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.
Earlier this week, 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.
Kennedy took to Twitter to express his disagreement with Kaepernick’s statements, sharing a personal anecdote from his own life.
“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 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. https://t.co/u2qKnJmpJa
— Tim Kennedy (@TimKennedyMMA) March 10, 2023
Kennedy’s response highlights the absurdity of Kaepernick’s accusations and the danger of making broad, sweeping generalizations about parenting and racism. The former MMA fighter and army veteran has long been an advocate for patriotism and military causes, and his response is consistent with his values.
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.
SEE REACTIONS:
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
— 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