How the NFL crushed Colin Kaepernick’s protest | Bomani Jones & Howard Bryant
Summary
Bomani Jones examines the 2017 backlash against Colin Kaepernick, arguing the NFL orchestrated his blacklisting to crush athlete activism. He contrasts Kaepernick’s clear stance on police brutality with the league’s co-opting of protests and the silence of players during January 6th. The episode highlights how Trump’s rhetoric unified players temporarily, only for the industry to reassert control and isolate dissenters.
Topics discussed
Shopify Sponsorship and Introduction
Podcast Intro, Books vs Digital Media, and Setting the 2017 Context
Kaepernick's Blackballing and the Trump Inauguration Backdrop
The Shift in National Sentiment and Media Narratives
Player Complicity and the 'Anybody But Him' Mentality
The NFL's Strategy to Crush Protest and Mobilize Opposition
The Evolution of Kneeling and the Clarity of Kaepernick's Message
Ray Lewis's Speech and the Isolation of Kaepernick
Players as Employees and the Lack of Redemption Path
Silence During the Capitol Riot and GNC Sponsorship
Rex Ryan, Trump's 'Sons of Bitches' Comment, and Escalation
Jerry Jones, Business Interests, and Historical Labor Parallels
Kaepernick's Silence and the League's Co-opting of the Protest
The Players Coalition, Meaningful Change, and Union Weakness
The Chilling Effect on Other Players and Legal Battles
Financial Settlements vs. Public Protest and Corporate Money
9/11 Context, NFL Control, and the Failed Atlanta Workout
The Chaos of the Atlanta Workout and Lack of Team Commitment
Agency, The Lawsuit Settlement, and the End of a Career
George Floyd Connection and Episode Conclusion
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