CBS has “clarified” a report that indicated Colin Kaepernick said he would stand for the national anthem, saying that the issue was not, in fact, discussed:

NEW YORK (AP) – CORRECTION: CBS reporter clarifies on saying Kaepernick would stand for anthem, says they didn't discuss issue. — Mike Allen (@mikeallen) October 8, 2017





That’s a pretty sharp departure from the initial report, which indicated Colin Kaepernick said he would stand for the national anthem if he were signed to an NFL team, according to CBS’s Jason La Canfora.

BREAKING: Quarterback Colin Kaepernick tells CBS he'll stand during national anthem if given chance to play football in NFL again. — The Associated Press (@AP) October 8, 2017





Kaepernick, the former San Francisco 49ers quarterback, began kneeling during the national anthem in the 2016 preseason as a way to protest racial injustice and police brutality. He opted out of his 49ers contract after the season, although he was informed he would have been cut regardless.

Since then, he has not signed with an NFL team, though he has had workouts and at least passing interest from several organizations. However, dozens of quarterbacks, many with skills demonstrably weaker than Kaepernick’s, have been signed in his wake.

Let’s be clear here: no team is obligated to give Kaepernick a job, or even a tryout. He made his choice to speak out, and he’s suffering the employment consequences of that speech. But anyone who continues to insist that only “football” reasons are keeping Kaepernick off the field is fooling themselves.

Kaepernick has continued to pursue charitable endeavors even while off the field. And protests have exploded across the NFL, driven largely by critical September commentary from President Trump.

Story continues

Kaepernick’s girlfriend took to Twitter after the AP’s initial report to refute the idea that he would stand:

The reports that Colin will stand for the anthem are completely false! He has never discussed this with anyone. pic.twitter.com/tWusUBJMeF — NESSA (@nessnitty) October 8, 2017





Kaepernick himself has also reached out to at least one journalist:

1) Just got a message from @Kaepernick7, who says he has not discussed with anyone his plans in the event he is signed by an NFL team. — Full Dissident (@hbryant42) October 8, 2017





And Kaepernick himself issued what seems like a well-chosen quote:

A lie gets halfway around the world before the truth has a chance to get its pants on. Winston S. Churchill — Colin Kaepernick (@Kaepernick7) October 8, 2017





This post has been updated to reflect changing news.

Colin Kaepernick has not said whether he would stand if given the chance to play again. (AP)

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Jay Busbee is a writer for Yahoo Sports and the author of EARNHARDT NATION, on sale now at Amazon or wherever books are sold. Contact him at jay.busbee@yahoo.com or find him on Twitter or on Facebook.

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