Spike Lee‘s documentary on Colin Kaepernick was scrapped, however the choice had NOTHING to do with stress from the NFL, ESPN’s longtime enterprise companion, sources inform TMZ Sports activities.

The information initially broke over the weekend when the award-winning filmmaker was requested concerning the venture whereas strolling a pink carpet, saying, “It is not popping out. That is all I can inform you.”

Quickly after, Lee and the community launched a joint assertion, citing “sure artistic variations” as the explanation for reducing bait.

Many followers translated that to imply ESPN was pressured to kill the venture by the NFL — and finally gave in to their broadcast companions’ considerations.

However, our sources inform us that is not the case … insisting the Nationwide Soccer League had completely nothing to do with the cancellation.

In different phrases, the NFL did not bury the present.

In fact, ESPN and the league have been in enterprise for years. They’ve broadcast video games for the reason that mid-80s, and have been the house of Monday Night time Soccer since 2006.

Earlier this month, the NFL acquired a ten% stake in ESPN in a deal that’ll see RedZone air on the community’s airwaves.

As for when the choice was made, we additionally realized that whereas it simply grew to become public final weekend, it was really determined final summer time — a full yr in the past.

The multi-part collection was initially introduced in mid-2020. Manufacturing started in 2022, and whereas the venture’s title was by no means formally locked in, Lee advised The Washington Submit it’d tentatively be known as, Da Saga of Colin Kaepernick.

The present was going to look at Kaepernick’s professional soccer profession and his controversial protest through the nationwide anthem over racial injustice.

It is unclear if Spike will now look to make and air the manufacturing elsewhere.

Kaepernick has not but commented on the choice.