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Colin Kaepernick Changes Workout Location in Atlanta; 'Disappointed' NFL Issues Statement

Colin Kaepernick's Saturday workout for NFL teams was moved to a new location in Atlanta after the NFL denied cameras and media members inside.

Jenna West

Colin Kaepernick Changes Workout Location in Atlanta; 'Disappointed' NFL Issues Statement
Colin Kaepernick Changes Workout Location in Atlanta; 'Disappointed' NFL Issues Statement /
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Evan Agostini/Invision/AP/Shutterstock

Colin Kaepernick moved his workout on Saturday after the NFL denied his request to allow media members into the event, the free-agent quarterback's representatives announced.

Kaepernick was set to hold the workout at the Falcons' practice facility in Flowery Branch at 3 p.m. ET. However, the workout was moved to 4 p.m. ET at Charles Drew High School outside of Atlanta. All NFL team representatives and media members were invited to attend.

"From the outset, Mr. Kaepernick requested a legitimate process and from the outset, the NFL league office has not provided one," his agent, Jeff Nalley, and attorney, Ben Meiselas, said in a statement. 

"Mr. Kaepernick requested all media be allowed into the workout to observe and film it and for an independent film crew to be there to ensure transparency. The NFL denied this request. Based on the prior conduct by the league office, Mr. Kaepernick simply asks for a transparent and open process which is why a new location has been selected for today."

Kaepernick was seen arriving at the high school around 4:30 p.m. ET.

After he arrived, the NFL released a statement saying Kaepernick informed the league at 2:30 p.m. ET that he would not attend the workout at the Falcons' facility. The league said it heard for the first time on Saturday that the quarterback wanted the workout open to the media.

24 NFL teams were expected to attend the workout in Flowery Branch. Former Browns and Raiders head coach Hue Jackson was set to lead the event per the NFL's request and he flew to Atlanta on Saturday morning. Kaepernick's agent invited Jackson to the new workout location with less than an hour until it was set to begin. Unfortunately, Charles Drew High School is more than an hour away from the original location and Jackson headed back to the airport, NFL.com's Michael Silver reports.

According to ESPN's Howard Bryant, the NFL told Kapernick's team ahead of the workout that there would be no media access and it was unclear who his receivers would be. The quarterback was "uncomfortable" with this and flew in receivers at his own expense. When the NFL reportedly suggested Kaepernick's team couldn't film anything, his camp worried about the league solely having access to the footage.

The two sides also reportedly disagreed on a waiver. Bryant reports the league asked Kaepernick to sign a waiver promising he wouldn't sue the NFL if he went unsigned after the workout. Kaepernick's team reportedly responded with a standard injury form.

Before the workout began, LeBron James tweeted his support for Kaepernick.

Kaepernick has not played in the NFL since Jan. 1, 2017, and he opted out of his contract with the 49ers in March 2017. He has not tried out for an NFL team since becoming a free agent. Kaepernick famously kneeled during the national anthem before games in 2016 to protest racial injustice and police violence against people of color. He later filed a grievance against the league in October 2017 and accused owners of blackballing him. The two sides reached a settlement in February 2019.

"I've been in shape and ready for this for 3 years, can't wait to see the head coaches and GMs on Saturday," Kaepernick tweeted about the workout on Tuesday.

Watch Kaepernick's live workout below:

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Jenna West
JENNA WEST

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