A documentary series on the life and career of former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick will no longer happen, according to legendary filmmaker Spike Lee.
Lee was set to produce the series along with former ESPN personality and sports journalist Jemele Hill, but told Reuters on Sunday that the project would no longer be moving forward.
The series was tentatively titled “Da Saga of Colin Kaepernick,” and Lee noted that he signed a non-disclosure agreement when asked why the idea was being shelved.
“ESPN, Colin Kaepernick and Spike Lee have collectively decided to no longer proceed with this project as a result of certain creative differences,” the network said in a statement.
“Despite not reaching finality, we appreciate all the hard work and collaboration that went into this film.”
Last year, Matthew Belloni of Puck reported that the documentary was nearly finished, but “creative differences” between Kaepernick and Lee caused a stall in development.
The filmmaker wanted a story centered around wider social issues and how they involve Black athletes, while Kaepernick sought a more centrally-focused narrative on his own life and career.
Kaepernick became an unlikely star after replacing an injured Alex Smith for the San Francisco 49ers, eventually leading the team to multiple playoff victories and an appearance in the Super Bowl.
He played six seasons for the 49ers, his last coming in 2016. That year, Kaepernick elected to begin protesting against police brutality and racial injustice by kneeling during the national anthem.
Kaepernick’s decision to protest was controversial, and he received backlash during what turned out to be his final NFL season. Some have suggested that teams shied away from signing him to another contract due to his activism and outspoken nature.
Others believe Kaepernick’s play declined with age, and that he simply wasn’t the same player he was in the prime of his career.
The timing of the announcement comes as the NFL recently enters a reported multi-billion dollar agreement with ESPN for “RedZone” and other NFL Media properties.
Kaepernick and former teammate Eric Reid filed a grievance against the league and its owners, alleging collusion that prevented them from getting chances to play. The lawsuit was settled in 2019.
