A longtime Bay Area columnist took to Twitter on Wednesday night to assert his belief that the Cardinals' reported signing of quarterback Blaine Gabbert is further proof that Colin Kaepernick is being blackballed by the NFL.
The Cardinals reportedly signed former Gabbert, a former 49ers quarterback to a 1-year contract worth just under $1 million Wednesday. But Kaepernick, who replaced Gabbert as starting QB in San Francisco early last season, remains a free agent after opting out of his 49ers contract in March.
Many believe NFL teams are refusing to sign Kaepernick due to his decision to kneel during the national anthem before NFL games last season. Kaepernick did so as a form of protest regarding the way minorities are treated by law enforcement in the United States.
Just moments after the reported signing of Gabbert was announced by ESPN's Adam Schefter, Mercury News sports columnist Tim Kawakami posted a series of tweets asserting that the Cards' decision to bring Gabbert aboard shows NFL teams are indeed shunning Kaepernick, and 49ers CEO Jed York and Vice President of Football Operations Paraag Marathe have something to do with it.
That was my Kaeperick demarcation line. I guess Jed and Paraag put out the word. Err, allegedly. https://t.co/FEBdr836sB
— Tim Kawakami (@timkawakami) May 10, 2017
Even better if I type it correctly: Gabbert getting a job ahead of Kaepernick was my "black ball" line of demarcation. Just crossed.
— Tim Kawakami (@timkawakami) May 10, 2017
So if you argue a back-up MUST be perfect for a system, how dare you think it's a Kaepernick black-ball... think Gabbert is Mr. System?
— Tim Kawakami (@timkawakami) May 10, 2017
Your whole argument is that Gabbert is "system"? Or that he's "great in the QB room." That's it. That's your argument now. GO WITH THAT.
— Tim Kawakami (@timkawakami) May 10, 2017
There will be NFL guys--and media members--who will die on that hill for Gabbert now. It's going to happen. Guaranteed.
— Tim Kawakami (@timkawakami) May 10, 2017
For Blaine Gabbert. Die on the hill for him. This is where this is taking them and I hope they realize the contortions involved.
— Tim Kawakami (@timkawakami) May 10, 2017
Just say you want Kaepernick black-balled and are happy it's happening. Don't tell me Gabbert is "system" or "great in the room."
— Tim Kawakami (@timkawakami) May 10, 2017
This is when I love being a practical columnist. I gave a practical target. Weeks ago. It just got hit. What are you going to do now?
— Tim Kawakami (@timkawakami) May 10, 2017
Kawakami also fired back at those who disagree with his stance in one form or another.
And Gabbert is just awesome all around, of course. I know you must think that. https://t.co/lmCWpXxYTB
— Tim Kawakami (@timkawakami) May 10, 2017
There is no evidence that Kaepernick is demanding a starting job. Zero. While I concede it's possible, there's no evidence. https://t.co/HL0p4jBpMe
— Tim Kawakami (@timkawakami) May 10, 2017
AHA this is what you really wanted to say all along. You want a black ball. Why even bother to say otherwise? https://t.co/ecHMLidTGJ
— Tim Kawakami (@timkawakami) May 10, 2017
You gave a horrendous example. You don't like my answer, don't read me. https://t.co/p1RNUIJsdQ
— Tim Kawakami (@timkawakami) May 10, 2017
That was solely one article, with "49ers sources" doing the dog-whistle call and SI allowing them to do it. https://t.co/0FZP8QPHjx
— Tim Kawakami (@timkawakami) May 10, 2017
Answer is: Gabbert. Go fight that fight. He's your guy. Gabbert. https://t.co/Ilq64eMJmK
— Tim Kawakami (@timkawakami) May 10, 2017
How do you know this? You don't. I don't. I think Kaepernick wants to work, that's what I think. Wait, I KNOW this. https://t.co/u2tG31XoRT
— Tim Kawakami (@timkawakami) May 10, 2017
Kawakami has written for the Mercury News for over a decade and has nearly 30 years of sportswriting experience. He was the California Sportswriter of the Year in 2013.
