Myles Garrett: Colin Kaepernick 'deserves an apology'

Myles Garrett believes that the NFL should apologize to Colin Kaepernick for derailing his career in response to him kneeling during the national anthem to protest police brutality.

"I believe Kap deserves an apology," Garrett told Cleveland.com.

Garrett becomes the latest player to call out the league for its treatment of Kaepernick, with several saying that the former quarterback deserves another shot in the league. Commissioner Roger Goodell seemed to acknowledge this unfair treatment, apologizing on behalf of the league for ignoring players speaking out about racial inequality (though he did not specifically name Kaepernick).

As nationwide protests of systemic racism and police brutality continue across the country, Garrett hopes that the NFL is able to learn from previous mistakes and show more support for players who are politically active.

"I know it's one thing to stand behind us and support our efforts, but they should be standing beside us in what we're doing, seeing as there are a lot of players big and small in their stardom trying to do things for their hometowns, for where they play and just for areas that they know have been affected," Garrett said. "I feel like they should be right there beside us trying to lead the charge."

Is the NFL actually willing to stand by its players? It's difficult to say. While the league has gone above and beyond in terms of statements, the NFL has yet to show a real long-term commitment to social justice. And nobody would be too surprised if the league ultimately backed down if it hurt the bottom line in any way.