The controversy surrounding Colin Kaepernick's refusal to stand during the National Anthem seems like we won't hear the end of this debate for awhile. Some might argue that we are driving this story way too much into the ground, and that the realization of the lack of sensibility to focus on other pressing issues that drastically affect America and the world today is jarring.
But to continue this discourse, one of Muhammad Ali's ex-wives has now given her two cents about Colin Kaepernick's protest. Khalilah Camacho Ali, who was the iconic boxer's spouse from 1967 to 1976, told TMZ Sports that she believe Kaepernick is "not heroic" for his protest, he should apologize for his actions, and that he needs to "get off his high horse."
"What he’s doing right now is not heroic," Khalilah suggested. "I would love to meet with him or talk to him on the phone to help share his message in a better way," she added.
Khalilah also claims that she was her ex-husband's adviser during the time he had refused to enlist in the U.S. Army and fight in the Vietnam war, which got his boxing license revoked from March 1967 to October 1970.
"I helped Muhammad decide whether he was going to the army or going to jail," she says. "He listened to my every word. You see the impact that had on our nation? Colin could absolutely have the same impact if he made the right decisions to really make a difference."
Camacho Ali even has a plan if given the opportunity to meet up Kaepernick, and detailed what she would say to him.
"The first thing I would do is ask him about his stance on humanity ... what exactly is he trying to improve and how is he going to make that happen? Next, I’d have him make a retraction for his actions against the American flag. He needs to apologize. I will help him meet the groups that will fight with him, donate to charities of all people— not just minorities— because we cannot single anyone out. If he wants isolation to end, he needs to prove that he cares about all people, and not just his people. If he is willing to get off his high horse and humble himself, we could do a lot of good together."
Well, here's two things to note from Camacho Ali's diatribe that maybe she doesn't realize about Kaepernick compared to her late husband:
- Perhaps she didn't get this memo, but Kaepernick announced last week that he is planning to make a donation to charity with the first $1 million that he makes this season, and will become more involved in community activism.
- Isn't Colin's political statement in a similar trajectory as The Champ refusing to acknowledge his call to duty? Muhammad Ali's asserted that he had "no quarrel with them Viet Cong," and that he couldn't see himself fighting for the U.S. government that oppresses his fellow African-Americans on the homefront.
This is an interesting evaluation from Khalilah, to say the least. Maybe 50 years changed her political outlook, and thus galvanized her into making this statement about Kaepernick.
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