49ers notes: Jed York doesn’t think Colin Kaepernick is being blackballed

1

SANTA CLARA — 49ers CEO Jed York spoke with local reporters Thursday afternoon for the first time since returning from the NFL owners meeting Tuesday in New York City.

At the meeting, the owners decided not to ban players from kneeling during the national anthem. Players will be allowed to continue the protest former 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick started last season. Kaepernick remains unemployed and is suing the NFL for collusion, claiming the league has blackballed him.

A reporter asked York on Thursday if he thinks the league has treated Kaepernick unfairly.

“It’s very difficult for me to say that, with Colin being here for a long period of time,” York said. “Obviously, there’s the lawsuit that’s going on, so it’s hard for me to get into any details or really share my opinion. But, I don’t believe that there’s base to that claim that he’s being blackballed.”

York went on to explain the owners’ decision not to ban social-justice protests during the national anthem.

“Our players are saying we want our message to be heard clearly and loudly and that’s what we’re trying to figure out. How do we make sure that we encourage you to stand, but we’re not requiring you to do anything?

“You’re allowed to do anything that you want from the First Amendment. You can express yourself, but we want you to stand because you want to stand. We’re not going to make you stand. And we want to make our country and our communities a better place not because you’re forcing us to, but because we’re compelled to and I think that’s the important thing here.”

Bad break: The 49ers placed third-year defensive end Arik Armstead on the Injured Reserve list Monday with a broken left hand. He suffered the injury Sunday against the Redskins, and played through it for a quarter and a half, according to defensive coordinator Robert Saleh.

“He’s a tough son of a b,” Saleh said. “He is. He’s tough. I will never question that man’s toughness. If he could’ve played with a club, he would’ve played with a club. If he could play with one hand, he’ll play with one hand. It’s just unfortunate, the injury, the location of where it was. But, he did play a quarter and a half with it and he actually dominated the man in front of him. It’s just an unlucky break on his part.”

As Saleh alluded to, the placement of Armstead’s fracture prevents him from wrapping his hand in a cast and playing with a club, as he did his freshman year at the University of Oregon when he injured his right hand.

“He’s been dealing with stuff like that since we were in college,” said defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, who played with Armstead at Oregon. “He will play through anything if the team allows him to. He really wants to be out there with us. He really wishes he could cast it up and still play, but since he has to get surgery, it’s a whole different deal.”

Position change: The 49ers feel rookie first-round pick Solomon Thomas has improved the past two weeks since he became the fulltime “Leo” defensive end.

“With us having so many injuries on the defensive line and having to move people around,” Robert Saleh said on Thursday, “there’s a learning curve for (Thomas) to go from one position to the next.

“The effort was the same. The intensity was the same. But his ability to react quicker was probably a little bit better just because he was comfortable with what he was being asked to do for the second week in a row.”

Buckner, who plays next to Thomas on the 49ers’ defensive line, said he is particularly impressed with the strides Thomas has made recently.

“The position change from big end to Leo definitely made a change for him, and big difference, and you just saw,” he said.

“The game is slowing a little bit down for him, being able to focus on one position. Also, he’s being able to use his hands more, which we’ve been trying to get him to do since the beginning. He’s finally not thinking too much when he’s out there and really just playing.”

Thomas agreed with Buckner’s assessment.

“Definitely, my hand work has been inconsistent throughout the season,” he said. “I’m just trying to get it down and be consistent with it, have very violent hands, make sure they’re inside and just play how the coaches teach us.”

This article has 119 Comments

  1. Good. Since Jed does not object to Kaep protesting, maybe he should improve the QB position.
    .
    Putting all the eggs in one basket with CJB, may prove unwise, especially if CJB struggles. Hoyer will just play like Hoyer, so he is not a good backup. Jed could save money by cutting Hoyer, and signing Kaep at the league minimum with a- prove it contract. Then he should open the QB position to competition. Let CJB start, and as long as he leads the Niners to a score, he continues leading the team. Once they have to punt or there is a turnover, he lets Kaep start until he fails to score.
    .
    That strategy will take off pressure from a rookie, and reward success. No player on an 0-6 team should be handed a starting job for 10 weeks. Since Jed does not think Kaep is being blackballed, he should sign him, so they can win some games.

    1. sebnynah – didn’t kaepernick already turn down a league veteran minimum offer of $900K and also claim that he only wanted to be considered as a starting QB?

  2. CJB>>>>CK
    I think it’s up to Lynch and not York

    Were you hired by Russians to push a pro kap agenda??

    1. No, I am just a die hard faithful Niner fan who wants the Niners to sign the last QB to take them to the SB.
      .
      I think Lynch would sign Kaep, but KS is listening to the advice of MS. Too bad he listened to MS and his advice to go with Hoyer. Now they are 0-6.

      1. Then you’re picking the wrong QB. The passing game under Kaepernick was, consistently, one of the NFL’s worst. Add it he created at least 40% of his sacks through poor pocket skills and ball holding… And , of course, we saw his collapse in 2014 as Harbaugh tried to make him a pocket passer in one of the simplest passing games in the NFL. Followed by failing in an even simpler system in 2015 and being entire mediocre in Chip Kelly’s system in 2016.

        1. Add that to the fact that he is the only QB to actually lose a SB in 49er history, you have to wonder why anyone would want him back!

          1. EastCoast— “The only QB to actually lose a SB in 49er history” . You have got to be kidding if you believe that is a valid criteria for not wanting a QB to play for you. Sounds like the York/Baalke justification for firing Harbaugh. Your statement is a perfect example of the irrationality of the majority of the Kaep haters.

            1. Smh. At least he got to a SB, and was one pass from returning.
              .
              I guess you were happy about Hoyer, and considered him way superior to Kaep.

            2. WillTalk,

              I believe over time, I have laid out my justification for not resigning Kap. The fact that many are tone deaf and keep harping on the SB was why I brought it up in the first place. He’s not a good QB which he is out of a job. Moses and several others have systematically laid out a case as to why Kap finds himself in the NFL unemployment line. He has been offered positions but they were “beneath” him. The reality is that they weren’t really. He’s a second tier QB with a limited skill set but a very high opinion of himself.

        2. Moses- The other guy was supposed to have parted the red sea. Perhaps it’s time for you to part with you lack of objectivity. You and others are entitled to your opinion but it is just that an opinion. An opinion bolstered by nothing but anti Kaep spin.

          Seb is being nothing but a pest and I don’t want Kaep back either, but your vitriol is showing big time. As I have often said it wouldn’t surprise me if the illogical and unjust anti Kaep attitude by many of the fans of the 49ers didn’t play a part in his radicalization. Now anyone with a modicum of reason could see that the criticisms were not entirely centered upon his actual production.

          In retrospect I suppose one has to consider what is meant by “black balled” in respect to whether Kaep has a case. I don’t believe it is across the board, but it seems obvious that a majority of the teams are sort of “blackballing him”

        3. Moses, you claim to be an expert, yet totally ignore the fact that Baalke dismantled the team and sat on his hands and did little to improve the team. Baalke whiffed on an entire draft class, and refused to retain veteran talent. Look at Frank Gore. Look at Crabtree, he just caught the game winner last night.
          .
          Dak showed how important it was to have a decent O line. Kaep had turnstiles in front of him.
          .
          Like Willtalk says, try to be less emo and more objective.

  3. http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Two-linebackers-inactive-for-Raiders-clearing-12292108.php

    Bow was good!

    “He appeared to be the one relaying calls from Oakland’s sideline to the rest of the defense and finished with a game-high 11 tackles, six of them solo.”

    But Bow was bad too.

    “He was also in coverage on Alex Smith’s 10-yard touchdown pass to tight end Travis Kelce that capped the Chiefs’ second drive. And Bowman was upended by a Chiefs running back while blitzing on Smith’s 64-yard touchdown to Tyreek Hill later in the half.”

    1. that was nearly impossible to defend- I do believe he had a shot on the runner, not sure if it was Hunt, who had the 40 yd run……..

  4. Solomon Thomas has been nominated for his third Pepsi Rookie of the Week nomination. That’s more than any other rookie defender.

    You’d never know that he’s one of the NFL’s Top-Rookies if you only listened to 49er fans.

    1. Look, I’m about as critical of the kid as anyone on here and think that the team should have taken someone else. However, he has had some good games of late and seems to be having a good outing for a freshman season, so kudos to Thomas.

      As LEO he seems to not set the edge very well, though it may be a matter of who has what assignment. In either case that may be something he learns. Glad he is contributing because the team sure needs it.

  5. Kap doesn’t have a job, because he is not that good at QB . ( No need to explain)

    Thomas is quietly turning in good performances , he has stayed on the field , hasn’t done anything that would make me think he is a bust . Not to mention ,he has been improving weekly . Only getting better .

    The injuries have not helped ,from the defensive line , to the LB corps. Hated to see arik get hurt thought he was doing a good job .

    Would love to upset Dallas .

    1. 49er since 78—— Actually there is a need to explain because “not that good” implies a sliding scale sort of measurement. You would then need to define “that” being it is a term of comparison. You might be implying that Kaep is not good enough to justify the owners closing their eyes to the baggage he brings with him. Now that is justifiable. Yet if you are implying that Kaep is not good enough to justify a contract with any team based purely on what he brings in respect to his on field ability, then that does not make sense based on the abilities and histories of the QB’s they have signed.

      I often wonder if posters make general or blanket statements that fail to go into detail out of literal lazyness ( I plead guilty to that) or if what they post is actually a reflection of their lack of circumspect analysis.

      1. “I often wonder if posters make general or blanket statements that fail to go into detail out of literal lazyness ( I plead guilty to that) or if what they post is actually a reflection of their lack of circumspect analysis.”

        This is not a binary distinction — both conditions can be simultaneously true.

      2. Fundamental flaws. Poor accuracy which causes substandard completion rate. Inability to deal with pressure and scrambles at phantom pressure. Can’t read defenses pre- or post-snap. Holds the ball too long and causes sacks. Poor pocket skills in that he drifts or prematurely leaves the top-of-the-drop to cause sacks. Pulls his eyes down when he runs. Cannot function in the structure of a play and free-lances too much. Complete inability to progress as a pocket-passer and has regressed, as such, since 2012. Was not any significantly better than Mark Sanchez (and other scrub QBs) in Kelly’s junk systems. Lacks touch. Locks onto the first WR.

        It’s not shallow. It’s understood. I don’t need to list the Nazi war-crimes for people to understand “Nazis were bad.” We know that.

        Or, in short, we know he’s bad. We don’t need to write the War and Peace of why anymore.

        1. Kaep is good enough to have a 90.7 QBR, even with the 30th ranked O line and 32nd ranked WRs.

      3. I often wonder if posters make general or blanket statements that fail to go into detail out of literal lazyness ( I plead guilty to that) or if what they post is actually a reflection of their lack of circumspect analysis.

        Those of us who do not want Kaep on the team are tired of talking ad nauseam about why he is not a good fit at QB for our team. Even Shanahan has talked about it. And about 1000 other posters have as well. The feeling of “needing” to write out all the reasons to people who still want Keep at QB seems useless. If you dont know why anti Kaepers dont want Kaep on the team then you are just ignoring everything everyone has said all offseason/last year/year before that.

        He is not a good pocket passing QB. Requires his own system to be effective. If he goes down to injury you have to change the whole offense again for the other 12-15 players. Lot of work for all the other players for a QB who just is not that good.

        1. I think you have it right mcniner. Last year, when it was clear that we would probably miss out on the #1 pick, almost everybody said they wanted to trade down. It got to a point where it didn’t have to be said anymore.

          Another thing about Kap is the fact that KS will never sign him, so why even entertain the possibility.

  6. It seems to me highly improbable that Kaepernick is being “blackballed”. As others have expressed, his talent and style of play are not appealing enough to teams for those factors to overcome the perception that signing him would be a media and public relations event detrimental to the team. I believe that this situation is a great example of cost/benefit analysis at work.

    However, a player does not have to be “blackballed” for collusion to exist. Indeed, a player could be signed to a team and still be damaged by collusive action on the part of two or more teams, or the league and at least one team. The two issues (“blackballing” and collusion) are separate in a way that most fans and many in the media simply fail to appreciate.

    Having said that, I continue to believe that it is improbable (but not highly improbable) that Kaepernick will be successful at providing convincing evidence of collusion.

    1. Good morning JPN.
      To paraphrase Michael Bennett, Kap needs to be signed to a team for the dialog among League, owners and players to move forward.
      I wonder if by filing his suit is Kap has ensured he won’t be signed until resolution of the suit. (He wasn’t getting any action anyway, so not sure it hurts him more). Might legal counsel advise client owners not to sign him while the suit works its way through the system?

      1. The league wants that grievance to go away. The best way to do that is just for a team like the Niners to sign him, then hopes he fails.
        .
        Sure am glad Lynch has left that door open.

        1. That’s stupid, and the question was for JPN, who actually knows what he’s talking about. I do not seek casual advice from you on legal matters or anything else.

          1. Why did Lynch apologize to Kaep for the continued leaks and smears? Lynch did not want to burn bridges, and that door may swing wide open if CJB does not do well.

            1. Lynch was only attempting to be a nice person…I’d be sure that he wouldn’t have if he thought that some disillusioned obsessive Kaep follower would bring it up every 15 minutes to throw it back in his face….Haven’t you ever attempted to be a nice person ?

        2. If the league and a team acted in concert to decide to sign a particular player, there is a name for that — collusion. The act of colluding would itself be harmful to the CBA, and it might specifically harm another player who, absent the collusive action, might have had a roster spot.

      2. I am not sure it matters, BT. If a team were inclined to sign him, they might not do so now just to err on the side of caution. However, I cannot really see a legal downside for a team if they wanted to sign him. It is just less complicated all around to let this play out, I think.

        1. Thx. I’d be cautious as an owner not knowing if there would be some unforeseen legal or PR baggage in addition to the predictable media feeding frenzy.
          Kap’s not really a locker room distraction. The inevitable media circus definitely IS/would be a distraction, and I think unavoidable. So, for instance, if I were calling the shots in Green Bay, I for one, would not pull the CK lever.
          Before the filing, perhaps, only slightly more likely.

    2. I went up to Geragos’ law firm over on Figueroa St, and hanging on the door was a sign that read, Gone Fishing.

    3. @JPN,

      Agree. Highly unlikely collusion exists and even more unlikely Kaepernick has enough proof to win his case. BUT, the ignorance of some people and what they actually put in writing never ceases to amaze me. In a former life I was tangentially involved with the governments case against Enron executives and their financial partners. I vividly recall the government building a case against Chase Bank because 1 executive had 1 line in an email that said something like, “Enron likes these SPV [special purpose vehicles] because of the impact on their balance sheet.” The government, probably rightfully so, determined this line amounted to prior knowledge on the banks part of mischaracterization of assets/liabilities by Enron. Chase was fined over $1bn and it was all built on a single line by 1 executive in an email. Who knows what these GM’s and owners have put in emails. Not sure if that’s discoverable in this arbitration but it will be interesting to see what Kaepernick has turned up that may justify a lawsuit.

      1. Houston,

        I mentioned the other day that it is always amazing what people will put in emails. So yes, there could be a smoking gun out there. But discovery is not as robust in arbitration, as one cannot compel by subpoena. As you say, it will be interesting to watch this unfold.

    4. Outstanding points JPN001!

      On a different note: I am still confused as to why there wasn’t a 10 second runoff on Crabtree’s OPI at the end of regulation?

      1. I was also, what I was told was at the end of the play, the clock was stopped,aka possible touch down, if at the end of the play the clock was running then a 10 second run off would have occurred . Clear as mudd!

      1. That’s what I thought. When I head that I went’ ‘oh-oh.’ Then came the disaster against the Texans and now, despite how terribly Carr played (in the few drives I saw him before I turned it off he nearly threw three picks) I was shocked to see the Chiefs’ had lost.

  7. BT, you should stop engaging me then. When you decided to throw out some insults, you cannot then turtle and say you do not want me to respond.
    .
    Please feel free to ignore me. I only started to respond to you after your snark at me.
    .
    I see your hero is dissing another Gold Star family member.

    1. Lacking self awareness, you responded to my question to JPN, even though you know I don’t value your opinion on anything and would rather not engage in your dramas and idiocies. Perhaps YOU should ignore me, then I won’t have to remind you that you’re the Village Idiot.
      Babble on and on and on……

  8. “You’re allowed to do anything that you want from the First Amendment. You can express yourself, but we want you to stand because you want to stand.”

    Ignorance of the First Amendment is astounding to me. The NFL routinely limits speech of their employees. We could cite dozens of examples but the one I always remember is the NFL refusing to allow the Cowboys players to wear an emblem on their helmet in honor of the police officers murdered during the BLM March in Dallas. Employers have every right to limit speech they dislike and often they do limit that speech. I guess this shouldn’t surprise me coming from York. He is not the best example of a Notre Dame education.

    1. Good call. The First Amendment prohibits the government from limiting speech. It has nothing to do with employers.

      1. It’s always been my belief, that the strength of the nation begins with the integrity of the home.

      2. This statement is correct.
        It might miss an important point.
        The attraction of the NFL, like the heavyweight division in boxing, is that it purports to put forward the ultimate bad-axes on the planet in American Football. Our Win 1st Society requires domination in such situations.
        We have seen that any diminution of any element of that Total Domination diminishes the product and it’s value.
        The Substitute players were NOT playing NFL ball.
        The Substitute Refs, bless their hearts, sucked it up.
        If some players strike over the Freedom of Expression issue, the NFL’s already tainted (in the eyes of some) product will be further diminished. I submit that MLB has never recovered it’s cred and universal popularity since the Owners and Players stole a World Series from The People. The NFL is treading on thin ice.

  9. I’ll explain the “no need to explain”. It’s quite simple and has been posted too many times to count. Kaep is 3-16 in his last 19 starts, and 11-24 in his last 35. He took over the reigns from Gabbert last year after game 5 and went 1-10, only beating the then lowly Rams on the last play of the game, after losing an abysmal 9 games in a row. Gabbert beat him out in preseason to start the season. That says enough right there. Gabbert is lousy. So is Kaep. You’ll never see these telling stats from Seb or any of the other Kaep proponents, of which there are few. They continually refer to 2012-2013, the last time Kaep was relevant. Even then, playing on without a doubt one of the best teams, if not the best team in football, he couldn’t get it done. Since those two seasons, to which Seb holds onto like a man grasping onto a lone vine dangling over the edge of a raging river, Kaep has been lousy. Facts are mean sometimes. The NFL is a “what have you done for me lately” league. Kaep has done nothing but lose lately.

    I do believe that some blackballing is occurring, however, it is what I would call “individual blackballing “. There are some owners who will flat out not sign Kaep because of his protests. These are conservative owners who have strong ties to Trump and the Republican party who just won’t do it, no matter how he could possibly play and help the team. I would guess that a majority of the owners are in this category. Are they colluding? No need to. Then you have the minority of more liberal owners who probably have considered signing him until they took a deep look at the situation and decided that considering his recent record and performance over the last 3 years, that his mediocre talent and chance to help the team didn’t outweigh the negative fan backlash and overall media storm that would engulf their franchise. In other words, he’s “JUST NOT GOOD ENOUGH NOW” to endure the spectacle. If there was even the slightest evidence that he would suddenly become the QB of yesteryear, maybe someone would take a shot. There is no evidence of that. On the contrary, there is plenty of evidence that he is not very good, NOW.

    Kaep’s career is most likely over. I’ll leave a sliver of hope for the Seb’s of the world, just because desperate people do desperate things. You never know. However, as a betting man, I would say the odds are strongly on the side of him never playing again. He will be known forever in the annals of football history for his “Sideline activism”, and not much at all for his play on the field. That will be the story of Colin Kaepernick.

  10. Juan, the NFL is going to cut off its nose to spite its face.
    .
    IF, and there is a big IF, Kaep proves collusion, the NFL risks voiding the CBA. The owners stand to lose millions, and Goodell will lose power because the players will never allow him to be judge, jury and executioner anymore.
    .
    I guess they will rather lose than let Kaep play, but if they were smart, they would eliminate any possibility of collusion by just letting Kaep play. Kaep would have no grievance if he gets to sign with a team, and the most logical place would be with the Niners, who still have players kneeling. Of course, the big bugaboo is assuming the NFL is smart….
    .
    I see a storm is coming, both on the field and in the courts…..

    1. Storm? Ha almost 2 years now we are waiting on this Kap storm.
      The good news is it will never, ever, ever happen on my team!

  11. Moving on to a QB with no need to order a tinted helmet visor–CJ Beathard– from all reports, he was “calm, cool and collected” (Carlos Hyde stated) in his 1st NFL game, withstanding the pressure to perform when the starter was rocked and CJ had to relieve.

    On some of the throws, detractors like S_ B will always be there due to their ‘agenda’.

    I have no agenda, just calling it like I see it…Now that Beathard’s 1st game ‘jitters’ are past, he gets to take on America’s team. I believe he will perform as well as the O-Line lets him, and it’s a home game, so a chance for an upset.

    The 49ers have spotted something on Dallas:

    “Unlike last year, when the Niners had the worst run-blocking offensive lines in the NFL, San Francisco’s current efforts under Shanahan seem to be paying some dividends.”

    “According to Football Outsiders, the 49ers’ O-line ranks No. 11 in run support, with an adjusted-line-yards metric of 4.29. This is up almost a full yard over the 3.46 mark the Niners had a year ago.”

    By Fansided

  12. First article Grants posts pertaining to Kaep and being black balled, long over due and hardly surprised the head line he went with……exactly the kind of reporting that has exasperated this issue.
    It’s just a guess but this is prob the point of view of the Cohn heads, I recall a retweet of Lowells a couple weeks ago that Grant put up.

    1. Also would like the give Shanahan props for starting Beathard in DC, where his grandfather, Bobby Beathard, GM’d for years, building some of the NFL’s greatest teams.

      What a tribute, LOL, Shanny/Lynch ! Go Niners !

    1. +1

      On a side note, any ideas where the best deal for tickets can be found…..not a big craigslist fan, but not sure if tix r available outside the park from certain individuals…..any info is greatly appreciated.

      1. NFLTicketExchange is where I sell mine as a season ticket holder when I need to……….. you can find good deals there as well since the 49er fans are so frustrated, and unfaithful.

    2. The “troops” are made up of a very small segment of our population. They are the tiny group that volunteers to risk their lives for what most often are political agendas. The non volunteering masses were barely aware when 58,220 American troops were dying for various reasons in the undeclared war in Vietnam. The non volunteering masses are even more detached in the Middle East conflicts. Korea was probably similar but I was too involved to know what the non volunteering masses were up to at the time.

      The military preferes to honor their own because they understand who they are.

      1. Couterpoint taken. But the author of the Anthem was a slave owner. Key, obviously didn’t see black people as equals. I don’t think it is a stretch to assume that a racist would write racist lyrics, double meaning or not.

        1. More context on Key.

          https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smithsonian-institution/wheres-debate-francis-scott-keys-slave-holding-legacy-180959550/

          “Africans in America, he said, were: “a distinct and inferior race of people, which all experience proves to be the greatest evil that afflicts a community.”

          “Additionally, Key used his office as the District Attorney for the City of Washington from 1833 to 1840 to defend slavery, attacking the abolitionist movement in several high-profile cases.”

          “In the same year, shortly after a race riot in Washington, D.C. when an angry white mob set upon a well-known free black restaurant owner, Key likewise sought to crack down on the free speech of abolitionists he believed were riling things up in the city. Key prosecuted a New York doctor living in Georgetown for possessing abolitionist pamphlets.”

          1. More.

            “Though Crandall’s offense was nothing more than possessing abolitionist literature, Key felt that abolitionists’ free speech rights were so dangerous that he sought, unsuccessfully, to have Crandall hanged.”

        2. No doubt about Key’s complicated history. He was a slaveowner who actually risked his life to defend slaves. Still doesn’t change the fact that it’s very possible the Star Spangled Banner has no reference to chattel slavery as the guy at the Root would have you believe. IMO judging historical figures by modern values is asinine. If you want to do that then you can condemn almost anyone you want – even men who accomplished great things. For example, Abraham Lincoln wanted to free the slaves and send them back to Africa because he didn’t think they had a place in America. If he had lived, there would be people trying to tear down his statue. At the time of the American Revolution there were about 1.2M white slaves in Africa. There were only 350k-500k black slaves in America. Those times were much different than modern times. It’s asinine to go back in time and relitigate all this stuff. The National Anthem has grown beyond the person who wrote it and it’s meaning has a special place in our history. Just accept the flaws and warts of the author and recognize the Star Spangled Banner for what it is – our National Anthem.

          1. Lyrics are up for interpretation. It is most likely a double meaning. Key’s history isn’t complicated, he was a slave owner, he said blacks were an inferior race. How can he not be considered a racist?

            “The National Anthem has grown beyond the person who wrote it and it’s meaning has a special place in our history.”

            It’s meaning as you see it. You know, people pass down stories in familes. Some young person may have heard a story from their grandmother about blacks getting illegally sterilized. That grandmother may had heard horror stories about slavery from her grandmother.

            You can’t expect a black person to hold the Anthem as dear as you do. They have a vastly different perspective.

    1. Of course it is.

      Is it strange that those most angry about the players protest are all about the flag, the troops, and the anthem, but never bring up what the players are protesting — police brutality and denial of equal protection under the law for racial minorities?

      1. Depends on who you talk to. My belief is many people understand exactly what the players are protesting but the people either think the systemic oppression being protested is nonexistent, or they think systemic oppression needs to be addressed and they find the timing of the protest to be offensive. It seems obvious to me these protesters are trading their personal exhibition of patriotism and support for troops in exchange for the message they are trying to convey. The message itself has become so muddled because it means so many different things to so many different people. A man like Colin Kaepernick who has said and displayed controversial things and is dating someone prone to highly offensive language and actions is an extremely poor leader for this type of protest. When people see the pig socks and hear Kaepernick spout off such obviously false information it hurts the cause. Would have been much better if a man of high character and more diplomacy like Eric Reid would have started this movement. Many, Many people reject the message out of hand because it came from Kaepernick.

  13. Apparently NFL Owners/GM’s still don’t believe the possible upside of hiring Kap as a football player eclipses the possible downside of Kap being a bust, creating a massive media circus around the team, destroying team chemistry, and/or, alienating the people who spend lots of $$$$$ on tickets, sponsors $$$$$, and their football team viewing public.

    Throw in the possibility Kap may want a big $, guaranteed, contract and you have the answer to why he is not playing on an NFL team today, regardless of the QB’s signed ahead of him, or, starting in the NFL.

    Kap decided he wanted to be an employee and left wing political activist, unfortunately you can’t always be both at the same time when you don’t own your own business. Surprising, Kap has kind of gone quiet with his political activism lately. I suggest he get a job at CNN, MSNBC, CNBC, NBC, ABC, CBS, YAHOO, Huff Post, Newsweek, NY Times, Washington Post, as a political or social activist and stay relevant with his anti discrimination causes. Perhaps run for office in California, or, get a lecture gig at one of the Calif State Universities?

    Why doesn’t some big time $$$ afro american billionaire buy an NFL team and hire all the liberal activist athletes they want? Oprah would fit this bill.

  14. +1 Houston. Kaep doesn’t know any more about oppression in the minority community then he knows about piloting the space shuttle. He’s a privileged kid that grew up in an upper middle class family. He’s never lived or experienced what he claims to be fighting for. He’s a phony. He’s garnered far too much attention for someone with such a limited grasp of the issues he supposedly cares about. He’ll never be accused of possessing high intellect. He should pass the baton to someone who can represent and just fade away. As the lyrics say, “Don’t go away mad, just go away”.

  15. Well 80, I know quite a few folks who had high GPA’s in HS and in college who had 0 common sense and 0 ability to commandeer life, whether in business or in public. I think he falls into that category. His GPA is not helping him from being influenced by outside forces. Intellect in my view is the total package. Being paper smart doesn’t always equate to success.

  16. Furthermore, we can dispute his intellect or lack of all day but obviously his total lack of knowledge and experience on the very subject he is protesting about is quite obvious and indisputable. As a minority myself, I find his protests shallow and without sincerity.

    1. I think Kap is misinformed in some cases and uninformed in other cases. But he is also well informed and correct on the issue of police brutality, which is his main cause.

  17. Really? He’s well informed and CORRECT on the issue of police brutality? According to who? You? Seb? With all do respect 80, and I do respect your opinion, please! Please fill me in, and while your at it, also fill me in on what he is doing to combat the rampant, out of control crime, drug use, and the other multitude of issues in the minority community he apparently is so concerned about. Or is he? Please, tell me. I think his whole activism was to bring attention to himself, not anyone or anything else. JMHO

    1. Check his twitter. He retweets stories about police brutality all the time.

      ” Please fill me in, and while your at it, also fill me in on what he is doing to combat the rampant, out of control crime, drug use, and the other multitude of issues in the minority community he apparently is so concerned about.”

      Typical. Why can’t Kap have a main cause? Bringing up multiple causes dilutes the message. This is about racism, not drugs or guns.

      And to fill you in.

      http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/kaepernick-charity-work-putting-nfl-owners-disgraceful-light-article-1.3436250

      “Last fall, Kaepernick pledged to donate $100,000 every month for 10 months until he reaches a total of $1 million in assistance for groups that stand up for women, children, poor people, minorities, and military veterans. He has $200,000 left to achieve that lofty goal.”

      Huh, donating to groups to stand up for military veterans. But, but, Fox News said he is against the troops.

  18. I’m curious. Does Kaep tweet about all the good that law enforcement does for the African American and other minority communities, or does he just cherry pick the extreme minute percentage of stories pertaining to alleged brutality at the hands of law enforcement? Does he tweet about the gangs and drug dealers in these communities holding the honest, hard working members of that community hostage with fear and intimidation? Does he tweet about law enforcement’s never ending battle to bring those criminals to justice in order to help provide a safe environment for the majority of law abiding citizens of that community? Does he hold the leaders of these communities responsible for standing up to the criminals, and to help to rid the neighborhoods of gangs, drug dealers and other criminals? Does he tweet about the brutality perpetrated upon citizens in the minority communities from other non law enforcement citizens? Does he tweet about how he should thank the overwhelming percentage of law enforcement personnel who go to work every day to serve and protect all the citizens of this nation, including minority communities? Just curious.

  19. #80 says:

    Typical. Why can’t Kap have a main cause? Bringing up multiple causes dilutes the message. This is about racism, not drugs or guns.

    You missed one 80. Your statement should have said:

    Typical. Why can’t Kap have a main cause? Bringing up multiple causes dilutes the message. This is about racism, not drugs or guns or FOOTBALL.

    This is his problem. Football has become, and as of last season at a minimum and probably longer, secondary to his main cause. This is why he will never suit up for an NFL team again. He should concentrate on his true calling, which isn’t playing football in the NFL. He’s an activist, not a quarterback. Maybe he should run for office. Start out with the city counsel and go from there. Supervisor, Mayor, Congressman, or Senator. Who knows. Trump has proven that anyone can be elected President, now matter how moronic you might be. President Kaepernick. Has a nice ring to it.

    1. President Kaepernick? Am I living in a seb fever dream? I don’t think that you or I should be telling anyone else what and how to protest.

    2. Juan, the NFL allows public demonstrations for breast cancer awareness, and other just causes. His protests occur before the game, so they do not affect the game of football at all. Some fans run to the bathroom before the national anthem, so they are relieving themselves during the playing of the anthem. Maybe you should say that they are being disrespectful, just like fans who boo during the playing of the anthem, too.
      .
      Yes, these protests may upset some folk, but the faux outrage is the same as the faux patriotism. One can protest using the flag and not hate the country or hate the military. Soldiers have fought for the right for people to be able to protest. That is what makes America special. Kaep is protesting silently and non violently, so he is respecting the flag, but he is also sending out an alarm and warning that something is not right.
      .
      Trump has tried to use the protests as a dog whistle for his base. He says the players are disrespecting the Military, when he, himself, a draft dodger, has disrespected a war hero. He also had little empathy for a Gold Star wife, telling her callously that this is what her husband signed up for, and left the grieving widow with the impression that Trump did not even know the fallen soldier’s name. This was not the first time Trump has disrespected a Gold Star family member. He dissed the Khan family during the election. Some say that patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel. Trump embodies that.
      .
      Protesting for social justice is a noble endeavor. People against the protests just want the injustices to continue, with no repercussions or accountability.
      .
      Yes, Kaep could have done a better job defining his message. The pig socks infuriated many associated with law enforcement, but Kaep is also protesting the thin blue line that lets too many rogue cops avoid justice. Kaep should have been more focused on the rogue cops, because some think Kaep is denigrating every cop. However, the problem will never be rectified, as long as cops get away with murder. Thankfully, since Kaep started protesting, police departments are mandating body cameras , they are advocating de-escalation tactics, and cops are not allowed to empty their weapons with impunity. Sure, the numbers are still too high, but the police are now showing some restraint because cops are starting to be held accountable. One cop who cruelly beat a black motorist was fired. His union may want to try and get him reinstated, but the fact that the rogue cop was held accountable, is an encouraging sign. In Sonoma County, a sheriff’s deputy was given a promotion after he gunned down Andy Lopez.
      .
      Some day, the thin blue line will be broken, and nobody will be placed above the law.
      .
      Kaep will not be a good candidate for public office. He is disgusted with the whole system, and thinks it is corrupt because the person who got the lesser amount of votes, won. Kaep did not vote, so he should start thinking and reading more about the subject because some dismiss his message because he did not bother to vote.
      .
      However, Kaep and Obama have at least one thing in common. They both are the offspring of a Black father and white mother. Kaep is an intelligent, thoughtful, compassionate and focused individual. I would vote for him, but his best strategy would be to play for the Niners and win a couple Super Bowls, before running for office.

      1. seb,

        I agreed with everything you said until this. “He is disgusted with the whole system, and thinks it is corrupt because the person who got the lesser amount of votes, won.”

        Yes, he is disgusted with the whole system, but it is not because Hillary lost the election, but won the popular vote. Kap does not support Hillary.

        http://www.espn.com/blog/san-francisco-49ers/post/_/id/18957/transcript-of-colin-kaepernicks-comments-about-sitting-during-national-anthem

        “CK: You have Hillary [Clinton], who has called black teens or black kids super predators.”

        “We have a presidential candidate (Clinton) who has deleted emails and done things illegally and is a presidential candidate. That doesn’t make sense to me. If that was any other person, you’d be in prison.”

        1. You are right. I stand corrected.
          .
          I just wish Kaep could study the Voting Rights Act and read more about the Civil Rights movement.
          .
          He wants to effectuate social progress, and the best way to do that is through the ballot box.

      2. I wish to clarify why I brought up the fact that Kaep and Obama are Mullatos, of mixed race. Until 1967, there were Miscegenation laws that forbid interracial marriages. Black men were known to be hung for whistling at a white woman in the 1950’s.
        .
        I submit to you that some of the animus towards both Kaep and Obama, is directly related to the feelings some southern white folk and other intolerant less informed individuals have towards people of mixed race.
        .
        I do not want to paint a broad brush and accuse all his detractors on this site for having those biases. Sorry if I offend. Many do not like Kaep for his lack of winning football games, and we will just have to agree to disagree on his skillsets. Just a few, and they know who they are.

  20. I think the best strategy for Kaep would be to rekindle his pitching prowess and audition for the Giants. He never should have opted for football with his limited skill set. It was obvious the NFL would figure him out quite easily, which they did, and bring out his mediocrity for all to see (see last 3 years). Why not go back to baseball? He was drafted out of HS I believe, and should have pursued his career in baseball. Look at the positive side baseball provides. He only has one target to worry about, similar to his limitations on the gridiron. He doesn’t have to read a defense, or go through progressions, things he could never conquer playing with the pigskin. He can throw the ball 90+, similar to the speed he threw to receivers 60 feet, 6 inches away. The Giants, along with most of the teams in MLB, need pitching. He couldn’t possibly be worse than Strickland, Osich, Okert, Gerring, or any of the other lousy relievers the Giants throw out there every game. He’d fill the seats. People would come from near and far to see the spectacle. I would make the trip to see him pitch. He’d draw more fans than Tebow. Maybe the Giants can sign both and really have a circus. They need a left fielder also. That’s the solution. Baseball.

    1. Juan, I have advocated that Kaep become a dual sport player. I wanted him to pitch during the week, only at home games, and play football on Sunday.
      .
      Kaep walked to the mound and threw an 87 mph fastball as a ceremonial first pitch.
      .
      OT, but the Giants are taking my advice. They are courting Shohei Ohtani, a Japanese pitcher who can also hit home runs. Sounds like a perfect fit for the Giants. Pitching AND power.

  21. Kaep, the great defender of the oppressed, doesn’t support anybody. He doesn’t vote. LOL! What a joke! And worse off, he admits it! Really?

    1. Kaep supported the Standing Rock vets and many other worthy causes. While I think his message would be stronger if he registered and voted, that is what is so great about America. People have the right to vote, and they also have the right not to vote. Not voting does not disqualify him from advocating for social justice.
      .
      With gerrymandering and the electoral college, I share some if his disgust with a corrupt system.

  22. How do you all suppose that Dallas will defend against Beathard? What type of defense will the show and what will they give them.

    Hoyer lived and breathed by play action and teams keyed on taking away the run forcing the team to beat them with the pass, something he proved inadequately prepared to do.

    Beathard, while still very raw, was pretty impressive for a debut, passing for the second most yards for a rookie in his debut, I believe. His pocket presence was among the best I have seen in a long time and his ability to look downfield instilled confidence in both his receivers and, I believe, the fans.

    Naturally, other teams will look to exploit weaknesses and pigeon hole the guy. So put on your DC cap on and see what you would throw at him.

  23. How do you all suppose that Dallas will defend against Beathard? What type of defense will they show and what will they give him?

    Hoyer lived and breathed by play action and teams keyed on taking away the run forcing the team to beat them with the pass, something he proved inadequately prepared to do.

    Beathard, while still very raw, was pretty impressive for a debut, passing for the second most yards for a rookie in his debut, I believe. His pocket presence was among the best I have seen in a long time and his ability to look downfield instilled confidence in both his receivers and, I believe, the fans.

    Naturally, other teams will look to exploit weaknesses and pigeon hole the guy. So put on your DC cap on and see what you would throw at him.

    Have no idea why this would go into moderation?

  24. Nice job fellas. I always like to read all of your different perspectives relating to the Kaep story. As you have often stated Seb, we’ll have to “agree to disagree”. Hopefully Grant will write something today and we can move on to football this weekend. Enjoy your day gentlemen!

  25. I finally get a chance to play Santa Rosa CC today after a 62 year wait. Very exciting! Don’t know anything about it! Any tips or advise? It’s a skins game and I’d like to keep my skin if possible!!

  26. Garcon got fined 24 grand for a helmet hit.
    .
    Niners should first appeal the fine, then pay it if needed,because Garcon did exactly what they coached him to do.
    .
    Certainly, it was unintentional that the other player’s helmet flew off.
    .
    Looks like the Niners are being targeted by the officials, both on and off the field.

    1. 49ers’ Garçon fined for lowering helmet against Redskins
      Kevin Lynch

      Pierre Garcon can’t escape last week’s nightmarish loss against his former team. Garcon, who was called for an absurd “pick” penalty that took the 49ers out of game-winning field goal range, just got fined by the NFL for lowering his head.

      Garcon will find his check this week $24,309 lighter after he struck safety Montae Nicholson with the crown of his helmet in the second quarter following an 8-yard reception. Nicholson’s helmet flew off and he was evaluated for a concussion and shoulder injury, although he did return to the game.

      After the play, Redskins’ safety D.J. Swearinger slapped Garcon’s facemask and incurred an unsportsmanlike penalty and a $9,115 fine.

      Garcon probably feels the NFL should be fined for penalizing him for offensive pass interference with 23 seconds left in the same game

      Ceadderman Cag · System Administrator/Builder at C.A.K.3 System Builders
      I am sorry but fining the ball carrier for lowering his helmet is ridiculous. Every coach I ever played under taught this mechanic to protect yourself and the ball.

      http://www.knbr.com/2017/10/20/49ers-garcon-fined-for-lowering-helmet-against-redskins/

  27. What rookie CB Ahkello Witherspoon did to earn role in 49ers’ defense
    By Matt Maiocco October 21, 2017 9:42 AM

    “He’s earned the right to play,” 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh said. “He works his tail off in practice.

    “I really turned up my focus, my intent every day in practice,” Witherspoon said. “What I did in camp wasn’t good enough to be a starting corner in this league, and that’s what I learned.

    “I really focused on being aware of what it takes. That’s something I implemented these last four weeks — that every day focus and competing on every single ball…Witherspoon expected Washington quarterback Kirk Cousins to attack him.

    But of the 25 plays he was in coverage last week, Witherspoon saw only three passes come his way.

    “Just being a rookie, I thought it was going to come, “I kept waiting for it to happen, but it didn’t happen. Going up against a smart quarterback, I know he saw me out there.

    “There were a few times he looked my way in coverage. I wasn’t perfect in coverage, but I think he was looking. And I thought I did a good job.”

    Witherspoon (6 foot 3, 195 pounds) is comfortable lining up on either side of the field, which he did during his college career at Colorado.

    http://www.nbcsports.com/bayarea/49ers/what-rookie-cb-ahkello-witherspoon-did-earn-role-49ers-defense

  28. 49ers Film Room: The C.J. Beathard Era begins in San Francisco
    October 19, 2017 at 9:18 AM • 13 comments
    By Richard Madrid

    After the game, Shanahan said “I think he gives us the best chance to win going forward. … I was excited about how he played.” He certainly does, and it should be exciting to watch as Beathard makes his first NFL start against the Dallas Cowboys in Santa Clara.

    All gifs and images courtesy of the NFL.

    All statistics courtesy of Pro Football Reference unless otherwise

  29. I have no idea why Pierre Garçon was fined for this play

    There was helmet-to-helmet contact, but I don’t see how this is Garçon’s fault

    There was certainly helmet-to-helmet contact, but I don’t understand how Garçon can be forced to pay a fine when Nicholson was the one who lowered his helmet after the 49ers receiver. I could see how in the heat of the play a ref might have a problem making the correct call, but a fine comes after consideration by the league.

    What am I missing?

    https://www.ninersnation.com/2017/10/20/16511770/pierre-garcon-fined-helmet-to-helmet-bullshit

  30. A little late to the party here, but regarding the kneeling protest I have a question I’m hoping someone can enlighten me on.
    York sounds like some owners who have basically said that the want their player’s message to be heard.
    But in my opinion the message has been heard for more than a year now.
    Question: What more are the players asking for now that they’ve been heard?
    An apology from all police departments?
    Changing the lyrics or eliminating the National Anthem all together?
    Just not sure what exactly the protesting players are hoping accomplish from their continued actions.

    1. AES, I agree. it has been effective, and people have talked about it until some are sick of it.
      .
      To answer your question-
      They should declare that the strategy worked, and now there is focus and dialog. There has been a reduction in police misconduct because there is a big spotlight shown on their actions. It may still happen, but I think the incidences of heinous actions have been reduced. I understand the police’s job s hard, and there are instances of justified use of deadly force. However, I do not think it is justified to have 4 police officers shoot 26 bullets at a guy holding a screwdriver.
      No, just new police policies that teach de-escalation strategies and non violent conflict resolution. All police departments should remember they are there to serve, not dish out punishment. Any police officer who turns off his body cam should immediately be under investigation of not wanting to document subsequent actions.
      The action of a few rogue cops destroys all the good will all other cops have tried to build in the community. Good cops should not tolerate the abuse of power by bad cops, and bad cops should be held accountable. Maybe a little contrition and a vow to become better, implement superior strategies and continue to serve and protect the public in a manner that would make everyone proud.
      No, changing the song is too extreme, and unnecessary. The NFL should not broadcast the national anthem, just like they do not broadcast the players kneeling after the game. Personally, I turn off or leave to do something else for a minute while the Giants Broadcast the National Anthem because I hate how some butcher the song, but I still respect the military and love my country. People who get their panties in a twist because some one is silently and non violently protesting should realize that football does not need their faux outrage and bitter intolerance, and maybe football would be better off without them.
      .
      Kaep accomplished a lot. He started a dialog, and has generated debate. He also has shown a spotlight on an ugly truth, and hopefully, he can help change America, and make it even better. Kaep is against racial injustice. People who are for racial injustice just label themselves.
      Yes, he has started a movement, but it will take time, there will be setbacks, and progress may be slow. Giving up now would impede progress, and admit defeat. Glad the owners are for the players, and will not ‘fire those SOBs’ for protesting. Maybe they should protest until Trump gets booted out of office for colluding with the Russians. By definition, Trump has committed treason for adhering to an enemy, by aiding and comforting a hostile nation who has nuclear weapons pointed at the US. Trump himself asked Russia for aid during a campaign stop. He admits guilt with his own words, just like he admits assaulting women.
      .
      Little off topic at the end, but now I want to comment on the game Sunday. I sure hope the Niners win the game, and they make Dwight the honorary captain of the team.

Comments are closed.