ESPN announced that a docuseries focused on Colin Kaepernick, which was being developed in collaboration with filmmaker Spike Lee, will no longer proceed. In a statement released on Sunday, the network cited “creative differences” as the main reason for the decision.
According to ESPN, “ESPN, Colin Kaepernick and Spike Lee have collectively decided not to proceed with this project as a result of certain creative differences. We are grateful for all the effort and collaboration that has entered this film, despite not reaching finality.”
Lee mentioned in a Reuters interview on Friday that no documentary exists, adding that he signed the project privately.
Kaepernick’s representatives have not provided any comments regarding the situation.
This change comes a decade after Kaepernick kneeled during the national anthem as a protest against racial injustice. His action sparked significant discussion across the NFL and even led to confrontations with then-President Donald Trump.
After continuing his protest in the 2016 season, Kaepernick left the San Francisco 49ers before the start of the 2017 season and has not played in the NFL since. He did file a conspiracy lawsuit against the league, which reached a resolution in 2019.
Production for the docuseries began in 2022, but reports suggest it has encountered delays and issues regarding the direction of the film.
