ESPN cancels documentary series on Colin Kaepernick: Another ‘vibe shift’ sign?

Sports broadcasting giant ESPN has decided not to air a multi-part documentary series on Colin Kaepernick, the football player best known for igniting a political firestorm when he knelt during the national anthem before games in 2016.

“ESPN, Colin Kaepernick and [the series’ director] Spike Lee have collectively decided to no longer proceed with this project as a result of certain creative differences,” ESPN said in a statement,Reuters reported Aug. 18. “Despite not reaching finality, we appreciate all the hard work and collaboration that went into this film.”

Kaepernick played quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers from 2011 to 2016, but he is arguably best-known for his political activism. He drew national attention in 2016 when he refused to stand for the national anthem in order to draw attention to police brutality against black people and what he described as systemic racism. Since that season, he has not been signed on to any team, which many outlets have posited to be? a form of punishment for his protest.

The documentary series was first announced in 2020 as part of ESPN’s owner Disney’s deal with Kaepernick Media. At the time, Disney said the “partnership will focus on telling scripted and unscripted stories that explore race, social injustice and the quest for equity, and will provide a new platform to showcase the work of Black and Brown directors and producers,” according to The New York Times.

Tentatively titled Da Saga of Colin Kaepernick, the seven-episode series would not have shied away from Kaepernick controversial political views.

“Colin’s experience gives him a unique perspective on the intersection of sports, culture and race, which will undoubtedly create compelling stories that will educate, enlighten and entertain, and we look forward to working with him on this important collaboration,” Disney executive chairman Bob Iger said when the series was first announced, according to the Times.

Despite this promise, the series had a long and tumultuous production history, according to the Times.“It's not coming out. That’s all I can say,” was Lee’s only comment after news of the series’ cancellation broke, according to Reuters. Lee said a non-disclosure agreement prevented him from saying anything further.

Since the announcement of the cancellation, Kaepernick has been similarly tight-lipped on the subject, citing his nondisclosure agreement.