Sports Illustrated magazine didn't just give Colin Kaepernick the Muhammad Ali Legacy Award on Monday. This left-leaning publication immersed itself in Black Lives Matter activism by giving the ex-football player and fellow BLM activist Beyoncé a green light to push their social justice narrative.
The Daily Show host Trevor Noah introduced Kaepernick by complaining, "He's been sidelined by the NFL, labeled un-American, and even been attacked by the president." TMZ echoed his words with the headline blaring, "Hey, Kaepernick Haters ... It's About Racism, Not the Flag!!!" Noah introduced Beyoncé -- who wowed the audience with a surprise appearance -- to spout off with words straining credulity before handing Kaepernick the hardware:
It’s been said that racism is so American that when we protest racism we’re protesting America. But let’s be very clear -- Colin has always been very respectful of the individuals who selflessly serve and protect our country and our communities and our families.
His message is solely focused on social injustice for historically disenfranchised people. Let’s not get that mistaken.
Respectful? Well that word must have been redefined by the "Clintonian dictionary." Beyoncé's man Kap is an ex-football player who protested himself right out of the NFL by spiting the flag and calling police officers "pigs" and "slave catchers." From the safe distance of Ghana on the Fourth of July, this coward questioned whether or not America is a land of freedom. His message is anti-American and his tweets and protests stand as an affront to those who risked some and those who gave all in defense of liberty.
By bringing in Beyoncé, Sports Illustrated firmly immersed itself in Black Lives Matter activism. The singer incorporated a BLM rallying cry into her 2016 Super Bowl 50 halftime spectacle, and she gushed over BLM activist Kaepernick:
Thank you, Colin Kaepernick. Thank you for your selfless heart, and your conviction. Thank you for your personal sacrifice. Colin took action with no fear of consequence or repercussion only hope to change the world for the better. To change perception, to change the way we treat each other, especially people of color.
Kaepernick reminded everyone with common sense why no NFL team would go near him this year. "I say this as a person who receives credit for using my platform to protest systemic oppression, racialized injustice and the dire consequences of anti-blackness in America. I accept this award not for myself, but on behalf of the people. Because if it were not for my love of the people, I would not have protested. And if it was not for the support from the people, I would not be on this stage today. With or without the NFL’s platform, I will continue to work for the people because my platform is the people.”
Left-stream media fired at will with praise after the stunning show.
Kaepernick Today (aka USA Today) was blown away by the events of the evening, declaring "he won the night."
Washington Post writer Dillon Mullan said "the quarterback made clear his protest is bigger than the league." He also mentioned that NBC Sports Network will air Kaepernick’s speech in full this Friday night. Set the DVR on record now; it'll be a real keeper.
Following the left-stream narrative of Kaepernick as hero, CBS Sports' Kevin Skiver characterized him as a man who "takes his charity work very seriously. He spent Thanksgiving at an 'Un-Thanksgiving' protest on Alcatraz, and he holds a 'Know Your Rights' camp for underprivileged children. He also pledged to donate $1 million to charities in 2016."
People magazine acknowledged social media discontent with Kaepernick over his protests, but writer Stephanie Petit pivoted to hero worship: "However, many were thrilled to see the 30-year-old athlete get recognition — and even more excited that Beyoncé was on hand to do the honors." Her post included a fawning social media poster's comment declaring, "The picture of Beyoncé and Colin Kaepernick just saved 2017."
Kaepernick's award tour is picking up steam. He was on the west coast two days ago to scoop up the Eason Monroe Courageous Advocate Award at the ACLU Southern California's annual Bill of Rights Dinner. He's also won GQ's citizen of the year honor. All of this proves the awards bar is dangling pretty low this year. It's right down there with the left-stream media's idea of objectivity.
