(SP) – After a video replay review of Colin Kaepernick kneeling during the national anthem last season, it has been determined that Kaepernick never actually fully kneel down or did not “complete a kneeling act” under the league’s full definition of the rule.
“I know a lot of people were angered by him kneeling and many even said they stopped watching the NFL because of it,” said commissioner Roger Goodell. “But upon review, we now know that what we all thought we saw did not actually occur. Kaepernick did not officially kneel per league kneeling rules and so everyone can like the NFL again.”
Per NFL rules, an anthem kneel must last throughout the duration of the song and a player must make an additional “protest move,” such as raising a fist. Kaepernick never did, meaning his kneel was not official.
In the wake of the ruling, the NFL has received many apologies from those who ripped the league over allowing Kaepernick to kneel, including from President Trump. Early this morning the president tweeted:
“After review, it is revealed Kaepernick never actually kneeled. AMERICA IS GREAT AGAIN,” he wrote.
Kaepernick said he was surprised by the outcome.
“I thought I had kneeled, but it turns out I didn’t,” he said. “There’s nothing I can do about it now. Rules are rules. The outcome stands and so I officially don’t think there are any racial problems in America. “
