Who’s The Focus: Controversial Kaepernick Or Relocated Rams?

No Comments August 30, 2016 Rams By John Stellman

The latest chapter in Los Angeles Ram history unfolds in San Francisco on September 12.

On that Monday night the National Football League’s 21 year old absence in Los Angeles will evaporate.

The Rams have returned to Southern California.

Fitting that they will begin their Second Coming in the Bay Area against their once hated rivals.

Who’s In The Spotlight?

But who will command the center of attention?

The relocated Rams or controversial 49er quarterback Colin Kaepernick?

Kaepernick grabbed the headlines during the exhibition season when on several occasions he failed to stand with his teammates during the playing of the National Anthem.

Turn Back The Clock

Brings back memories of the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City.

During the closing ceremonies, African American sprinters Tommie Smith and John Carlos created controversy of their own.

At the medal presentation both Smith and Carlos were shoe less but wore black socks to represent black poverty. Smith also wore a black scarf around his neck to signify black pride.

After having been presented their Gold and Bronze medals respectively for finishing first and third in the 200 meters, Smith and Carlos then turned on the podium to face their flag.

With the playing of the Star Spangled Banner, Smith and Carlos each raised a black-gloved fist and kept it high over the heads until the Anthem had been completed.

Rights Not Power

In his book ‘Silent Gesture’ Smith said the demonstration was not a ‘Black Power’ salute but a ‘human rights salute’.

The two Americans, along with Australian Silver Medalist Peter Norman, also wore human rights badges on their jackets.

It was the first politically charged Olympic Games demonstration ever.

No Comparison

Kaepernick has hardly gone to those extremes.

But his actions similarly have hardly gone unnoticed.

What he has done is fail to stand with his teammates during the playing of the National Anthem before exhibition games.

“I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color,” the quarterback told Cam Inman of The Southern California News Group.

Kaepernick is biracial but was adopted and raised by white parents.

Honest Outlook

“To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way,” Kaepernich continued. “I have to stand up for people that are oppressed.

If they take football away, my endorsements from me, I know that I stood up for what is right.”

The National Football League’s official response came from Brian McCarthy, the league’s vice president of communications:

“Players are encouraged but not required to stand during the playing of the National Anthem.”

QB Is Clean

Since Kaepernick has not broken any rules he faces no punishment.

Said San Francisco coach Chip Kelly, “We recognize his right to do that. It’s not my right to tell him not to do something. That’s his right as a citizen.”

The organization’s take?

“The national anthem is and always will be a special part of the pregame ceremony. It is an opportunity to honor our country and reflect on the great liberties we are afforded as its citizens.

In respecting such American principles as freedom of religion and freedom of expression, we recognize the right of an individual to choose to participate, or not, in our celebration of the National Anthem.”

Won’t Matter

Kelly says the distraction will have no bearing on the depth chart. Kaepernick and Blaine Gabbert are currently battling for the starting position.

The predicament could cause confusion however for the Rams as they consider their defensive game plan for the season’s opener. Who do they prepare for?

Last Chance

Jeff Fisher might get a pretty good idea September 1st when the 49ers visit San Diego for their final preseason game.

Don’t bet against Kaepernick!

The Rams will know 11 days later, when it’s all for real.

Fitting that ESPN and “Monday Night Football” will be there when the Rams embark on what will hopefully be the final stop in their 80 year history.

image: scoopnest.com

About
Latest Posts

John Stellman

I was born with sports in my blood. I began coaching little league baseball at 15. I was the sports editor of my high school newspaper. I did football play by play for the college radio station. I broadcast high school basketball for a local commercial station. But baseball was always my passion. During the 1970's I covered the Angels for the Orange County Register. And now I am back where I belong...