Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel Season 22 Episode 13 Colin Kaepernick's refusal to stand during the national anthem

Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel, the acclaimed sports journalism program, returns with an episode that delves deep into the Colin Kaepernick controversy. In season 22, episode 13, the show focuses on Kaepernick's decision to refuse standing during the national anthem in the 2016 NFL season.

The episode explores Kaepernick's motivations and the impact of his protest. It also examines the broader issues around racial injustice and police brutality that drove him to take a stand.

Through interviews with Kaepernick himself, as well as other athletes, activists, and experts, Real Sports paints a nuanced and multifaceted picture of the controversy. The episode covers the initial outrage and backlash against Kaepernick, his growing support from fellow players and activists, and the ongoing debate around the appropriateness of kneeling during the national anthem.

Real Sports also offers a wider perspective on the history of athlete activism and the role athletes have played in social justice movements throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. This includes interviews with former Olympic sprinter Tommie Smith, who famously raised his fist in solidarity with Black Power during the 1968 Olympics, and NFL Hall of Famer Jim Brown, who has been a leading voice for social change throughout his career.

Throughout the episode, host Bryant Gumbel and the Real Sports team provide thoughtful analysis and commentary on the Kaepernick controversy and its wider implications. They explore the way athletes are positioned as role models and how sports can serve as a catalyst for social change.

Ultimately, Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel offers a powerful and insightful exploration of one of the most controversial moments in modern sports history. It serves as a testament to the power of athlete activism and the enduring struggle for racial justice in America.