- Readers debated with columnist Jarrett Bell about the Micah Parsons trade and Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones.
- Several readers and Bell discussed the cancellation of Colin Kaepernick’s ESPN documentary and the legacy of his protest.
- Bell responded to criticisms of Kaepernick, noting he was a better-than-average quarterback and his protest was about American principles.
This is the first installment of a series in which readers engage with USA TODAY Sports’ NFL Columnist Jarrett Bell. In some cases, the posted e-mailed letters have been edited for clarity, brevity and accuracy.
This week readers have questions about the Micah Parsons, the canceling of the Colin Kaepernick documentary and what the heck is Jerry Jones doing?
From Brett Sorge onMicah Parsons: From an owner’s point of view I think that he rubbed the owner (Jerry Jones) the wrong way and became a distraction. Owners, like managers, want harmony. Trades and personnel changes really revolve around these factors.
JB: In this stunning case with the Dallas Cowboys, it went a lot deeper than the “distraction” – which surely cut both ways. Sure, Parsons elected to roll with a “hold-in” as contract talks disintegrated, but Jones poured gasoline on the situation and hardly operated like harmony was a priority. Remember, Jones embraces drama as part of the equation with his ultra-popular (and valuable) team. And after he poked a sensitive Parsons with some of his public comments, Parsons fired back by requesting a trade. To the surprise of many, Jones called his bluff. In the end, the key factors were less about the distraction and more about money and value, with ego also sprinkled into the equation.
‘We’re in witness protection’: Tampa Bay Bucs being ignored as Super Bowl contender
Warren Ornstein on Colin Kaepernick: What an absolute shame. What an abominable mess. (Colin) Kaepernick’s story needs to be told. This (canceled ESPN documentary) seems to be just another example of powerful people squashing the truth and in this case I sincerely believe it’s the NFL. If possible, I hope you and the other good writers out there do not let this story die. Thank you.
JB: It has been nearly a decade since Kaepernick’s protest rocked the NFL universe and then some. While so much of his story has been documented on multiple platforms, his saga begs for the type of deep dive that could be afforded with a documentary. And it seemed like a perfect match when Kaepernick joined forces with iconic filmmaker Spike Lee. While it’s obvious the NFL would get another black eye from a Kaepernick documentary – remember, the league settled the collusion case the former quarterback pursued – there’s no evidence contrary to the league’s denial that it influenced the scrapping of the project. Still, the “creative differences” cited seemed to be only a convenient part of the equation for pulling the plug. As a league partner, ESPN seemingly had its own motivation for killing a project that was nearly completed. And with the NFL getting a 10% equity stake in ESPN, questions persist.
Mike Hamer: Mr. Bell, Colin Kaepernick could have been a national hero. All he had to do was go to the US Capitol building wearing his uniform & helmet, sit down on the top steps and wait. Shortly there would have been many reporters appearing, asking why. He then eloquently presents his protest to bring attention to police brutality against people of color. That would be picked up and celebrated worldwide. He probably would have been picked up by an NFL team and who knows how far he might have gone.
JB: Now the scene described here with Colin Kaepernick is some serious stretch of the imagination. Short answer: It’s rather apparent that regardless of what method of protest Kaepernick chose, it quickly got to a point, sadly, where he wasn’t going to be signed by another NFL team.
Art Stanton: Read your story, but Colin Kaepernick was just an average NFL QB. If he had the talent some team would have signed him. Winning in the NFL is everything. The kid made a poor choice going with a liberal, no-win protest. … DEI and being woke are things of the past, and so is men competing in women’s sports. Of course this is just my opinion, just like your story was your opinion but this is America, right? We can agree to disagree. Best Regards.
JB: Of course, we can agree to disagree. In this exchange, just know that Kaepernick was much better than an “average” NFL quarterback, with his resume including a start in the Super Bowl. While it seems that winning is the goal of every NFL team, the devil is always in the details, as in the philosophies for pursuing those goals. In Kaepernick’s case, it’s apparent that teams drew a line that separated the merits of a player in competing for a job from other factors. And hey, what’s so wrong with diversity, equity and inclusion? And why is being “woke” such a bad thing to some people? I’d rather be woke and aware than asleep and uninformed. Knowledge is power.
Ed and Teresa: What about Oprah or Michelle Obama? (To make the Kaepernick doc.)
JB: I hear you. If Spike Lee and Colin Kaepernick can’t strike a creative common bond, it’s natural to wonder whether other accomplished Black producers and directors would start from scratch on such a project. In my column, I mentioned Ryan Coogler (‘Black Panther’) and Ezra Edelman (‘O.J.: Made in America’) as two intriguing names. Well, here’s another: Antoine Fuqua (‘Equalizer’).
Casey101: Mr. Bell, Read with interest your commentary on Colin Kaepernick’s docuseries. I’m just a fan…but not buying into Colin’s protest. Two things stick out to me: 1). He (knelt) with the national anthem playing in protest of police brutality. OK, what he didn’t know was the national anthem was written during the Fort Sumter siege. NOTHING DO TO WITH POLICE WHATSOEVER. Granted, now it’s our national anthem but the origin had nothing to do with cops. 2). Remember the Betsy Ross shoes? HE put a stop to that, who’s he? Nike buckled. Why? I think he could have set an agenda on his subject without dragging the NFL into it. He also was being paid to play football, not decide to protest while he was on the clock!
JB: This speaks to the reason I think Kaepernick’s saga is worthy of the comprehensive treatment that can be afforded in an expansive documentary, provided it includes his voice to explain his reasoning for how he chose to carry out his protest. No doubt, he rankled some (if not many) NFL owners by using the league’s stage to make his statement. Of course, for that he sacrificed much. As for the connection between police and the anthem, it’s civil rights and justice for all. American principles.
Steve Serotte on Jerry Jones: Full of himself. Wants to be the head coach. In the way. Thinks he’s the face of the program. Smells himself. Speaks for everyone. Sit in your box; say nothing. Count your billions every day, go about your role quietly. But you don’t know what you think you know. You know oil, you know private jets, you know new stadiums, but the football piece itself, sorry Mr. Jones, your players should be the focal point along with your coaches. But you, Sir, are not helping. You are debilitating and simply talk too much, seeking attention daily. But what do I know. Just a retired educator.
JB: I’m feeling like this e-letter was meant to be delivered to Dallas Cowboys headquarters, and I’m sure Jerry is well aware of such sentiments from disgruntled fans. Many of the gripes he’s heard for years, as he hangs on to his GM hat while the franchise rolls with a 29-year drought since last winning a Super Bowl (or appearing in the NFC title game). One thing for certain: Jerry will not go about his “role quietly” as you suggest. He loves being the face of his franchise, which is one thing his money can buy. Then again, when they fall short in chasing championship, everyone knows where the buck stops.
Contact Jarrett Bell at jbell@usatoday.com or follow on social media: On X: @JarrettBell
On Bluesky: jarrettbell.bsky.social