Boyer said he shared some of that perspective during his hour-long conversation with Kaepernick, which eventually led to the quarterback agreeing to take a knee next to his teammates, rather than sitting on the bench during the national anthem.
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President Barack Obama said on Monday that San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick is “exercising his constitutional right” by making the choice to sit during the national anthem.
“It was something that, the jersey sales jumped because of people’s belief that there can be change, and we can make this country better, and that they believe that I was someone that could help that change”, Kaepernick said. “On the other hand, we believe very strongly in patriotism in the NFL. And I think it’s a sad testament to where we are that people will disrespect the greatness that this country was built on”.
The visibility the National Football League gives players offers them a very public platform for expressing their beliefs, Goodell said, but with that platform comes a a duty to use it properly. “And we can make this country better, and that they believe I was someone who could help that change”. Kaepernick’s refusal to stand for the national anthem in a preseason game two weeks ago and his subsequent statements against police brutality and racial injustice have turned wearing his jersey into a political statement. The fact that he wore socks during practice that depict pigs in police uniforms also riled the police.
“Like it or not, this is a civil rights movement”. Reid knelt next to Kaepernick, and Boyer stood next to them. “Martin Luther King did an awesome job of making sure everyone was at the table”. I come from a different perspective of my dad was imprisoned and tortured in Cuba, and America meant what it’s meant for millions across the globe. He always said America was an awesome nation.
“I think it’s important if they see things they want to change in society, and clearly we have things that can get better in society, and we should get better”.
– Seahawks receiver Doug Baldwin said he has considered joining Lane in not standing for the anthem.
“I’ve been very blessed to be in this position and to be able to make the kind of money I do”, Kaepernick said.
“I’m going to continue to stand with the people that are being oppressed”, Kaepernick told reporters Sunday. So I would like to see us focusing on our similarities and trying to bring people together.
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AP Sports Writers Tim Booth in Renton, Washington and Dennis Waszak Jr.in Florham Park, New Jersey contributed.
