Another day, another NFL team passing on Colin Kaepernick.
Kaepernick once again appeared close to landing a new gig this week after Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh admitted he’d been in contact with the free agent quarterback. The Ravens seemed like a potential fit; they need QB depth with starter Joe Flacco sidelined due to a back injury, and Baltimore’s senior offensive assistant, Greg Roman, was Kaepernick’s offensive coordinator on the San Francisco 49ers.
In light of those developments, the Ravens went out Friday and signed a quarterback — 25-year-old David Olson, who most recently played in the Arena Football League.
Olson’s résumé — a former backup at Clemson with no NFL experience — certainly pales in comparison to Kaepernick’s. And while Harbaugh insisted Friday that Olson simply was a “camp arm”, and that signing him wouldn’t prevent the team from also adding Kaepernick at some point, Baltimore’s transaction still sparked controversy.
Many believe Kaepernick is being passed over due to the publicity he’s generated while trying to spread awareness of social inequality in America, and a quick look at Twitter after Olson’s signing proved just how polarizing a figure Kaepernick is.
This guy was in the super bowl pic.twitter.com/Rki1KiNfo8
— Corey (@CsSchneid) July 28, 2017
Oh and ICYMI, the Ravens signed a dude who quit football to be a realtor and played in 2 games in college over a Super Bowl QB https://t.co/t8nwfddeqV
— Jemele Hill (@jemelehill) July 28, 2017
Wow, blackballed.
— Alpha Victor (@MinutemanJ31) July 28, 2017
https://twitter.com/ST00LI/status/890930447089270784
I'll repeat: The guys who hate Kaepernick want him to be black balled but scream if you say that he's being black balled.
— Tim Kawakami (@timkawakami) July 28, 2017
Colin Kaepernick led all players in rush yards on 3rd down last season. pic.twitter.com/QJU6UqJhP2
— UNSPORTSMANLIKE Radio (@UnSportsESPN) July 28, 2017
https://twitter.com/billbarnwell/status/890819097981841408
"There are people … who believe that it is okay for them to stop watching based on the fact that Colin Kaepernick took a stand …" pic.twitter.com/qonxPxV9iH
— First Take (@FirstTake) July 28, 2017
It’s unclear whether the Ravens still will bring on Kaepernick before the 2017 season begins, or whether another team decides to sign the 29-year-old QB. But one thing is for certain: Until he finds a new job, the debate around Kaepernick isn’t going away anytime soon.
Thumbmail photo via Dale Zanine/USA TODAY Sports Images
