Colin Kaepernick's Media Tour Sparks Debate Over Unasked Questions

Colin Kaepernick's recent media tour promoting his new book, "The Perilous Fight," has drawn attention not only for the former NFL quarterback's appearances on shows like "The View" and "The Daily Show" but also for the nature of the discussions. A columnist for Outkick, Matt Calkins, has pointed out what he views as a lack of probing questions during these interviews, suggesting that the press tour has largely avoided critical examination of Kaepernick's past actions and statements.

Calkins raised five specific questions he believes were not adequately addressed by interviewers. These questions touch upon Kaepernick's controversial comparison of the NFL combine to a slave auction, the perceived impact of anti-police rhetoric on the Black community, his past statements that some interpreted as calls for violence following George Floyd's death, the role of his declining playing ability in his exit from the league, and the perception that he prioritized activism over his quarterback career.

One area of contention highlighted by Calkins is Kaepernick's comparison of the NFL combine to a slave auction, a sentiment he shared during an interview. Calkins noted that despite Kaepernick's criticisms of the league, the quarterback has also expressed a desire to return to play, finding a perceived contradiction.

Furthermore, the column questioned Kaepernick's role in discussions surrounding police conduct. Calkins referenced a study suggesting a link between increased scrutiny of police and a rise in murder rates within Black communities, implying that Kaepernick's activism may have contributed to this dynamic.

Regarding Kaepernick's statements after George Floyd's death, Calkins cited a tweet where Kaepernick wrote, "When civility leads to death, revolting is the only logical reaction." The columnist suggested this rhetoric contradicted Kaepernick's "peaceful" persona and potentially exacerbated tensions during a period of widespread protests and damage.

Calkins also delved into Kaepernick's NFL career, pointing to his 1-10 record as a starter in his final season with the 49ers. The column argued that while Kaepernick's on-field performance was not catastrophic, it was insufficient to offset the distractions his activism created, suggesting that a higher level of play might have allowed him to remain in the league.

Finally, the piece recalled an incident in 2019 where Kaepernick altered the location of a scheduled NFL workout, which Calkins suggested signaled a potential prioritization of his activist platform over a return to professional football. The columnist implied that Kaepernick may have found his role as an activist, bolstered by endorsements, more appealing than the demands of a professional sports career.

In essence, Calkins's critique centers on the idea that while Kaepernick has been widely interviewed, the depth of questioning has not matched the controversy surrounding his public profile, leading to what he describes as a "coddling" of a significant cultural figure.