The Fandlot

Colin Kaepernick: victim of racism or tattooism?

Quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s ink is causing more controversy than his playmaking.

The SF 49er’s player is being criticized for the copious tattoos on his arms, (kids these days call em ‘sleeves’). Although tattoos are on more players in the NFL than tinsel in Macy’s Santaland, it’s not very common to find them on passing players. AOL’s Fanhouse writer David Whitley is not a fan of tattoos and expressed some choice words about Kaepernick.

NFL quarterback is the ultimate position of influence and responsibility. He is the CEO of a high-profile organization, and you don’t want your CEO to look like he just got paroled.

Now here is where the sitch gets a little hairy. Kaepernick is biracial. Whitley is being accused of racism. (Who saw that one coming?) Some say his piece is not actually against tattoos but instead stereotyping Kaepernick as someone who is not a role model, not a leader for the team and someone who looks like he belongs in prison.

I personally do not agree with Whitley. Nor do I think he is being racist. I just think he is being a fuddy-duddy. Down with fuddy-duddies! Colin Kaepernick- you do your thing and show fuddy-duddies your tattooed covered arm is just as good as Drew Brees’ fresh, pasty, fleshy arm. David Whitley- focus on what the arm can do, not what’s on it.