Colin Kaepernick has been a lightning rod of controversy for what feels like an eternity. Kicking off after he first took a knee during the national anthem in protest of police brutality and racial injustice. And now, Kaepernick is once again making headlines, this time for remarks he made about his white adoptive parents.

Kaepernick recently discussed his experiences with internalized racism. This included incidents where his adoptive parents called him “a little thug” because of his childhood hairstyle. However, not everyone was sympathetic to Kaepernick’s story. Enter former WWE star and current Fox News contributor Tyrus. During a recent appearance on the network, Tyrus went on a rant attacking Kaepernick.

Colin Kaepernick thrashed on national television by former WWE Star

Some may view Kaepernick’s comments as a valuable contribution to ongoing conversations about race and identity. Others, such as former WWE star and Fox News contributor Tyrus, see it as nothing more than a ploy to sell books. During a recent appearance on Fox News, Tyrus lashed out at Kaepernick, accusing him of trying to “trash” his adoptive parents to generate publicity for his upcoming memoir.

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“He’s gonna trash them to get us to buy his book,” Tyrus said of Kaepernick’s comments on the show. The WWE star continued to attack Kaepernick. He went on to claim that the former quarterback is trying to use the current political climate to his advantage and reestablish his relevance. Tyrus spoke about his own experiences with his adopted parents while discussing Kaepernick’s comments. But he made his stance clear.

“Shame on you, Shame on you Colin,” he said. Tyrus certainly took quite a bit of offense to Colin’s claims about his experiences as a child. 

Colin Kaepernick’s troubled run-ins with controversy continue

While it’s understandable that some may view Kaepernick’s remarks through a skeptical lens, it’s also important to consider the broader context of his experiences with racism and identity. As for Tyrus, his comments may have been harsh, but they’re not entirely unfounded. Public figures, including athletes, have been known to use their personal experiences to generate publicity and sell books.

Regardless of the validity of Kaepernick’s claims it’s clear that the former QB’s activism continues to stir up controversy and draw criticism. In the end, the ongoing controversy surrounding Kaepernick is a reminder of the complex issues surrounding race, identity, and acceptance. Whether or not one agrees with Kaepernick’s methods or motivations, his story serves as a powerful reminder. A reminder of the challenges faced by those who don’t fit neatly into society’s preconceived notions of race and identity.

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