, Trump had tweeted that no one should kneel in front of the American flag.
"There are other things you can protest, but not our Great American Flag -- NO KNEELING!"
...We should be standing up straight and tall, ideally with a salute, or a hand on heart. There are other things you can protest, but not our Great American Flag - NO KNEELING!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 5, 2020
Recently, Roger Goodell had encouraged teams to sign Kaepernick, a former San Francisco 49ers quarterback.
"If he wants to resume his career in the NFL, then obviously it's gonna take a team to make that decision," Goodell said.
"But I welcome that, support a club making that decision, and encourage them to do that."
Kaepernick has not played in the NFL in four years. In 12 games with the San Francisco 49ers in 2016, he completed 59.2 per cent of his passes, threw 16 touchdowns and four interceptions.