ESPN Documentary On Colin Kaepernick Canceled

ESPN Films, director Spike Lee, and former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick have mutually decided to cancel a multi-part documentary series about Kaepernick, who sparked a national debate in 2016 by kneeling during the U.S. national anthem to protest systemic racism and police brutality.

ESPN announced the decision on Saturday citing “creative differences” in a statement to Reuters. The network expressed appreciation for the collaboration but confirmed the project would not move forward. Lee, speaking on the red carpet at a cancer research fundraiser in Beverly Hills on Friday, confirmed the cancellation, saying, “It’s not coming out. That’s all I can say,” but declined further comment due to a nondisclosure agreement.

Spike Lee

Kaepernick, 37, who played for the San Francisco 49ers from 2011 to 2016, has not returned to the NFL since his protests, which many believe led teams to avoid signing him due to his activism, despite his talent. His actions, which drew criticism from then-President Donald Trump, inspired a broader movement. 

Kaepernick filed a collusion grievance against NFL owners, settled in 2019. His representative offered no comment on the cancellation.

Announced in 2022, the Disney-owned ESPN project was pitched as a comprehensive first-person account of Kaepernick’s journey, featuring extensive interviews. However, Puck News reported in September 2024 that delays stemmed from disagreements between Kaepernick and Lee over the film’s direction, with ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro open to letting the filmmakers pitch it elsewhere. 

Ultimately, the project was shelved.