This is the world we live in now. The Baltimore Raves are conducting polls to see how much signing Colin Kaepernick would hurt their brand. Not workouts, not evaluations… marketing polls. They’ve apparently asked for opinions from fans during an open forum, their sponsors, Joe Flacco and… get this… Ray Lewis.
Let me make sure I have the facts straight. The team that stood behind Ray Lewis, an alleged murder, is concerned about how Colin Kaepernick will affect their image? Let’s not forget that they also stood by Ray Rice until the damning video of him came out. If the Ravens were trying to create a NEW image for themselves, I might be able understand this course of actions. But, they’re involving Ray Lewis in the decision.
So, you’re asking a guy who was accused of murder, if he thinks it would damage your image to sign a guy who kneeled in silent protest during the national anthem? What is this world?
If Kaepernick is good enough to play the roll you need, sign him.
… or cut off all ties to Ray Lewis. If not, the organization is full of hypocrites.
BaltimoreRavens.com: “The Ravens are doing extensive research on the possibility of signing controversial quarterback Colin Kaepernick, and have had direct talks with Kaepernick and his camp.
Ravens Owner Steve Bisciotti and President Dick Cass were asked about Kaepernick at a fan forum with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell before Sunday’s practice at M&T Bank Stadium. Goodell visited the practice as his first stop on a tour of NFL training camps.
A fan asked Bisciotti about whether he was hurting his team’s “brand” by signing Kaepernick, who drew polarizing reactions across the country with his protest during the national anthem before games last season.
“We’ve very sensitive to it and we’re monitoring it, and we’re still, as [General Manager] Ozzie [Newsome] said, scrimmaging it,” Bisciotti said. “So pray for us.”
Bisciotti said the Ravens have had conversations about Kaepernick with many current players on the team, including starting quarterback Joe Flacco
and tight end Benjamin Watson.
The Ravens have also talked with former Baltimore linebacker Ray Lewis, fans, sponsors and respected community members.
“We want to get a sense of what the attitude is out there and how Colin would handle it if he were to come, how he’d handle it and how that would change people’s views,” Cass said.
Kaepernick has made assurances through his intermediaries that he would not protest this season, that he would stand during the national anthem, Bisciotti said.”