Is Colin Kaepernick a “team” player? Does he help the franchises that he’s been a part of, or does he hinder them? At the end of the day, that’s the question football fans may want to ask, as cultural critic Jesse Watters says in this pointed clip discussing the outspoken former San Francisco 49ers quarterback.
Even if one acknowledges the rebellious spirit of Kaepernick (which has garnered tremendous media attention), it’s very divisive and ultimately distracting for any club that wants to retain him. Football teams are still businesses at their core, and they depend on players projecting a unified image that’s positive and respectful for team spirit and goal-setting. Players who act like lone individuals in support of causes that have nothing to do with the sport break up the game’s focus and are like spoiled children throwing petulant temper tantrums. Recently, there’s been heated online discussion about the Miami Dolphins signing previously retired 34-year-old Jay Cutler, a veteran of the Chicago Bears, to a one-year, $10-million contract instead of making a commitment to now-free-agent Kaepernick.
If Kaepernick confined his viewpoints and protest actions to his off-field life, teams like the Dolphins might be far less bothered by what he does. But as it is, Kaepernick draws attention away from the game and diverts the spotlight from the organization he’s a part of. Even if he’s a star player, he’s still part of a group, and he’s expected to live up to the standards and practices of that group, so the Dolphins’ decision shouldn’t come as a surprise. Watch as YouTube’s WJ channel discusses the talked-about signing.