Former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick was not invited to Tuesday’s meeting at NFL headquarters, despite pleas from several active players.
On Tuesday, NFL owners, the NFLPA and players met at NFL headquarters in New York to have an open conversation about player protests.
NFL reporter Jason La Canfora reported there was “some real anger and dismay” among players because Kaepernick, who began taking a knee in protest of police brutality and social injustice last season, was not formally invited.
La Confora also reported Kaepernick’s absence was brought up in Tuesday’s meeting.
Kaepernick opted out of his contract with the 49ers in March and has not resigned with a team.
Kaepernick’s legal team released a statement on Tuesday addressing his absence from the meeting with NFL owners.
“Colin Kaepernick was not invited to attend today’s meeting by any official from the NFL or any team executives,” the statement read. “Other players wanted him present and have asked that he attend the next meeting with the goal of forging a lasting and faithful consensus around these issues. Mr. Kaepernick is open to future participation on these important discussions.”
The NFL and NFLPA released a statement on Tuesday afternooon stating the meeting with players was "productive" and focused on promoting positive change and addressing inequalities in the team's communities.
"We agreed that these are common issues and pledged to meet again to continue this work together," the statement read in part.
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