In a stunning relevation that has sent shockwaves through the NFL community, it has been reported that six players on the Las Vegas Raiders roster have threatened to quit the team if management signs controversial quarterback Colin Kaepernick.
According to sources close to the situation, the six players, who have not been named, are staunch opponents of Kaepernick and his activism, particularly his decision to kneel during the national anthem as a form of protest against police brutality.
“The players are dead set against bringing Kaepernick onto the team,” said one source. “They believe that his politics are divisive and that he is a distraction that will hurt the team’s chances of winning.”
The source went on to say that the players had threatened to walk out on the team if management ignored their wishes and signed Kaepernick anyway.
“The players feel very strongly about this,” the source added. “They believe that Kaepernick’s actions are disrespectful to the flag and to the military, and they don’t want him on their team.”
The news has already sparked outrage among fans and commentators, who have accused the players of being intolerant and un-American.
“Football is a game that celebrates diversity and promotes unity,” said one commentator. “The fact that these players are willing to quit over someone’s political beliefs is a disgrace to the sport and to our country.”
For his part, Kaepernick has remained silent on the matter, choosing instead to focus on his charitable work and his ongoing legal battle against the NFL.
But for the Raiders, the situation has created a major headache, as the team must now decide whether to sign Kaepernick and risk losing several key players, or to appease their current roster and forego the opportunity to add a talented quarterback to their lineup.
“At the end of the day, it’s a decision that the team will have to make,” said the source. “But either way, it’s clear that this issue is not going away anytime soon.”