News

O’Brien says Texans have discussed signing Kaepernick

FILE - This Jan. 1, 2017, file photo shows then San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick speaking at a news conference after the team's NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks in Santa Clara, Calif. NFL spokesman Joe Lockhart says the league expects Colin Kaepernick to be invited to the next meeting between owners and players to discuss social justice initiatives. Lockhart adds that the meeting probably will take place next week. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez, File) Photo: Associated Press/Marcio Jose Sanchez


HOUSTON (AP) — Houston Texans coach Bill O’Brien says he and general manager Rick Smith have discussed signing Colin Kaepernick in the wake of last week’s season-ending injury to Deshaun Watson.

When asked about Kaepernick on Monday, a day after Tom Savage struggled in a loss to the Colts, O’Brien said: “We talk about the roster and what’s out there every day Rick and I.”

When pressed on whether they have specifically discussed adding Kaepernick he said: “Oh yeah, everybody gets discussed.”

Kaepernick, the former 49ers quarterback, began the national anthem protest movement by kneeling last season. He remains unsigned and has filed a complaint that team owners colluded against him because of the protests, which are aimed at police brutality against African-Americans and other social justice issues.

The Texans have not been very active in anthem protests, but the majority of the team kneeled during the anthem before a game on Oct. 29 at Seattle after a report revealed that team owner Bob McNair said, “We can’t have the inmates running the prison,” during a meeting of NFL owners about players who protest by kneeling. No member of the team kneeled this week before Houston’s annual salute to service game to honor members of the military.

___

For more NFL coverage: http://www.pro32.ap.org and http://www.twitter.com/AP_NFL

 

Copyright 2017 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Recent Headlines

4 hours ago in Sports

Fan interference denies Anthony Volpe a tying homer as Yankees get swept by Rays in ALDS

With the Yankees' season at stake, Anthony Volpe was denied a tying home run against the Tampa Bay Rays in Game 3 of their AL Division Series when a replay review determined a fan interfered with his drive to deep left field Wednesday night.

4 hours ago in Sports

Brewers eliminate Padres with 3-1 win in Game 4, advance to NLCS rematch with Dodgers

Although outfielder Garrett Mitchell gracefully accepted congratulations for robbing Manny Machado of a tying home run late in the Milwaukee Brewers' Division Series-clinching victory, he clearly wasn't all that impressed with himself.

21 hours ago in Sports

49ers’ Kyle Juszczyk wins appeal on fine over ‘Juice’ celebration that NFL said imitated beer chug

San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk won his appeal over the fines issued by the NFL for what it deemed an "offensive" celebration when he imitated drinking a beverage, which the league said looked like he was chugging a beer.

1 day ago in Sports

Padres avoid elimination, beat Brewers 4-3 in NLDS Game 3 with Cronenworth’s HR, King’s relief

When right-hander Michael King dramatically emerged from the bullpen in a darkened Petco Park to pitch in the eighth inning of Game 3 just two days after he made a five-inning start in Game 2, the San Diego Padres' desperate determination to extend their season was clear.

2 days ago in Sports

Harry Kane scores on record-tying 125th appearance for England

Harry Kane made a record-tying 125th appearance for England in the Nations League match against Czechia at Wembley Stadium on Tuesday — and marked the occasion with another goal.