NFL Mailbag: From Kaepernick to Kickoffs
This week we discussed the controversies surrounding San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick and New York Giants kicker Josh Brown. Also, the meteoric rise of Dak Prescott. Welcome to our weekly NFL mailbag.
San Francisco quarterback, Colin Kaepernick, sat during the National Anthem over the weekend. Was his action an attempt to make himself relevant again? -Adam E. (San Jose, CA)
The news and social media firestorm began immediately following Kaepernick’s decision to sit during the pregame ritual in San Francisco on Friday. Any attempt to answer the previous question would be ill guided as only Kaepernick can say for himself the exact intentions of his actions.
“I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color,” Kaepernick told NFL Media in an exclusive interview after the game. “To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way.”
His immediate quote following the game suggests that the protest was something Kaepernick has been dealing with for a while. Both supporters and critics abound but many are missing the relevance to his stance, or lack thereof. Everyone is focused on the manner in which he chose to protest and not on WHY.
While I can’t answer your specific question, I can say that Kaepernick’s actions did bring him directly into the media spotlight for the time being. Now let’s see what, if any, action he takes.
Why was Josh Brown [NYG Kicker] not given the standard six-game suspension by the NFL in regards to his current legal situation? -Philip C. (York, PA)
Apparently, not getting to hear from Molly Brown herself led to the league’s decision. “However, despite multiple attempts to speak with her about this incident and her previous statements, she declined to speak with us. We understand that there are many reasons that might have affected her decision not to speak with us, but we were limited in our ability to investigate these allegations,” was the reason given in an NFL released statement.
This is no excuse and, in fact, unprecedented. Greg Hardy was suspended in 2015 though his case was dismissed when his alleged accuser did not cooperate. Also, she unlikely talked with the league but Hardy was given an initial 10-game suspension that was later reduced to four.
AROUND COVER32
Mailbag: From Kaepernick to kickoffs
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Are the Cowboys comfortable with Dak Prescott’s preseason performances to fill in during Romo’s absence? -Willis R. (Hope, AR)
Dak Prescott has been impressive during the preseason for the Cowboys. In three (partially played) games, he has completed 39-of-50 pass attempts for 454-yards and five touchdowns. Also, he has yet to throw an interception. Yes, it’s the preseason but those numbers are remarkable regardless of opponent, especially at the NFL level. The Cowboys have named Prescott the starter during the interim and should feel confident doing so, the question remaining now is how confident is general manager and owner, Jerry Jones in backups Kellen Moore and Jameill Showers … Mark Sanchez, anyone?
Is the new NFL kickoff rule going to generate more touchbacks as anticipated? -Josh H. (Douglasville, GA)
In a single word, NO. Having kickoffs that are touched back in the end zone resume play on the 25-yard line will have coaches trying to pin their opponents deeper by forcing a return. Kickers have been practicing “sky” kicks – maximum hang time gives cover teams time to converge and keeps the ball from exiting the field of play. This scenario gives teams an opportunity to have opponents start from inside the 20-yard line on many occurrences. The NFL was trying to initiate a safety measure that will backfire, as return opportunities increase, during the 2016 season.
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