Nick Piccone
Malcolm Jenkins has endeared himself to the Philly faithful ever since signing a contract with the Eagles three-plus years ago. His play on the field coupled with his relationship with the community off of it, Jenkins has quickly become one of the most-respected Eagles because of it. That’s why when he performed his own silent protest during the national anthem last season, he didn’t receive much backlash, if any, from the majority.
During the offseason, Jenkins took action in trying to bridge the gap between police officers and members of the community. He rode with the Philadelphia Police Department and went to Congress to discuss social injustice and prison reform. Jenkins isn’t afraid to put himself out there in the spotlight, and he hasn’t been vilified for it.
And Jenkins isn’t afraid to speak out on what he believed is a concerted effort to keep Colin Kaepernick off the football field. And he’s not alone. Speaking to Martin Frank of the Delaware News Journal, Jenkins called NFL owners “cowards” due to their fear of fan backlash should they sign Kaepernick, who, may I remind you, took a knee during the national anthem.
“This is just some other teams being, quite honestly, cowards, to say that they’re afraid of backlash to sign someone to make their team better when fans’ input has never been in the equation when it comes to signing people in the past. It’s certain owners’ way of making an example out of [Kaepernick] to discourage anybody else from doing what he did.
“Four months ago, there was a debate as to whether [Kaepernick] is talented enough or whatever. I think at this point in time when you look at the quarterbacks who have jobs around the league, and the amount of owners and GMs who have only spoken of what fans would think about his stance. I think it’s safe to throw out that talent argument, and basically focus on the fact that he doesn’t have a job solely because he didn’t stand for the anthem last year, even though he already expressed that he planned on standing this year.
“That message, to me, is loud and clear from owners as to where their priorities stand and how they go about picking and choosing who they want on their teams. It’s definitely unfortunate, but it’s shining a light on just how the NFL operates and what we deem as acceptable. It really has nothing to do with what’s right or wrong, but what affects dollars. That’s business as usual, but I think it’s an unfortunate precedent to set.”
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“It’s one of those things where the public declarations by some of these owners to basically feel good about the fact that they’re weighing their options is completely ludicrous. I think it’s unfortunate that there’s an environment where that is acceptable.”
Of course, Kaepernick is a quarterback and that position always seems to have more of a critical eye on it than any other position. But, there certainly is something ridiculous about polling a fan base to bring in Kaepernick, someone who did nothing illegal, while people like Greg Hardy and Michael Vick didn’t have to “win back league owners.” I’ve said it before – I think it’s crazy that other players that have protested during the national anthem haven’t been vilified the way Kaepernick has. It’s not about talent. I think last season made it quite clear that Kaepernick still belongs in the league right now. Especially with the talent at the quarterback position league-wide, or lack thereof.
If more and more players begin speaking out on Kaepernick not being on a team yet, one might wonder if league owners that are suffering even more for a starting, or even backup, quarterback will bring him in.
You can follow Nick Piccone on Twitter (@nickpiccone) and e-mail him at [email protected]. Subscribe to his podcast on iTunes here or listen on WildfireRadio.com. Click here to read his pro wrestling articles on PhillyVoice. Follow Philly Influencer on Twitter (@PHL_Influencer), Facebook and Instagram.
He had a job for this season. He CHOSE to opt-out of his contract with San Fran hoping for either a) more money or b) more headlines, him being a ‘victim’.
Remember, he SAT during the anthem his first two games, because Blaine Gabbert was named the starter over him. He wasn’t protesting, he was sulking.
He also chose to wear socks depicting police officers as pigs.
His new girl is the problem behind this whole mess, before her, there were no social issues that he cared about. I’m tired of all of this shit, it is the owners right to sign anyone they want…..or, not sign anyone they want.
Freedom of Speech is not freedom from consequences.
Bruh, the 49ers were gonna cut him … he knew what he was doing when he opted out.
Gabbert being named the starter was a joke to begin with. But, that’s Chip for you.
No defense for the socks.
You don’t know what social issues he cared about or didn’t care about.
Your last sentence is 100% correct. Which is why owners had no problems bringing in murderers, rapists, abusers, drug addicts, etc. Thinking Kaepernick doesn’t deserve a chance over those that did is laughable.