San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick again refused Thursday night to stand for the playing of the national anthem – and this time, he wasn’t alone.
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A letter sent to the 49ers from the Santa Clara Police Officers Association was obtained Friday by KNTV-TV, the NBC affiliate in San Jose.
Kaepernick, who led San Francisco to the 2013 Super Bowl but has since been demoted to backup, has said he would not show pride in the flag of a country that oppresses people of colour, citing police brutality.
It adds that the union leadership has a duty to protect its members from harassment.
Former NFL player and Green Beret Nate Boyer, a guest of Kaepernick, stood to the quarterback’s left with his right hand over his heart.
Reid did not suit up for Thursday’s exhibition, nor did any other projected starter for the September 12 regular-season opener, including Blaine Gabbert, who started ahead of Kaepernick the first three exhibitions.
The Niner QB was on one knee during the presentation of the Colors and the singing of the Anthem, as he continued his protest against the oppression of people of color.
“I’m not anti-American. I love America”, Kaepernick said after the game, according to The Associated Press.
Kaepernick’s parents, Rick and Teresa, did not attend the 49ers’ game and have declined to comment on the issue since it became public.
“I just wanted to show my support for him”, Reid said.
Kaepernick and Reid kneeled during the national anthem Thursday before the 49ers’ 31-21 preseason victory over San Diego, ignoring scattered boos and angry shouts in Qualcomm Stadium at the Chargers’ Salute to the Military preseason game.
Kaepernick, 28, has pledged to continue sitting during performances of The Star Spangled Banner before National Football League games, a move that has been both criticised and cheered by commentators.
“I’m not anti-America”, he said. “I believe that there are issues in this country-many issues, too many to name”.
“It’s something I plan to keep on doing until I feel like justice has been served”, Lane said.
One other National Football League player, Seattle Seahawks cornerback Jeremy Lane sat for the Anthem on Thursday, prior to his team’s game against the Oakland Raiders. Standing to Kaepernick’s left was Nate Boyer, a former Green Beret and East Bay native who auditioned past year for the 49ers as a long snapper.
Kaepernick has said he doesn’t intend his stance to be a criticism of the military, claiming he has “great respect for the men and women that have fought for this country”.
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“Just to let Kaepernick know he’s an American”, Beltran said. Midway through the second quarter, Kaepernick stood on the 49ers and applauded with his teammates as USA military veterans were asked to stand in the crowd and be recognized.
