The Biggest Steal of the Draft Might Not Be Who You Think

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“Long ago, in the far away land of ancient Greece, there was a golden age of powerful gods, extraordinary heroes, and greatest and strongest of all these Heroes was the mighty Hercules. But what is the measure of a true hero? Now, that is what our story…” 

Okay, okay. I know that is the wrong Hercules, but hear me out. Hercules Mata’afa could be one of the biggest draft steals this year. He is a defensive linemen that lists at 6’ 1” and 254 pounds. You read that right. Mata’afa has been doubted all his life because of his size. However, that didn’t stop him from leading the Pac-12 for tackles for loss and sacks. How is it this compact player can do this?

Hercules Mata'afa Colorado v Washington State

Analysis

For starters, Mata’afa was a state finalist in wrestling. This allows him to possess more power than his frame displays. He also shows a quick initial burst that constantly lets him win against offensive linemen. Mata’afa has a level of effort and toughness that is unmatched on the football field. All of this translates to a hard-working productive player on the football field.

There has been a lot of confusion on where he would play in the NFL. Teams don’t see how he can be playing the interior defensive line, which is the place where he is most productive from. They also are worried how his size and skill level converts in the NFL. Pro Football Focus compared him to Tedy Bruschi, who was an undersized nose tackle at the University of Arizona before switching to outside linebacker on the Patriots. Mata’afa is definitely a developmental project as he can get eaten up by offensive linemen at times if he doesn’t get that initial quick burst and his hand usage is a bit raw.

Fit with the Patriots?

Mata’afa has heart and determination, something the Patriots love in a player. Like stated above, he has been doubted all his life and is looking for someone to give him a chance, which is a very common trait the New England organization has. The Patriots already have bigger beefier defensive linemen in Danny Shelton and Malcolm Brown, so it is a low risk-high reward pick. Belichick could have fun running schemes with this kid. Who knows? Him and Shelton can give our defensive line some Hawaiian Punch.

Arizona State v Washington State

Conclusion

Thus, this power-driven, fast, undersized player can be a steal for the Patriots or any other team that picks him. He has great potential and can strive with the proper guidance. If you think about it, maybe his story is kind of similar to the real Hercules…

Why the American League Needs to Fear Xander Bogaerts

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How removing the pressure and high expectations for Xander Bogaerts will make him a dangerous threat in 2018:

In the hopes of a career season, Xander Bogaerts is looking like the touted prospect four years ago. With all this power and offensive production one has to wonder: did we lose faith in our shortstop?

While collecting 6 RBIs, including a monstrous grand slam in a 10-3 hammering over the Tampa Bay Rays, it felt like a coming out party. This season alone he sports a .371 average with 2 homers and  9 RBIs throughout the first eight games. The offseason training has certainly paid off. During an interview with the Boston Globe, the 25 year old said: “I know the best is yet to come. I don’t think — I know.”

In the same article, 78% of voters wanted to trade him for a Manny Machado blockbuster. While Machado is making the transition to full time shortstop, the fit doesn’t seem realistic. Machado is entering a free agency year, and is expected to land a deal worth $200 million or more. And also considering the Dustin Pedroia incident as well.

X Man is the X Factor

The two time Silver Slugger winner is part of a championship contender. The Sox have been heavily overlooked as one of baseball’s premier teams. With the first series of the season against New York scheduled for next week, all eyes tune in on Fenway Park. This is a heavily anticipated look into the postseason.

Will the Red Sox defy the noise and the opinion of the sports world and prove their dominance against baseball’s latest super team? Or will New York shut the door on the doubts that have opened since their rough stretch of play? With the huge home stand still ahead, Xander Bogaerts and the entire Boston Red Sox roster aims to keep their lean in the AL East standings!

Which Joe Kelly Will We See This Season?

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Red Sox fans don’t have much to complain about right now. The Sox are 6-1 out of the gate and have taken an early division lead. Starting pitching has been sensational, Xander’s on pace for 138 doubles, and Benintendi seems to be snapping out of the honeymoon phase. Things are looking good, but the Sox should be undefeated. Joe Kelly can’t be giving up leads like he did on Opening Day. He has the skill set to be an elite pitcher in the Major Leagues, but he’s always struggled with consistency.  He’s had a roller coaster of a career, but he can be a key piece of the Sox bullpen if all goes well.

Kelly began his Major League career in St. Louis back in 2012, and immediately made a name for himself.  His triple-digit fastball was overpowering, even as a rookie.  He posted a 5-7 record to go with a solid 3.53 ERA, while pitching mostly as a starter.  He consistently alternated between the starting rotation and the bullpen throughout the following year, but it didn’t seem to bother him.  Kelly finished his second season with a 10-5 record along with a 2.69 ERA and helped carry the Cardinals to an NL pennant.  Luckily, David Ortiz and the Red Sox made sure it stopped at that, and took home the World Series title.  The Sox ironically snagged Kelly at the trade deadline the very next season, and this is where the inconsistency started to become an issue.

THE RED SOX YEARS

He wasn’t terrible during his first year in Boston, but didn’t come close to the numbers he put up in St. Louis.  Farrell opted to slot him in a starting role and Kelly went 4-2 with a 4.11 ERA through ten starts.  After a mediocre first season with the Sox, Kelly was determined for redemption.

He was so anxious to prove his worth to the Fenway Faithful that he even guaranteed a 2015 Cy Young victory prior to the season. This gave the fans something to talk about, but Kelly set the bar too high for his own good.  He put up a 10-6 record through 25 starts but this didn’t correspond with his overall performance.  He posted a sub-par 4.82 ERA and the Red Sox finished the season at dead last in the AL East.  This was the second lowest ERA in the rotation, and far from a Cy Young caliber season.

(Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

The 2016 campaign was even more of a train wreck.  Kelly suffered an early right shoulder impingement and was sidelined until mid-May.  He wasn’t the same when he returned and struggled consistently.  This landed him a spot in Pawtucket for a good portion of the season, but Kelly returned as a reliever for the tail end of the year.  He only logged 40 innings and put up a dismal 5.18 ERA, but finished off strong by throwing three and 2/3 scoreless innings in the ALDS.

 

Kelly was able to carry the momentum into 2017 where he solidified himself as a reliever.  He threw 58 innings over 54 appearances and nearly cut his ERA in half from 2016, finishing at 2.79.  He held hitters to a minuscule .202 average and began to look like the 2013 version of himself. Kelly even threw the hardest pitch of the entire 2017 MLB season during an at-bat against Aaron Judge.  The pitch was originally clocked at 103.5 mph but was later estimated to be just over 102, which was still the hardest pitch of the year.

AN OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

The inconsistency is frustrating, but Kelly has true potential.  We saw how he helped propel St. Louis to an NL pennant in just his second season, and his numbers from last year weren’t far off.  He has a next-level fastball to go with a sinker, slider, curveball, and change-up, but needs to learn how to harness his velocity.  You’d expect more strikeouts out of a guy who can hit 102 on the gun.

If Kelly can perform like he did last season, the Red Sox will have one of the best 8th- 9th inning tandems in the Major Leagues.

 

Cover image courtesy of CBS St. Louis.

Brad Stevens: Coach of the Year

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BRAD STEVENS – NBA COACH OF THE YEAR

Credit: Simon Cooper – PA Images

In this day and age in the NBA, there are not many “great” coaches left in this league. Coaches in today’s NBA come and go as often as the season change, but there are just a handful that stay planted with an organization or that can be considered great. Brad Stevens of your Boston Celtics has become one of those coaches.

Let’s take a look at some reason why Coach Stevens is more than deserving of NBA Coach of the Year:

Making The Case

Since Brad Stevens has taken over this team, all they have done is WIN and PRODUCE. Players within the organization and around the league love this guy’s system and have shown an interest in playing for him (Kyrie Irving). No matter who the player is, where they came from, or how many minutes they play, Coach Stevens always seem to get full effort and production from his guys on any given night and not many coaches can accomplish that.

Whether Coach Stevens is switching lineups/rotations due to injuries or match-ups, the team can contend on a nightly basis. Take a look at last year, when we had guys like Kelly Olynyk and Jonas Jerebko on the floor in big games. Maybe it was lingering injuries to guys like IT4 or Avery Bradley. It didn’t matter, because Coach Stevens got these guys to push through and battle in every single game. Even the roster Coach Stevens has dealt with hasn’t had too many superstars, but rather role players who were successful in his system and lead us on deep playoff runs.

Then there is this season, which has been a disaster for Brad and the organization as a whole. First it was prized free agent signing and former Butler alum Gordon Hayward going down with a gruesome ankle injury vs. LeBron and the Cavs that made everyone spit their dinner out. Then, throughout the entirety of the season they lost Marcus Smart, Daniel Theis, and KYRIE IRVING. Kyrie’s done for the regular season AND playoffs.

CELTICS ARE COOKED RIGHT?! THINK AGAIN

With young guys like Rozier, Tatum, and Jaylen Brown playing like seasoned vets, the Celtics are still poised to make a run in the Eastern Conference playoffs. Also, let’s not forget how incredible Marcus Morris has been for us. Not many people in Celtics Nation were supportive of this move, but man did I LOVE IT. Bully Morris has been a blessing in disguise, and whether he starts or comes in off the bench, this man GETS BUCKETS! In Steven’s system, Morris has turned into a scorer whenever he is called upon, and even hit a HUGE game winning three at the buzzer with the C’s completely undermanned. This again has to do with how Brad uses his guys and trusts their ability to help the team win.

Let’s take a look at the small sample Brad Stevens has provided with us already:

photo cred.- https://www.basketball-reference.com/coaches/stevebr99c.html

Stevens has compiled a record of 220 wins and 187 losses with a win percentage of .541% . Not a bad start for a guy who just turned 41. Stevens gets high praise from almost every player in the league, and coaching legends like Greg Popovich.

 

Closing Argument:

Bottom line, Brad Stevens gets it. Since coming into the league, Brad has been a student of the game, while making the jump from Butler to the C’s. Now, Brad has become the ULTIMATE teacher. With all the injuries this team has they are still a top five team in the NBA. Look out for Brad; his guys are completely fired up and ready for a playoff run. Even without Kyrie and Gordon, this team is going to surprise you. I cant wait to see what the future holds as a Celtics fan!

 

Prediction – Brad wins coach of the year

 

FINALLY…. LETS GO CELTICS ! #BleedGreen

The Aftershock of Michael Chavis

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Michael Chavis has tested positive for a banned substance dehydrochlormethyltestosterone (an anabolic steroid) and has been suspended for 80 games. Chavis was the Red Sox’ number one position player prospect their farm system. Chavis was ranked 80 in the Majors prospects, so lasting effects can be evident.

Michael Chavis Background

Who exactly is the top positional player for the Sox? The 5’10” Georgia native was acquired in the 1st round of the 2014 draft from Sprayberry Senior HS. The 22 year old third baseman struggled in 2016 after posting a .244/.321/.391 slash in 312 plate appearances. 2017 seemed to be the season where he took his young career to the next level. He produced a .282/.347/.563 slash between Portland, Salem, and Peoria. His home run total rose from eight in 2016 to 31 in 2017. It’s easy to project when Chavis began a regimen for anabolic steroids. Seeing that his average never really impressed until his 2017 season proves that his value is close to unreliable. Combine that with his average defending and we have ourselves a bust in the making.

Chavis was known for his strong arm but choppy footwork at the hot corner. It would make sense for his eventual transition to first base. The uncertainty of first base at the Sox’ Major League level is probably what made Chavis such a pivotal part of their farm system.

Aftershocks on the Farm System

So with Chavis’s eventual demotion in the farm system rankings, which players are left in the top 10? Well, everyone knows Jay Groome, the southpaw hurler reigning from Barnegat Township, New Jersey at number one overall. However, excluding pitchers, it is evident that the Sox don’t have a whole lot of youngsters. Sam Travis is the next positional player to take the top spot after Chavis’ suspension, and even that isn’t much to brag about. In 33 games playing for the 2017 Sox, he posted an underwhelming .263/.325/.342 line.

His below average scouting report highlights his lack of power. It really works against the height of his ceiling. This is the next best positional player the Sox have in their farm. The Sox can’t expect to keep Mookie Betts, Andrew Benintendi, Xander Bogaerts, and Jackie Bradley, among the other core youngsters. For a team that is about as “win now” as ever, this really hurts the Sox more than people may realize. It would be different if this happened to a team with a deep system (see: Braves, Yankees etc.). But it’s not ideal for a team that will owe Chris Sale a Brinks truck to keep him around.

Major League After Effects

You might already know that Dave Dombrowski is a very trigger happy executive. The Red Sox seem to be at a loss when it comes to production out of the bullpen so far in the 2018 season (except for Kimbrel and Poyner). The writing on the wall will point to possibly using Chavis as a trade piece to upgrade the bullpen to the likes of the Yankees or Indians. Now that Chavis is suspended, I cannot see a major trade going down for the Sox the rest of the season. The ball club was probably one big trade piece away from being an even bigger championship contender than before.

The Bottom Line

Let’s be real for a second: The Red Sox are still putting an elite team on the field night after night. They have a major league roster with an average age of 27.9 (6th in 2017) and a starting rotation that has had an excellent first week of the 2018 season. This comes without the contributions of Drew Pomeranz, Eduardo Rodriguez and Steven Wright. With Devers panning out to be the future third baseman of the Red Sox and Mitch Moreland locked up until 2020, it seemed pretty hard for Chavis to make any noise in the Majors, barring an amazing minor league performance.

Does this really hurt the team in general? Yes and no. Yes, as in it negatively affects his value but no, as in the Sox never really had to rely on Chavis during their championship years anyway. It’s too early to tell how the bullpen will pan out in 2018. A team can never use too many arms, however, and do not forget that Andrew Miller is available as a free agent at the other side of this season. Chavis messed up, but Sox fans should not worry.

@ELJGON

Bill Belichick Is Building a Team for the Future

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Inside The “Patriot Way”

HOUSTON, TX – FEBRUARY 05: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots looks on from the sideline during the third quarter against the Atlanta Falcons during Super Bowl 51 at NRG Stadium on February 5, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

According to an insider at Patriot Place, Bill Belichick retiring after this season. It’s clear through what he’s doing this off-season. Bill Belichick will build a team through the draft. So, when Josh McDaniels is the head coach next season, he will have a fairly young squad. The Patriots need to start planning for the next ten years, which means post-Brady and Belichick, starting this season. Belichick won’t leave Josh McDaniels stranded when he leaves after this season. Belichick will make sure Josh has the right players to win. That means a new quarterback too, Tom. A quarterback will be drafted in this upcoming NFL draft like I’ve previously stated.

FOXBORO, MA – SEPTEMBER 22: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots (R) talks with offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels during the first half against the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium on September 22, 2016 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

Bill Belichick Has High Praise for Josh McDaniels

Belichick has always highly praised Josh McDaniels. However, it just goes against the “Patriot Way” for Bill or Josh to come right out and say that this will be Bill’s last season. This draft class has bad wide receivers, which means Tom Brady could have a very hard time if Edelman or Gronkowski gets hurt. It will be up to 41-year-old Tom Brady to carry the team, like he has for 19 seasons.

However, Bill Belichick will ride off into the sunset after this season, giving Josh everything he needs to be successful. Also, Brady will be forced out because he won’t want to be on a rebuilding team. But he can say that he was on a team with Josh McDaniels as a head coach. It’s not certain if Brady knows this will be Bill Belichick’s last season. But when he does find out this is how these next two seasons will play out behind the walls of Gillette Stadium.

The First Episode of “Tom vs. Time” Was Different from the Last Episode

Via hubwav

Remember the beginning of “Tom Vs. Time” when Brady said, “I’m willing to give up my life. Are you willing to give up yours?” Then in episode six, after Jimmy Garoppolo trade, he says, “Why are we doing this?” Also, he began talking about spending more time with his family this off-season. It seems Kraft is on both sides when it comes to Belichick and Brady. He was on Brady’s side last year with getting rid of Jimmy Garoppolo. Now, this off-season he’s siding with Belichick. The man who wants to build a team for Josh McDaniels when he takes over next season.

The Red Sox Bullpen Is a Major Early Flaw

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The 2018 Red Sox started off with a crushing loss on Opening Day. Ever since, however, they have now won eight straight. Even with the best start in franchise history, this team still has some flaws. And the guys over in the bullpen are a big one.

The bullpen wasted no time to blow their first game of the year. They blew a three run lead in the 8th inning against the Rays. Joe Kelly walked three guys, and Carson Smith would give up a two out, three RBI triple to Denard Span. Not good. What’s even worse is the fact that the pen hasn’t looked too much better ever since.

It was good for the most part in the rest of the series in Tampa. But in the Miami series, it was shaky to say the least. The problem about this Red Sox bullpen right now is the fact that there is really nobody to trust. With a 7-2 lead against the Marlins on Monday, Marcus Walden came in. He struggled to the point where Craig Kimbrel had to start warming up.

The following night, the Sox took a lead in the top of the 11th with a Benintendi base hit to right, scoring Nunez. The game was over, right? Nope. After Matt Barnes got the first two Marlins out of the bottom half of the inning, he walked the next 2. Not a good idea. He then gave up a line shot over Andrew Benintendi’s head in left. Barnes ultimately got bailed out by Justin Bour being slow, and a nice relay to gun down the winning run at the plate. The Red Sox ended up winning that game.

In the Home Opener on Thursday, David Price pitched seven scoreless innings. Carson Smith took over in the 8th, and what would he do? Allow a two-run homer to Matt Duffy of the Rays. Craig Kimbrel even struggled, as he loaded the bases in the 10th before getting out of his own jam. The Sox ended up rallying to win that game as well.

Now, there aren’t only negatives from these relievers so far. Heath Hembree and Joe Kelly did a great job on Tuesday. Also, the new lefty Bobby Poyner threw two shutout innings in the Home Opener, extra inning win.

The problem here is nobody right now besides Kimbrel, who has even had struggles of his own, is someone you can trust to come in late in a game and hold the other team off. Even with Tyler Thornburg making his Red Sox debut soon, this very well might be something Dave Dombrowski will have to address at the deadline. But as of right now, we can only work with who we have. So that means the guys in this pen will have to start being more reliable, and more consistent.

 

Cover image courtesy of Chowdaheadz Blog.

head coaching

The Patriots’ Future is Lined up in the Draft

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This upcoming draft is going to say a lot about the New England Patriots’ plans. Trading Brandin Cooks for the 23rd overall pick has opened many doors. They can select the quarterback of the future, bring in an elite WR, or stay put and address needs within the roster.

Draft the Heir

There are multiple reports saying that the Patriots have interest in drafting a quarterback early. As reported by Benjamin Allbright, the Patriots have interest in Josh Rosen. Another report by Jason LaCanfora says the Patriots are eyeing Sooners standout Baker Mayfield in the draft. Apparently, the Patriots have an “affinity” for Mayfield, and are strongly considering moving up to draft the quarterback. Drafting a promising young quarterback now would allow them to learn from Tom Brady. If the Patriots go this route, they will be giving up a lot of assets that would help them win now. However, as much as I do not want to admit it, the Patriots and football will go on once Tom Brady retires. It is crucial that the Patriots have a ready and able quarterback when that time comes.

Staying Put

The Patriots have a need at left tackle, linebacker, and cornerback, which they can address at picks 23 and 31. At pick 23, the Patriots can either fill the need at left tackle or linebacker. They have a shot at landing either Rashaan Evans (who they just met with), or Leighton Vander Esch. Evans will bring much-needed athleticism to the Patriots’ front seven. Vander Esch is another big athletic linebacker who would help the Patriots out tremendously. However, if the Patriots choose to solidify Brady’s blind side they could select Kolton Miller. Miller protected Josh Rosen and earned Second Team All Pac 12 honors. At 31, the Patriots can address their need at corner. A name that comes to mind is Mike Hughes. Hughes was awarded first-team All-American Athletic Conference honors, and was a key cog in UCF’s undefeated season. The Patriots would be able to restock their offensive line or fill holes in the defense with these two selections.

All In

The asking price of Odell Beckham Jr. is two first round picks. The New England Patriots have two first round picks. Trading for OBJ means the Patriots are all in with Tom Brady and winning a sixth ring. Brady and Odell have been flirting with each other all year on Instagram, and it would be a match made in football heaven. Mathematically, Odell’s contract would perfectly replace Cooks. They are both on the fifth year option of their rookie deals. Odell wants it to happen, Brady wants it to happen, most Patriots fans want it to happen. The only thing Bill needs to do is make the phone call.

Balls in Bill’s Court

Coach Belichick has the opportunity to set the Patriots up for success after both he and Tom Brady call it quits. It is going to be up to him to decide if he wants to go all in for the next two years (or maybe one) or set up the empire for a continued run of dominance. The ball and the Patriots future is in his court.

 

The Curious Case of Colin Kaepernick

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“I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color. To me, this is bigger than football, and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way.” –  Former 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, on his decision to sit during the national anthem in 2016

Image result for patriots kneeling

Kap’s Stance

In today’s society, breathing the wrong way could get you arrested. Or shot. Or even killed. It’s crazy, right? Back in 2016, Colin Kaepernick blew the house down. By refusing to stand for the National Anthem and waving of the flag, he set the sports world on fire. Because to him, as an African-American athlete, the flag had recently represent what was wrong with the country.

All around the United States, minority shootings have increased ten-fold. Today, there are statistically more news stories now surrounding the mistreatment of minorities, mainly shootings. This is from a place where we’re all chasing the American Dream. Is that truly the case, though? Was is dreamt that racism and over-use of police force would take the place of peace and equality? Probably not. Athletes, celebrities, and politicians have all come to the support of Kap. In fact, they range from different demographics and skin tone. The issue that was the basis of his stance, is truly much bigger than a game of pigskin and a flag. It’s about the treatment and lack of support given to those who are “minority”, or anybody for that matter. How that’s been difficult to miss is hard to understand.

The American Dream?

The only thing Kap did wrong… was nothing. He wasn’t belligerent, he wasn’t even aggressive towards his stance. He was able to professionally explain and stand by what he believed in. Isn’t THAT the American dream? Hardly, I guess. It’s troubling that in a time where we live with such heightened sensitivity, that there are still those out there who base their opinion on Colin Kaepernick SOLELY on their perception that he “disrespected the flag”, missing the more prominent issue. He shined a glaring light on something that so, so wrong with this country.

Not only all of that, but he’s been the face and the example for other athletes and celebrities who have done, and are doing the same thing today. Upsetting high-profile figures so much, that they leave football stadiums (VP Pence). Consequently, it opened up platforms for other like-minded individuals to share their thoughts and opinions. It’s an easy out for the close-minded to make an argument to blame the person who started it, rather than take responsibility for being part of the problem.

Leave the guy alone, who cares if he never plays football again. He’s done so much more. Kaepernick has made so much of a wave that he’s created a world-wide debate. Wrong, right, doesn’t matter. Colin Kaepernick has made himself into a pioneer. No golden enshrinement in Canton will ever highlight what he’s done.

Land of the free, home of the brave, eh?

Embed from Getty Images

Cover image courtesy of Medium.

The Rise and Fall of Colin Kaepernick

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The rise and fall of Colin Kaepernick: From underdog to unsigned

Colin Kaepernick, where do I begin? Coming out of Nevada and being drafted as a relatively unknown QB, I was pulling for you as an underdog. A small fish in a big pond, if you will. Now you’re out of the league and, in a way, it is your own fault.

It seems like in today’s day and age we turned the clock back 50-60 years, and let racism show its ugly head. With the recent incidents in the news involving police and the treatment of the African-American community, I can understand what Colin Kaepernick is fighting for, and commend him for that. With that said, this post isn’t about race, and I wont let it be about race. I am simply writing about why Kap continues to go unsigned day in and day out.

I am not heartless and completely understand Kap’s reasoning for protesting. But to disrespect the nation’s flag, which many men and women of different colors, races, creeds, and religion have fought for is not something I recommend doing. Especially in a job where all eyes are on you every weekend.

Let’s not forget that Colin chose to take that knee (which is his right), but he also knew it would turn off fans, coaches, owners, and even other players. If I was an NFL owner or coach then no, I would not want Kap on my team due to the whirlwind effect that comes with him.

By the NUMBERS

When it comes to ability, talent, and numbers, we can all agree Kap has the tools to make it in this league. Just take a look at his accolades, which include going to the Super Bowl just a few years ago. The guy has 12,271 career passing yards, along with 72 touchdowns and just 30 career interceptions. He also has 2,300 career rushing yards (33.3yds per game), and 13 career rushing touchdowns. Basically he is a multi-threat QB who has been consistent and can help a team win.

Credit: Thearon W. Henderson

Final Thoughts

Lastly, why the Baltimore Ravens are being questioned in the, “Kap collusion grievance” case is beyond me. The Ravens made a business decision to not hire a potential employee. Also, Colin Kaepernick should not be able to attempt to sue teams for not signing him when the decision to disrespect the country’s flag was his.

In closing the question remains, should Colin Kaepernick be in the NFL? The answer is YES, but Colin needs to do his protesting off the field. One idea the NFL should toss around is allowing teams to stay in the locker room to avoid issues like this in the future.

PREDICTION – The Oakland Raiders sign Kap during this coming NFL season

GOD BLESS AMERICA!

Credit: CHRISTOF STACHE

Cover image courtesy of Matt Winkelmeyer.