Rupert Murdoch accuses NFL of greed during deposition on Donald Trump, Colin Kaepernick's kneeling stance
Donald Trump and Colin Kaepernick came up during a deposition by Fox News founder and billionaire Rupert Murdoch. Murdoch was asked about the former NFL quarterback taking a knee and the former President's response to the move.
The billionaire commented that he was aware of the controversy and Trump's role in the kneeling controversy. He said:
"It was a cause of great controversy. Trump attacked it, and as a result more and more people knelt. I think today it's pretty much gone away."
Murdoch added that he and others at Fox were taken aback by Trump's reaction to Kaepernick and his knee stance. He noted that the NFL was simply interested in the network's money when it came to controversy.
"Now, I remember that we were shocked by Trump saying they should fine those sons of b*tches.I think those are the words he used."
Rupert Murdoch, in his deposition, on the Colin Kaepernick controversy, and being in the middle of Trump and the NFL. (Wonder what Suzanne Scott said. Looks like her depo gets redacted when the NFL comes up.) https://t.co/OnBji9UXwU
At a 2017 political rally, the then-President Donald Trump told the crowd how NFL owners should deal with the former San Francisco 49ers star for kneeling.
Trump said:
“Wouldn’t you love to see one of these NFL owners, when somebody disrespects our flag, to say, ‘Get that son of a bitch off the field right now. Out! He’s fired. He’s fired!’”
In 2016, Kaepernick refused to stand for the national anthem before the start of a 49ers preseason game versus the Green Bay Packers. Trump suggested that Kaepernick should find himself a new country in an interview after the 49ers quarterback's refusal to stand.
"I have followed it [the controversy] and I think it's personally not a good thing. "I think it's a terrible thing, and you know, maybe he should find a country that works better for him. Let him try, it won't happen."
Donald Trump opines on Colin Kaepernick's second chance in the NFL
When Trump was asked by a reporter in June 2020 if Kaepernick should get another shot at the NFL. The 76-year-old responded that the former QB should get an opportunity if he has the playing ability.
“If he deserves it, he should. If he has the playing ability. His playing wasn’t up to snuff. The answer is absolutely I would, as far as kneeling, I would love to see him get another shot but obviously he has to be able to play well. If he can’t play well, I think that would be very unfair.”
Kaepernick has been out of the league since the 2016 season but had a tryout with the Las Vegas Raiders last May. Time will tell if the 35-year-old quarterback will see an NFL field again, but his controversy with Donald Trump will stay with fans forever.