Kaepernick was offered meeting with NFL commissioner a week ago, hasn't responded

Update, 9:18 p.m.: Colin Kaepernick's attorney, Mark Geragos, clarified why the meeting hasn't taken place: "We responded immediately that Colin would be happy to attend," Geragos said. "Because of the grievance we asked that a mediator be present. A mediator also would ensure that the discussions were productive and confidential and not used as a PR stunt or prop by the league. Colin's proposal was rejected."

Former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick, the originator of the national anthem protests, was offered the chance to set up a one-on-one meeting with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, according to ESPN.

One week after the invitation was initially extended, Kaepernick has not responded.

How it happened

The NFL’s executive vice resident of football operations, Troy Vincent, sent Kaepernick a text message invitation to meet with Goodell, according to league spokesman Joe Lockhart.

Lockhart said the league was open to including Kaepernick, who has not played in the NFL this season, in meetings with players, owners and league officials.

Why would he hesitate to meet?

There is currently no information from Kaepernick’s side about why he has not accepted the invitation to meet with Goodell.

However, it could have something to do with the pending grievance Kaepernick has filed against the NFL under the collective bargaining agreement.

Several NFL owners have been deposed in the grievance, and may have to submit cell phone records to the investigation.

Kaepernick alleges that the NFL and team owners colluded to keep him out of the league.

Situation recap

• Kaepernick played for the San Francisco 49ers last season, and knelt during the national anthem before games in protest of racial injustice and police brutality.
• He started 11 games during the season and played well individually, throwing 16 touchdowns and 4 interceptions, but the team was only 1-10 during those starts.
• Kaepernick opted out of his contract with the San Francisco 49ers at the end of the season, believing he would sign as a free agent in San Francisco or elsewhere. No team has picked him up.
• Because there has been a need for quarterbacks, and some believe Kaepernick is more capable than those who have been signed before him, Kaepernick claims the league is blackballing him because of his protests.