*For what it’s worth, Colin Kaepernick‘s planned NFL workout went down in Atlanta today, but not without a big ol’ hitch.
The event was moved from the Atlanta Falcons’ practice facility, the original location, and was pushed back to 4pm after Kaepernick and his representatives said the NFL’s process was not “legitimate.” They said their desire for a “transparent and open process” was the reason behind the change, reports USA Today.
That prompted the NFL to issues a statement cover it’s behind in the matter. The league said that Kaepernick informed them he wasn’t attending the workout a half hour before the scheduled start time, the same time his representatives alerted the public. Meanwhile, Kaep says the ball is in the NFL’s court.
A reporter snapped a shot of Colin thanking scouts from the Redskins, the Jets and the Chiefs. He reportedly thanked them for coming out and then added, “When you go back, tell your owners to stop being scared.”
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“Today’s session was designed to give Colin what he has consistently said he wants — an opportunity to show his football readiness and desire to return to the NFL,” the league said in its statement.
The bottom line is that the workout did eventually start at around 5pm. Kaepernick threw to receivers at Charles R. Drew High School in Riverdale, Georgia. The workout, attended by at least a few NFL scouts, was streamed live.
USA Today also reported that earlier on Saturday, in a statement to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Kaepernick representatives Ben Meiselas and Jeff Nalley outlined their reasoning for changing the venue:
“From the outset, Mr. Kaepernick (asked for) a legitimate process and from the outset the NFL league office has not provided one,” the statement said. “Most recently, the NFL has demanded that as a precondition to the workout, Mr. Kaepernick sign an unusual liability waiver that addresses employment-related issues and rejected the standard liability waiver from physical injury proposed by Mr. Kaepernick’s representatives.
“Additionally, Mr. Kaepernick requested all media be allowed into the workout to observe and film it and for an independent film crew to be there to ensure transparency. The NFL denied request.”
“Colin’s decision has no effect on his status in the league,” the NFL said in its statement. “He remains an unrestricted free agent eligible to sign with any club.”
“Lasers! Lasers! Y’all see it! Record this!” – one of the people on Kaepernick’s team yells toward the media pic.twitter.com/0d1d13Gu9M
— Dan Wolken (@DanWolken) November 16, 2019
Kaepernick has not appeared in an NFL game since 2016.
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