Today in Tha Wire, one of THE BEST quarterbacks in the NFL isn't playin'. Why? He "took a knee," or sat while the Star Spangled Banner played during his games last year. Colin Kaepernick and several other athletes were tired of watching unarmed African American men being murdered by police and nothing is being done about it. Kaepernick and other players peacefully protested the National Anthem at the game, to draw attention to America reneging on her own laws. The alarming rate black men are being killed by police can no longer be denied and ignored. The evidence is staggering, and depressing.

1st Amendment of the United States Constitution. However, it would appear that this right only applies to certain people, and not the Colin Kaepernicks of the world. Yet, the 1st Amendment right is the very fabric by which our nation was founded. Land of the free and home of the brave, with liberty and justice for all.  It's in our pledge, and at the forefront of our nation's democracy. Having the freedom to be who you want to be and say what's on your mind is a basic right. Yet, Kaepernick is being blacklisted for exercising that basic right we proudly sing about in our National Anthem. Which is why the pro baller said he will not stand until a change is made.

The 1st Amendment of The Constitution is supposed to guarantee freedom of expression. The law is supposed to guarantee the right of citizens to assemble peaceably, and even petition their government. So shouldn't anyone who punishes an American citizen for exercising this law be held accountable?  Colin Kaepernick peacefully protested the National Anthem last year, because our nation isn't living up to what the song proclaims us to be.

He "took a knee" because it's his right to humbly show his respect for African Americans lives being lost to injustice going unchecked. He "took a knee" because he has a right to quietly bow in solidarity, empathy, and humility for the 39 unarmed black Americans who were killed last year at the hands of police. He used his platform because he has a voice and others don't. He wants to make a difference, and bring attention to a very big problem in this country.

Sadly, he has lost his platform, his career, and the support of his team owner. No NFL team will sign him since his protests, and he has been completely blacklisted. Interestingly enough, the league itself, players, and owners "took a knee" in what seemed to be an act of acknowledgment for what Kaepernick was trying to do. They also knelt in protest of #45's ignorant comments, according to ESPN.

This week, it was reported that the former NFL star has filed a grievance against the league for collusion following his National Anthem protests. The former quarterback hired celeb attorney, Mark Geragos, who has since released a statement:

Colin Kaepernick Launches Youth Program
Harry How, Getty Images
loading...

Below is a look at what ESPN had to say about the ordeal.


We'll see how it goes. I will do my best to bring you more details.

More From 107 JAMZ