People like Donald Trump have been worrying their little hands off about San Francisco 49er Colin Kaepernick’s protest of not standing during the playing of the national anthem. Meanwhile, many NFL executives have trashed Kaepernick.
"I don't want him anywhere near my team," one front office executive said. "He's a traitor."
A little hyperbolic, but that’s just one guy.
He wasn't alone in the anger directed toward Kaepernick. In interviews with seven team executives, each said he didn't want Kaepernick on his team. This is far from scientific, but I believe this is likely the feeling among many front office executives. Not all. But many.
All seven estimated 90 to 95 percent of NFL front offices felt the same way they did. One executive said he hasn't seen this much collective dislike among front office members regarding a player since Rae Carruth. Remember Rae Carruth? He's still in prison for the plot to murder his pregnant girlfriend.
As hated as a potential murderer? How about as hated as convicted serial rapist and former NFL defensive back Darren Sharper?
Sharper, 40, who retired from the NFL in 2011 after helping lead the New Orleans Saints to a Super Bowl championship, had pleaded guilty in federal court in Louisiana in May 2015 to distributing controlled substances to three unsuspecting women and then having sex with them while they were incapacitated.
He also pleaded guilty or no contest last year to rape or attempted rape charges involving nine women, including in Arizona, California and Nevada.
There were numerous other women who came forward making very similar claims against Sharper. He’s also been convicted, admitted to conducting these heinous crimes, and is serving an 18-year sentence for them as we speak. Buy that jersey, guys—Sharper has been nominated to the NFL Hall of Fame!
The list of Modern-Era nominees for the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2017 is comprised of 94 players and coaches. Among the nominees announced are several first-year eligible players including quarterback Donovan McNabb, running back LaDainian Tomlinson, wide receiver Hines Ward and defensive end Jason Taylor.
And Darren Sharper! Good job, NFL. Will he get through to the list of 25? No. He won’t. Why is he being considered? Not sure. Maybe because he stood for all of those national anthems?