Seahawks postpone Colin Kaepernick visit after QB declined to say he'd stop kneeling

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Colin Kaepernick's first workout with an NFL team since he became a free agent more than a year ago was nixed by the Seattle Seahawks after the former San Francisco 49ers quarterback refused to say whether he planned to continue to kneel during the national anthem, a person with knowledge of the discussions told USA TODAY Sports.

The Seahawks were slated to work out Kaepernick on Monday, a meeting that was scheduled about two weeks prior without any mention of kneeling, according to the person, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the talks. Seattle then inquired late last week about his plans on further protests.

Kaepernick's response: He was focused on football and wasn't going to agree to preconditions.

A short time later, the Seahawks called off the workout.

ESPN was the first outlet to report the workout was postponed.

Kaepernick does not have any other workouts scheduled with the Seahawks or any other NFL teams.

A message left with the Seahawks by USA TODAY Sports was not immediately returned on Thursday.

Wolken: For Kaepernick, principles trump tryout with Seahawks

Kaepernick, 30, began kneeling during the national anthem in 2016 as a form of protest against police brutality and racial inequality.

Last October, Kaepernick filed a collusion grievance against the NFL, alleging that he had been denied employment as a result of his stance.

Multiple Seahawks players, including Michael Bennett (traded to the Philadelphia Eagles this offseason) and several other defensive linemen, did not stand for the national anthem in games last season, with many expressing support for Kaepernick and his actions.

After President Trump criticized the NFL and players who protested last September, Seahawks coach Pete Carroll released a statement backing his players.

“We stand for love and justice and civility,” the statement read. “We stand for our players and their constitutional rights, just as we stand for equality for all people. We stand against divisiveness and hate and dehumanization. We are in the midst of a tremendously challenging time, a time longing for healing. Change needs to happen; we will stand for change. May we all have the courage to take a stand for our beliefs while not diminishing the rights of others, as this is the beating heart of our democracy. As a team, we are united in a mission to bring people together to help create positive change. We can no longer remain silent.”

Finding a backup quarterback is an offseason need for the Seahawks, as Russell Wilson is the only passer currently on the roster.