Colin Kaepernick’s canceled-then-moved workout in Atlanta on Saturday predictably dominated the NFL conversation into the week.
What wasn’t as predictable, though, was who went to bat for the NFL and who defended Kaepernick against the organization that denied him an opportunity to work for three years.
Starting on Sunday, ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith took a decidedly pro-NFL stance on the matter. He criticized Kaepernick for how he handled the workout invitation, sparred with Eric Reid on social media and doubted whether Kaepernick even wanted to play football again.
It ultimately took First Take co-host Max Kellerman to shut down Smith’s anti-Kaepernick rhetoric, but Smith’s handling of the situation has in turn sent plenty of backlash his way. During Tuesday’s edition of First Take, Smith issued a response to those who had a problem with his Kaepernick commentary the past couple days.
Listen to this, Damnit! pic.twitter.com/o8W8ZFWZ3x
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) November 19, 2019
Smith said:
“When I sit up there, and I sat here yesterday, and I spoke about how his points are eradicated, I’m not talking about the kneeling. I’m not talking about the protesting. I’m a black man, you idiots! You think I have a problem with a man that is kneeling and protesting racial oppression and police brutality? Do you know anything about my history in 25 years in this damn business? From The New York Daily News to the Philadelphia Inquirer to CNN to Fox to ESPN. Do you have any idea about my damn background and the fights that I have taken on the behalf of African Americans throughout this nation’s history? Do you have any idea who the hell you are talking about?”
Smith continued to say that Kaepernick’s actions got in the way of his hopes of returning to the NFL.
You can watch the full segment here.
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