Colin Kaepernick #7 of the San Francisco 49ers (Image: Getty)
Legendary NFL quarterback Joe Theismann stated Tuesday that he is vehemently disappointed by the San Francisco 49ers’ decision to give Colin Kaepernick an award for “inspirational and courageous” player.
Kaepernick– whose team finished the season with a 2-14 record and fourth in the NFC West– sparked controversy by kneeling during the national anthem as a way to protest police brutality against minorities and general racial oppression.
Kaepernick received the Len Eshmont Award last week. The prize is described as the team’s most prestigious honor: its recipient is decided by players.
“You are a 2-and-14 football team. He has won one football game,” Theismann said on Fox News’ ‘Outnumbered’ Tuesday. “What has he inspired?”
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Eshmont, a member of the original 49ers team in 1946, scored the first touchdown in team history.
Theismann, a former Washington Redskins quarterback, said he would like to see NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell “take a stance” and follow an NBA rule that requires its athletes to stand during the playing of the National Anthem.
“It’s about those that have fought and served and died. It’s about the police officers that defend our lives,” Theismann said.
“Everyone has a right to express their opinion, but not in the workplace,” he added.
Kapernick, who began the season as the backup to Blain Gabbert, managed only one win as a starter, a 22-21 victory over the Los Angeles Rams on Dec. 24. The 49ers fired head coach Chip Kelly last weekend after just one season. Kelly previously coached the Philadelphia Eagles for three seasons.
The NFL’s ratings have decreased this season compared to previous years, and many experts believe Kaepernick’s protest may be a contributing factor.
BUFFALO, NY – OCTOBER 16: Colin Kaepernick #7 of the San Francisco 49ers looks to throw against the Buffalo Bills during the first half at New Era Field on October 16, 2016 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
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