FACT CHECK: Did Colin Kaepernick Say He Would Leave The US For Russia If He ‘Doesn’t Get The Respect He Deserves’?

September 27th, 2024
WASHINGTON, DC - AUGUST 28: A man wears a Colin Kaepernick jersey during the March on Washington at the Lincoln Memorial August 28, 2020 in Washington, DC. Today marks the 57th anniversary of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have A Dream" speech at the same location. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

A post shared on Facebook claims former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick said he would leave the U.S. if he “doesn’t get the respect he deserves in the U.S.” 

 

Verdict: False

The claim was posted by two sources that regularly post satirical content.

Fact Check: 

Kaepernick was to potentially join the Los Angeles Chargers coaching staff for the fall season, but head coach Jim Harbaugh ultimately decided against it, according to Newsweek. Harbaugh said that he loves Kaepernick, but that he will not be involved with the team at all this season, the outlet reported.

A Facebook post alleges that Kaepernick has threatened to leave the country for Russia if he doesn’t get a certain amount of respect. The post shows two images of Kaepernick, one of him speaking behind a microphone and the other of him with a football.

“Colin Kaepernick Says He’ll Leave for Russia If He Doesn’t Get the Respect He Deserves in the U.S.,” the caption reads.

There is no evidence for this claim, however. It originates from a post by an account called SpaceX Fanclub, which has the disclaimer “This is SATIRE” and a graphic that says “RATED SATIRE” in the top left corner. The account’s description reads, “ We post SATIRE, nothing on this page is real.” (RELATED: Is Colin Kaepernick New Brand Ambassador For Bud Light?)

The claim was posted to Esspots as well, where it was also listed as satire. The site has an “about us” page in which it describes itself as the “your one-stop destination for satirical news and commentary about the United States of America.” 

There are no credible news reports to suggest Kaepernick said this.

Anna Mock

Fact Check Reporter