Getty
Like many analysts, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith rolled his eyes at the report that Colin Kaepernick reached out to the New York Jets in an effort to join their practice squad.
On Wednesday’s edition of First Take, Smith made it clear that he remains disappointed that Kaepernick never got a chance to redeem himself in the NFL even after so many years have passed since his last NFL game. But he made it clear that Kaepernick’s own refusal to do an NFL-organized workout for him is the reason that he remains persona non-grata.
“I personally was told at that time if the brother showed up to the workout, because of public pressure being brought down upon the league, and the fact that we were all watching, he would have had to throw the ball into the stands to not have a job in two weeks. That was a quote that I received… He would’ve had to throw the ball into the stands to not have a job. But he didn’t show up,” Smith said.
Fans couldn’t help but agree with Stephen A. Smith, though many believe that Kaepernick’s kneeling in 2016, not his no-show in 2019, is the reason he’ll never play again:
This is why MAX is out at first take. Max destroyed him time and again on this big issue. The premise SAS is putting out there is trust a corrupt organization over your lawyers, then listen to corrupt organization PR spin afterward. https://t.co/TxuxGuisfr
— Hollastar (@Hollastar) September 27, 2023
Hate or love him Stephen A always talks from the perspective of how REAL business works and he has always told the truth on this https://t.co/DtHSRR7HJe
— pcking23 (@mgmoney50) September 27, 2023
Agree with Stephen A. After 2019 every time I see a Kaepernick story about he wants to return it has no credibility. He is just looking to get more PR and push his narrative to gain something for himself. The man is selfish and has no honor. https://t.co/7cMkNvBPb2
— B_Dots (@BBgunn42) September 27, 2023
Not going to lie for all the heat that Stephen A Smith takes on this topic he’s spot on he’s right https://t.co/IkBWS2mMNI
— Randy™️ (@MhmmRandy) September 27, 2023
Well said! Very fair summary no matter how you feel about it. https://t.co/AMrgIXnXwa
— Keegan Call (@Keeganbcall) September 27, 2023
Colin Kaepernick is extremely unlikely to ever play in the NFL again. Even quarterbacks who have fully retired before returning to the NFL took fewer years off than the six years that Kaepernick has been out of football.
Whatever the reason that Kaepernick doesn’t have an NFL job, he won’t get another one anytime soon and probably not anytime ever.