Kaepernick’s powerful symbol of activism and resistance is a man that became a movement

GQ magazine selected Colin Kaepernick as its 2017 Citizen of the Year in an effort to help to "reclaim the narrative of his protest”. 

Unless you have been hiding under a rock, you know that Kaepernick has become persona non grata in the eyes of people who are angry that Kaepernick would use his position as a quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers to shed light on police killings of innocent Black people. Instead of focusing on the real issue of Kaepernick’s protest, which was kneeling during the National Anthem, they would rather conflate his protest with being unpatriotic and a slap in the face to American military veterans. Consequently, these loud voices prevented Kaepernick, who once led the San Francisco 49ers to an NFL Super Bowl, to be unemployed from the NFL during this 2017-18 season.

To Kaepernick’s credit, he would not be silenced and neither will his supporters, particularly when less than mediocre quarterbacks have been hired in a league that supposedly prides itself on winning and hiring great talent. Towards that end, Kaepernick’s legal team filed a federal lawsuit against the NFL claiming the league colluded to not sign him.

Only the Seattle Seahawks and the Baltimore Ravens are reported to have had serious interest in Kaepernick, and in the end, both teams signed lesser talent.

GQ did not receive an on-the-record interview with Kaepernick; instead, Kaepernick pointed GQ to people who are familiar with the subjects of activism, protest, and equality, as well as their ability to offer insights into Colin Kaepernick himself. They included filmmaker Ava DuVernay, rapper J.Cole; activist Harry Belafonte; and Women’s March co-organizer Linda Sarsour.

Rapper J. Cole told GQ:

“You're talking about a guy in his athletic prime, who's lived his whole life dreaming about playing football at a level that millions of kids dream to get to. And in his first big season, he takes his team to within five yards of winning a Super Bowl. But then, at some point in time, he becomes conscious about what's happening in the world.

And suddenly something that he's been doing blindly for his whole life—standing for the national anthem—now feels uncomfortable. Why? Because now it feels phony! It feels like, Man, how can I stand for this thing when this country is not holding itself true to the principles it says it stands for? I feel like we're lying. And look what happens to him. Had he not done that, this guy would be making millions of dollars right now. Period, point blank. And more important than the money, he was living his dream. He sacrificed his dream."

Harry Belafonte, who is no stranger to civil rights protests, expressed to TVOne’s Roland Martin this past summer upon learning that Kaepernick’s unemployment is directly related to his protest:

“to mute the slave is always been to the best interests of the slave owner…“When a black voice is raised in protest to oppression, those who are comfortable with our oppression are the first to criticize us for daring to speak out against it.”

Kaepernick, who is 30-years-old, in 2016, threw for 2,241 yards and 16 touchdowns against four interceptions, should be an NFL quarterback and we hope that he will.

VIDEO: Is Seattle the perfect place for Colin Kaepernick?

Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll publicly stated that Colin Kaepernick is being considered as an option for a backup quarterback to Russell Wilson.

While no final decision has been made, Seattle Seahawks defensive lineman Michael Bennett said that Seattle would be the perfect place for Kaepernick.

Still, without a football home and in view of the recent signings of other quarterbacks, does this further the notion that Kaepernick is being blackballed?

VIDEO: Former New York Jets wide receiver, Wesley Walker, shares his memories of his NFL Draft

What's The 411 TV's host, Andrew Rosario, caught up with Wesley Walker, former Wide Receiver for the New York Jets (1977-1989) at the NFL Draft 2012 at Radio City Music Hall in New York City.

In this video, Wesley Walker shares his memories of the NFL Draft when he was drafted into the NFL. Back in his day, the NFL didn't have this much hoopla surrounding the Draft, but he is happy that the Jets asked him to participate.

Surprisingly, this was Walker's first NFL Draft event since he was drafted into the NFL. He was enjoying the fans, happy to share the experience with those who were being drafted, and of course, happy to be in NYC.

Astonishingly, the Jets had no idea that Walker was blind in his left eye when he was drafted, which prompted pre-physicals of prospective draftees in successive years. Walker overcame this handicap to become one of the Jets all-time great receivers. He led the league in receiving yards in 1978, was elected to the Pro Bowl twice 1978 and 1982, and was named the New York Jets MVP in 1978.

Brooklyn Nets center Brook Lopez becomes the Nets leading scorer passing Buck Williams with 10,444 points

In this episode of What's The 411Sports, Keisha and Mike are talking about

1) Oklahoma City Thunder guard, Russell Westbrook, breaking Oscar Robertson's 55-year-old record of 41 triple-doubles in a season and whether that makes him worthy of being the 2017 NBA MVP.

2) Professional golfer Sergio Garcia wins the PGA Masters

3) Tony Romo is hanging up his cleats as the quarterback of the Dallas Cowboys and is going to the broadcast booth. However, the question is will Romo make it to the NFL Hall of Fame, and;

4) Brook Lopez, the center for the Brooklyn Nets and side-kick to Jeremy Lin, breaks a Buck Williams’ 28-year-old scoring record

WNBA legend, Kym Hampton, is our special guest. Ms. Hampton is the first center for the New York Liberty, and the woman, who along with Basketball Hall of Famer, Lisa Leslie, did the ceremonial tip to usher in the Women’s National Basketball Association. Ms. Hampton takes us down memory lane and is providing a good deal of life lessons whether you are an athlete or not.

Chip Kelly calling in Colin Kaepernick to start as quarterback against Buffalo; is Chip Kelly NFL material

After a rough start to the season, San Francisco 49ers’ fans are calling for quarterback Blaine Gabbert's head and they want Colin Kaepernick under center.

Is it time for San Francisco to make the switch?

Is it time for Chip Kelly to check out of the NFL?

Brady returns after missing the first four weeks of 2016 NFL season and makes a statement on the grid-iron

Guess who's back? Back again.... New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady takes the field after serving his four-game suspension for deflated footballs.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell commissioned an investigation into the possible illegal deflation of NFL-regulated footballs in the AFC Championship game on Jan. 18, 2015. An NFL investigation concluded the Patriots intentionally underinflated footballs used in that AFC Championship game;and Roger Goodell suspended Tom Brady.

A federal judge initially overturned the suspension, allowing Brady to play last season, but an appeals court reinstated it this spring. Prior to training camp in July, Brady announced he would end his legal challenges and accept the league’s punishment.

Surprisingly, since Brady is not universally loved that there were no audible boos when Brady hit the field against the Cleveland Browns in Cleveland.

The Patriots beat the Browns 33-13.

VIDEO DISCUSSION: Johnny Manziel investigated by Fort Worth police for possible domestic violence

As hard as I try, I can’t remember the exact moment that I was introduced to sports. I just know that it has always been a part of my life like the air I breathe. My viewing ranged from basketball, football, baseball, tennis, gymnastics, and swimming, but my love of football and basketball reigns supreme.

My weekends have always consisted of spending hours in front of the television watching my favorite gladiators engage in battle. When I was in high school, I began to follow college basketball, in particular, Duke University and now I bleed blue! As a lifetime New York Giants and Los Angeles Lakers fan, I have been blessed to see my teams hoist championship trophies over their heads and it was almost like I was sharing in their moment.

The need to share my passion for sports prompted me to start my own blog called stilettoandsports. Here is where I get to impart my thoughts on some of the current topics trending in the world of sports.

When I am not watching, writing, talking or thinking about sports, I love to eat! I am a self-professed foodie and I love to try new restaurants and cuisines. I also love listening to music, dancing, traveling, and bowling.

In a move that will certainly cause many citizens of Philadelphia to celebrate like it’s 1999, the Philadelphia Eagles have relieved Chip Kelly of his head coaching duties.

After nearly three seasons with the Eagles, Chip is now on the unemployment line. During his tenure with the Eagles, he posted a 26-21 record. His first two seasons with the team were his most successful posting 10 wins in each. This season has been far worse as the Eagles will post a losing record and miss the playoffs for the second year in a row. It had been reported that the final straw came when Kelly refused to relinquish his player personnel duties as demanded by owner Jeffrey Lurie, a claim that Lurie denied during his press conference to formally address the firing of Kelly.

Offensive Coordinator Pat Shurmur was named the interim coach for week 17 as ownership begins the search for a new head coach.

Where will Chip Kelly land? NFL? College?

VIDEO DISCUSSION: New York Jets defeat the New York Giants 28-18; Jets now 2-1

It's only the preseason, but in NEW YORK, this past weekend, football fans had their eyes on the Snoopy Bowl, the annual preseason match-up between the NY Jets and the NY Giants. The Jets won 28-18, which included an Antonio Cromartie pick-six. Ouch! Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick performed very well.