August 17, 2025
The docuseries was presupposed to element Kaepernick’s journey of taking a knee throughout the nationwide anthem at NFL video games.
The story of Colin Kaepernick taking a knee for racial justice is not going to see the sunshine on ESPN.
Whereas ESPN Movies had produced the docuseries of the NFL quarterback turned social justice advocate, the Spike Lee joint will not premiere on the sports activities community as a consequence of “artistic distinction.” ESPN confirmed the information to Reuters in a assertion made Aug. 16.
“ESPN, Colin Kaepernick and Spike Lee have collectively determined to not proceed with this challenge on account of sure artistic variations,” shared ESPN.
The docuseries first started manufacturing in 2022, with the promise of delivering a “full, first-person account” of Kaepernick’s story in addition to interviews from fellow NFL gamers. Whereas the docuseries’ stage of completion stays unknown, ESPN did disclose the challenge was not “reaching finality.”
The community added, “Regardless of not reaching finality, we respect all of the laborious work and collaboration that went into this movie.”
Kaepernick turned a polarizing title in soccer when be started taking a knee throughout the nationwide anthem at NFL video games to protest systemic racism and police brutality in 2016. The docuseries was presupposed to element the now 37-year-old’s choice in addition to subsequent backlash and assist.
Lee additionally remained mum on the function’s unlucky replace as a consequence of a non-disclosure settlement. A day earlier than the formal announcement of docuseries’ scrapping, Lee informed the information outlet of its shelving whereas on the pink carpet for a fundraising occasion.
“It’s not popping out. That’s all I can say,” shared Lee, earlier than including, “I can’t. I signed a nondisclosure. I can’t speak about it.”
The canceled launch comes amid prior experiences by Puck Information of manufacturing delays. The middle of the drama reportedly occurred between Lee and Kaepernick over the collection’ path.
Kaepernick performed as quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers from 2011 to 2016. Nevertheless, he suffered an enormous blow in his soccer profession over alleged blackballing stemming from his public political stances. He settled with the league in 2019 over the collusion allegations, however was by no means drafted to a different crew.
Though the docuseries not has a house on ESPN, it could stay on elsewhere. Additional experiences claimed that the community’s chairman would permit the movie’s launch to happen on one other platform.
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