Ravens GM says owner didn’t block Kaepernick signing

Teams are hesitant to sign free-agent quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who drew national attention last season when he knelt during the national anthem to protest social injustice.

ESPN reportedly earlier on Wednesday that Ravens head coach John Harbaugh and general manager Ozzie Newsome were open to signing Kaepernick, but the team’s owner, Steve Bisciotti, had reportedly blocked the move.

But Newsome released a statement on the Ravens’ Twitter page that said this is not the case.

“We are going through a process, and we have not made a decision,” Newsome said. “Steve Bisciotti has not told us we cannot sign Colin Kaepernick, nor has he blocked the move. Whoever is making those claims is wrong.”

Ravens starting quarterback Joe Flacco is out for at least one week with a back injury. Backup Ryan Mallett has struggled in training camp to live up to the task, throwing at least five interceptions in one practice, according to ESPN.

Ray Lewis tweeted a video Tuesday, suggesting that Kaepernick should become quiet about his protests.

“If people really want to help you, they would pray for you, brother. They would lead you the right way and stop encouraging you to be caught up in some of this nonsense,” Lewis said. “The battles you fighting brother, people way before you have been fighting for many, many years.

“The football field is our sanctuary. If you do nothing else young man, get yourself back on the football field, and let your play speak for itself. And what you do off the field, don’t let too many people know.”

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