On Monday, Sherman was thoughtful and contextual while offering his opinion on Colin Kaepernick’s stance of not standing for the anthem prior to the latest San Francisco 49ers game – and what Sherman feels is Kaepernick’s message was lost by the controversy of how the quarterback made his statement symbolically against the USA and its flag. In a preseason matchup against Green Bay last Friday, Kaepernick made a conscious decision to remain seated during the playing of the national anthem in a showing of protest.
Advertisement
I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color. And while Kaepernick’s decision not to stand for the national anthem will be criticized, his actions have spurred thought and discussion and reflection about where we are as a people, where we’ve come from, and where we need to go.
Well I have followed it, and I think it’s personally not a good thing.
Citing the United States’ history of segregation and deep roots of racism, Sherman spoke for two minutes expressing why Kaepernick’s motives were justified. “This country is the same country that had “whites” and “colored” signs on the bathroom”.
“This stand wasn’t for me, this stand wasn’t because I feel like I’m being put down, in any kind of way, this is because I’m seeing things happen to people that don’t have a voice, people that don’t have a platform to talk and have their voices heard, and affect change”. And that needs to be acknowledged and that needs to be changed; that mentality still exists. Comment below and let us know what you think. They categorize them. They put them in a certain category. “And I think a lot of the focus has shifted away from his message, and shifted for some people – and rightfully so – to him taking a stand against the nation, etcetera”.
Advertisement
Richard Sherman applauds Colin Kaepernick’s message. Kaepernick might not understand what police officers go through to do their job, but there is something to be said for the recent deaths of black men at the hands of law enforcement. They’re supporting them. They’re supporting their country and that’s how it should be all the time regardless of circumstance. “Like it’s an oxymoron that you’re sitting down, disrespecting that flag that has given you the freedom to speak out”. Select from these options: Breaking News, Severe Weather, School Closings, Daily Headlines and Daily Forecasts. “So I’m in a position where I can do that, and I’m going to do that for people that can’t”.
