Rapper J. Cole created headlines throughout the NFL when he publicly released a letter that long-time free-agent NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick sent to the New York Jets.
In the letter to the famous franchise, Kaepernick pleaded not to be signed to the active roster as a stopgap measure to the Aaron Rodgers injury, but rather to be given a chance to prove himself on the practice squad in what he called a win-win situation for the Jets.
J. Cole has released Colin Kaepernick's letter to the Jets requesting to join their practice squad 🙏 pic.twitter.com/Kjn3af3u9G
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) September 26, 2023
The letter proved controversial among league fans and commentators alike.
Speaking on The Breakfast Club, New York radio personality Charlamagne tha God absolutely torched Kaepernick for his latest move, which he called “downright pathetic” among other insults.
“I wish that letter was never written,” Charlamagne said. “That letter was tragically sad and downright pathetic. Colin Kaepernick has let his setback become his identity, and I hate that for him. It pains to see that man still begging to be in a league that he called racist and he compared to a plantation.”
He didn’t stop there, either.
“And I hate that he can never speak for himself. He always got somebody else speaking for him or putting out his message for him. That’s so wack to me. I wish Colin the best in all his endeavors but just begging these same people you called racist for an opportunity is pitiful.”
Kaepernick did not immediately respond to the insults.
The NFL world was quick to react to the the so-called ‘downright pathetic’ move by Kaepernick as he attempts his NFL comeback once again:
Colin Kaepernick: “The NFL is racist and discriminatory! It’s like slavery on a plantation!”
Also Colin Kaepernick: https://t.co/wE2k8l5ygm pic.twitter.com/WPNHldVAfw
— X – Ð € R € Ķ 🥀 (@PassingPaisano) September 30, 2023
This rests at the feet of Jay-Z who ended the Kaepernick protest movement saying, "it's time to get off your knees". The movement ceased, racial injustice continued and Jay-Z disappeared. @cspanwj https://t.co/ik2SVHPWaC
— Rick (@qdog1125) October 1, 2023
Hear me out… why doesn’t he go ball out in the CFL or the XFL or USFL. JUST GO PLAY if you’re good they can deny you https://t.co/nNXFrdiUYc
— Hunter Knapp (@takinknapps) October 1, 2023
it's tragically sad the year after kap's protest hundreds of players and coaches knelt during the anthem and the only one who got punished was the guy brave enough to start it https://t.co/vkmQKQsfXH
— nb (@iowntwocouches) September 30, 2023
My only thing is there are other football leagues Colin could explore to show he still belongs. There are several ways to a end, he just choose not to play unless it’s directly to the NFL. https://t.co/6NtoGBr4uN
— WE ALL WE GOT (@ez3ll) September 30, 2023