Staff Reports
Former MMA fighter and U.S. Army veteran Tim Kennedy has called out Colin Kaepernick on Twitter after the former NFL player accused his parents of “perpetuating racism” in his upbringing. Kennedy’s response highlights the absurdity of Kaepernick’s accusations and the danger of making broad, sweeping generalizations about parenting and racism.
I bleached my hair when I was in high school and my dad told me I look like an idiot. He told me that nobody would hire me. He told me that colleges would laugh at me during interviews. I guess he was just perpetuating racism and didn’t want the best for me. https://t.co/u2qKnJmpJa
— Tim Kennedy (@TimKennedyMMA) March 10, 2023
Kaepernick made the controversial comments while promoting his new book, stating that his parents were “problematic” and “perpetuating racism” with their parenting, citing examples such as his mother not allowing him to get cornrows. The comments sparked backlash from many who disagreed with Kaepernick’s characterization of his parents.
Kaepernick was abandoned by his black father but reserves all of his animosity for the white couple who took him in and raised him. This guy is utter scum. https://t.co/YXSoPd0jNp
— The Honorable Matt Walsh (@MattWalshBlog) March 10, 2023
I see Colin Kaepernick is trending. pic.twitter.com/Vimx3wI4oX
— Catturd ™ (@catturd2) March 10, 2023
Colin Kaepernick accuses his adoptive mother of racism for…
*Squints*
Not wanting him to get a certain hairstyle?
Who wants to tell him that fighting over hairstyles is something LITERALLY every parent does with their teen? pic.twitter.com/p9Ka3MMSDI
— Lauren Chen (@TheLaurenChen) March 10, 2023
So far, it's tie between Prince Harry and Colin Kaepernick for 2023's "Ungrateful POS" Award. pic.twitter.com/VirrKHGS8W
— Maul Of America (@MaulofAmerica) March 10, 2023
Colin Kaepernick identifies as Meghan Markle.
— James Bradley (@JamesBradleyCA) March 9, 2023
In response to Kaepernick’s accusations, Kennedy took to Twitter to express his disagreement with the former NFL player’s statements, sharing a personal anecdote from his own life. Kennedy wrote, “I bleached my hair when I was in high school and my dad told me I look like an idiot. He told me that nobody would hire me. He told me that colleges would laugh at me during interviews. I guess he was just perpetuating racism and didn’t want the best for me.”
Kennedy’s response is a perfect example of how ridiculous it is to make broad, sweeping generalizations about parenting and racism. It is clear that Kennedy’s father was simply trying to provide guidance and advice to his son, not “perpetuate racism” as Kaepernick suggests. Kennedy’s father was not alone in this either; many parents are simply trying to do what is best for their children, regardless of race or ethnicity.
Kennedy had a successful career in MMA, competing in organizations such as Strikeforce, UFC, and DREAM, and retiring in 2016 with a record of 18 wins and 6 losses. He also served in the U.S. Army from 2004 to 2014, including tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan as a member of the Special Forces. Since retiring from fighting, Kennedy has worked as a television host and actor, appearing on shows such as Hunting Hitler, Hard to Kill, and The Ultimate Soldier Challenge.
It is clear that Tim Kennedy is a true patriot and hero who is not afraid to speak out against those who make unfounded accusations about parenting and racism. His response to Colin Kaepernick’s comments serves as an important reminder that we should not make broad generalizations about parenting or racism without considering the full context of any given situation. We should be thankful for heroes like Tim Kennedy who are willing to stand up for what is right and speak out against those who would use their platform to spread false information.
