Colin Kaepernick Documentary Series Directed By Spike Lee Won't Be Released, ESPN Says

ESPN announced Saturday that it will not be releasing the multi-part documentary series on Colin Kaepernick that was being helmed by director Spike Lee.

"ESPN, Colin Kaepernick and Spike Lee have collectively decided to no longer proceed with this project as a result of certain creative differences," ESPN said in a statement to Reuters. "Despite not reaching finality, we appreciate all the hard work and collaboration that went into this film."

"It's not coming out," Lee added, noting he signed a nondisclosure agreement and couldn't speak further on the matter. "That's all I can say."

The project was set to be a "full, first-person account" of Kaepernick's career and journey, per ESPN, which likely would have included his decision in 2016 to kneel during the playing of the national anthem before NFL games in protest of police brutality and racial discrimination.

Kaepernick was quickly thrust into the center of public debate, and following the 2016 season was never signed by an NFL team. Kaepernick and his supporters believed that NFL teams colluded to keep him out of the NFL based on his political leanings, and in 2019 he settled his collusion lawsuit against the NFL.

ESPN broadcasts Monday Night Football and recently agreed to a deal with the NFL to acquire NFL Network and other league media assets, including RedZone.