Colin Kaepernick's NFL history, timeline of his protest against racial discrimination

Colin Kaepernick could very well make his return to NFL after league organised a tryout for his services last weekend. former San Francisco 49ers quarterback came in spotlight when he chose to kneel during American national anm in order to protest against endemic of police brutality and racial discrimination in United States. His decision to kneel during national anm, however, split public opinion. While many lauded Milwaukee-born quarterback for his social activism, a number of people ostracised Kaepernick, deuncing his protests as disrespectful to armed forces.

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Colin Kaepernick protests: A timeline

It all began in an NFL preseason game in 2016. When national anm of United States of America played in stadium, Colin Kaepernick refused to stand, in protest. NFL's first reaction was to say that players are encourd but t required to stand during  national anm. Kaepernick repeated same in following preseason game in San Diego after he chose to kneel during national anm. While his protest did receive President Barack Obama's backing, this time, Roger Goodell, commissioner of NFL said that he did t agree with what Kaepernick was doing. 

When regular season of NFL commenced, many players followed Kaepernick's cue, taking a knee and also raising a fist as a sign of protest during national anm.  entire Indiana Fever team of WNBA knelt during national anm, before ir playoff game against Phoenix Mercury. Colin Kaepernick n continued his protest throughout season and ended up starting just 11 games, with his team finishing season with an abysmal record of 2-14. 

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Colin Kaepernick opts out

In March 2017, Kaepernick decides to opt-out of his contract with 49ers, hoping that a change in venue will result in a change in his situation. re were, however, offers for quarterback. While preseason began without Colin Kaepernick being roped in by any NFL side, protests continued, bringing with m ire of new president of United States - President Donald Trump. 

In October that year, Colin Kaepernick n filed a grievance with NFL, accusing all 32 owners of colluding to keep him out of league. After becoming face of Nike's "Just Do It" campaign and a legal battle with NFL, league n reached a settlement with Kaepernick in grievance case filed earlier. Since n, NFL has recently organised a tryout of sorts for Colin Kaepernick with a view to bringing him back in league. 

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