Trump: Kaepernick should get 2nd chance in NFL 'if he deserves it'

Warning: Story contains coarse language

U.S. President Donald Trump was asked directly Wednesday whether he believes Colin Kaepernick should get another chance to play in the NFL, and his response was something of a surprise.

"If he deserves it, he should. If he has the playing ability," Trump said. "He started off great and then he didn't end up very great in terms of as a player. He was terrific in his rookie year. I think he was very good in his second year, and then something happened, so his playing wasn't up to snuff.

"The answer is absolutely I would. As far as kneeling, I would love to see him get another shot, but obviously he has to be able to play well. If he can't play well, I think it would be very unfair."

Trump was perhaps Kaepernick's most vocal critic after the quarterback began kneeling during the U.S. national anthem in 2016 to protest police brutality and racial injustice. Trump infamously called for any player kneeling during the anthem to be fired and to "get that son of a bitch off the field."

A member of Trump's cabinet said Monday he would "work" on the president and his stance on players who don't stand for the anthem. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said that same day he encourages teams to sign the free-agent quarterback.