Yes, because if thereās one country known for its deep respect for outspoken athletes and social justice warriors, itās Russia.
When asked why heād choose Russia, of all places, Kaepernickās response was as cryptic as it was eyebrow-raising. āLook, I know what youāre thinking,ā he said, pausing dramatically as if he could hear the collective confusion through the airwaves. āBut hear me out. Russia has thisā¦ strength. This toughness. They donāt pretend to care about things they donāt care about. Itās pure. Uncomplicated.ā
Kaepernick went on to explain that, in his mind, America has become ātoo soft,ā with its endless political debates and āperformative wokenessā not leading to real change. āIn Russia, you know where you stand. I respect that.ā
Itās unclear whether Kaepernick has actually done any research into the current political climate of Russia, where dissent isnāt exactly rewarded with job offers or endorsement deals. Nevertheless, the quarterback seemed convinced that the respect he craves might be found in a country where protesting athletes are more likely to be sidelined in ways far more permanent than anything Roger Goodell could dream up.
