F ox Sports 1 anchor Jason Whitlock was lambasted by social media users Tuesday night for mocking Colin Kaepernick with an impersonator wearing an afro wig on his show Speak For Yourself, The Hollywood Reporter reported.
Outraged Twitter users condemned the racially charged incident featuring a smiling Whitlock and the impersonator — who also wore Kaepernick’s San Fransisco 49ers jersey while appearing to mimic a Black Power Movement gesture — amid a national controversy over whether the apparently blackballed quarterback will return to the NFL.
Kaepernick, who is a free agent, reinvigorated discussions about racism when he refused to stand and began to kneel during the National Anthem last season. His headline-making kneeling protests was designed to bring attention to the treatment of Blacks, especially at the hands of police, and overall social justice.
Whitlock and his panel of guests discussed Kaepernick, his protests as well as his NFL prospects before introducing the impersonator.
The editor-in-chief of Black Sports Online, ripped Whitlock for the shocking stunt.
“I know FS1 is touting out alternative style shows, but this was way over the line and offensive to a lot of people,” Robert Littal wrote on Black Sports Online. “Even if you don’t care for Colin Kaepernick, don’t mock the black power movement, don’t mock our hairstyles, because without those people fighting for us doing the Civil Rights Movement, Jason Whitlock wouldn’t be afforded the opportunity to disrespect his people so much.”
Many Twitter users followed Littal’s example in criticizing Whitlock.
EDITOR’S NOTE: An earlier version of this article incorrectly described the person who was impersonating Colin Kaepernick on Jason Whitlock’s Fox Sports 1 TV show. The text of the article has been updated to reflect the change.
SOURCE: The Hollywood Reporter, Black Sports Online
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Jason Whitlock Slammed For Mocking Colin Kaepernick [PHOTO] was originally published on newsone.com
