Home

NFL

“My Parents Knew… There Was a Look to a Gangster”: Colin Kaepernick Gets Berated by NFL Veteran for Accusing White Parents of Racism 

Published 03/17/2023, 3:05 PM EDT

Follow Us

via Reuters

Colin Kaepernick can’t seem to get out of the spotlight lately. And for all the wrong reasons. The former 49ers QB has been under constant coverage for more than half a decade due to his social activism. Kaepernick initially took centre stage for his remarkable protest against police brutality and racism. It saw Kaepernick’s iconic protest by taking a knee during the national anthem.

Ever since then, he has been a constant feature in public light with his continued fight against racism. But his latest remarks about facing internalised racism within his own family have caused quite an uproar. The latest to join in on the debate is former Pro Bowl DE Marcellus Wiley. The veteran is the latest in the line of analysts to call out Kaepernick. 

Marcellus Wiley puts Colin Kaepernick on blast over racism claims

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Former NFL Pro Bowl player Marcellus Wiley has been critical of Kaepernick for making a fuss over what he deems to be a minor issue. In an interview, Wiley stated that his own black parents had reprimanded him for looking like a gangster. “My parents knew growing up where I grew up that there was a look to a gangster,” he said.

In his opinion, Kaepernick’s adoptive parents were simply trying to steer him away from a similar path.

Trending

Get instantly notified of the hottest NFL stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

“My parents are black and my parents reprimanded me many a times for looking like a gangster. Just like Colin Kaepernick’s parents was trying to say he looked like a thug. What were thugs trying to wear? Their representation, cornrows was one of them,” Wiley added.

Wiley didn’t hold back with his rant, as he called out Kaepernick for being confused about his own identity. According to Wiley, Kaepernick is projecting his own doubts about the origin of his identity, while melding it with the color of his white parentage. 

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Colin Kaepernick’s continued fight against racism

While Wiley’s remarks have certainly stirred up controversy, it’s important to examine the broader context of Kaepernick’s comments and what they represent. The issue of internalized racism within families is not a new one. It can have a profound impact on a person’s self-image and relationship with their heritage.

via Getty

For Kaepernick, his experiences with his adopted family may have played a role in his own journey towards self-discovery and activism. While some may argue that Kaepernick is being overly sensitive or making a mountain out of a molehill, as a public figure, he is bound to face criticism and opposition from those who do not share his views. But for Colin, the opposition he faces will not deter his activism. The captain still has a lot to prove in his fight for equality.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Watch This Story:  “He Seemed So Unenthusiastic Around Me”: Jackie Chan Once Revealed Contrasting Emotions Years Before Declining to Keep $400 Million Fortune for His Son

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Armaan Gupta

307Articles

One take at a time

Armaan Gupta is an NFL author at Essentially Sports. He is currently pursuing a degree in Mass Media and Communication. He is your quintessential sports nerd, as you’ll always find him consuming some form of sports content.
Show More>

Edited by:

Hitesh Nigam