Colin Kaepernick is not backing down or shying away from his decision not to stand during the national anthem before football games.
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On Friday, he refused to stand for the National Anthem before the preseason game, later declaring he is “not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color”. And I see the flag that was handed to my husband and I with deep respect from a grateful nation. The team made that abundantly clear prior to Saturday night’s game against the New York Jets when every single member of the organization deliberately stood in form as the National Anthem was sung. That’s something that this country stands for freedom, liberty and justice for all.
“Voltaire so eloquently stated, ‘I may not agree with what you say, but I’ll defend it until death your right to say it, ‘” John Harbaugh said, per ESPN. It didn’t matter how close I stood to my family, somebody would walk up to me, a real nervous manager, and say: ‘Excuse me.
Again, this is a larger controversy nationally than it will be between Kaepernick and the 49ers or the National Football League, unless things escalate. and we know that is possible.
But for now, it’s strictly a political-social debate, which I think is exactly what Kaepernick knew and wanted to happen. We’re all under the same understanding that he has that right.
“If we have these conversations, there’s a better understanding of where both sides are coming from”.
The man, dressed in a Patrick Willis jersey, sets the jersey on fire while the national anthem plays.
“Colin is his own man, he chose to sit down and that is his prerogative, but on a personal standpoint, I think you have to stand up there with your team and understand and it’s this game and what’s going on around this country is bigger than just you”. I know the consequences that come along with my decision, and if they feel strongly and want to stand with me, then I hope they do. Players held a team meeting Sunday, during which several players spoke, per Wyche, including Kaepernick.
His NFL career is hanging by a “second” string, and with his actions Friday, he’s risked more for the movement than any black athlete in recent years.
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But McAdoo acknowledges everyone’s right to free speech, including Kaepernick’s. But he said the attention is “a good thing”.
