In Colin Kaepernick’s new Netflix special, he compares the NFL draft process and training camp to slavery.
Colin in Black & White, the limited drama series, explores the former player’s formative years. It takes between his high school years and the events that lead to him becoming an advocate for social justice.
In the special, the former quarterback describes the treatment players endure at the hands of coaches during the draft process and compares it to slavery. He explains that coaches use it to establish a power dynamic.
“Before they put you on the field, teams poke, prod, and examine you searching for any defect that might affect your performance,” Kaepernick says. “No boundary respected. No dignity left intact.”
In the clip, a group of players walks past Kaepernick and transform into slaves at an auction. They are depicted in shackles on a podium as white slave owners bid on them.
Throughout the scene, it flashes to coaches closely examining players.
The series debuted on Friday, and the scene drew some criticism on the internet. Former NFL player and current Utah Republican Rep. Burgess Owens questioned Kap’s comparison on Twitter.
“How dare @Kaepernick7 compare the evil endured by so many of our ancestors to a bunch of millionaires who CHOSE to play game,” the tweet read.
Kaepernick became a controversial figure after he started kneeling during the National Anthem in 2016 to protest racism and police brutality. The former 49er went unsigned after opting out of his contract and testing the free-agent waters at the beginning of 2017.
