San Francisco 49ers
Colin Kaepernick blasts media pitting him against Aldon Smith
San Francisco 49ers

Colin Kaepernick blasts media pitting him against Aldon Smith

Published Aug. 12, 2015 4:04 p.m. ET

Colin Kaepernick came out swinging on Wednesday during a press conference at the San Francisco 49ers team facilities in Santa Clara, Calif.

There was a report that recently released teammate Aldon Smith had hit a car owned by Kaepernick last Friday, and that was jumped on by other media outlets. Other reports suggested Kaepernick and Smith had fought one another during practice, which the 49ers and Kaepernick have denied.

When asked about the situation on Wednesday, Kaepernick fired back, saying a reporter should use logic and know that since he has an endorsement deal with Jaguar, he would not be driving a Mercedes. He also mentioned the team didn’t have practice on Thursday, so nobody was even at team facilities.

He also said it was “embarrassing” that reporters would “prey” on someone having a hard time, and that he and Smith are friends. He ended by saying those who reported on the alleged altercation between himself and Smith “lacked integrity,” and that he and Smith are friends.

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The 49ers franchise quarterback handled himself well during the exchange but was visibly upset.

"I feel like anyone that believes that and goes about reporting that, just doesn't have the best integrity," Kaepernick said.

"To try to prey on athletes' livelihoods while one is going through a tough time is embarrassing to me. To put that out there and jump on that bandwagon just to get Internet clicks and get attention to their website, it really is embarrassing that people do that."

He said Smith was a good friend and that the defensive lineman attended functions hosted by Kaepernick.

"Yeah, I was good friends with Aldon," Kaepernick said. "He had just come to my camp, to my golf tournament for Camp Taylor this past June. He showed support and helped the kids out."

Smith was released by the 49ers on Friday, the day after he was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving.

"It's really tragic," Kaepernick said. "I wish him the best. I hope he's doing well. I hope everything turns out all right for him and he can get back on track. I know this team misses him and misses his presence here."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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