Will 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick continue his protest of the United States flag by sitting during the anthem?
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Kaepernick’s choice not to stand for the anthem elicited contrasting responses from his fellow athletes, with Giants players Victor Cruz, Justin Pugh and Rashad Jennings each voicing respect for the anthem.
During an interview on Sunday, Kaepernick said that police brutality against minorities has to stop if he’s ever going to stand for the national anthem again.
While we understand that the right to sit during the anthem is one of the freedoms the flag stands for, it is a poor way to protest when you consider the number of graves that have been dug for Americans who made the ultimate sacrifice to make that right possible.
USA military service members have taken to social media outlets to defend Kaepernick, some agreeing with his anger toward police brutality while others simply support his right to freedom of speech.
Whether or not one agrees with his decision, one thing not up for debate is that he has the right to do so and that is what our fearless service members have fought for-not a song or piece of cloth.
But the quarterback, 28, has also received vocal support from activists – like New York Daily News columnist Shaun King and from National Basketball Association legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar – the latter calling Kaepernick a “highly patriotic” in a newspaper op-ed published Tuesday.
The quarterback told the San Jose Mercury News on Tuesday that he doesn’t fear for his safety.
“You don’t attack the very symbol of our unity by refusing to stand and showing disrespect”, O’Day said. “If they agree with me and feel strongly about it, then by all means, I hope they stand with me”.
The public is still awaiting news from head coach, Chip Kelly, on if Kaepernick or Blaine Gabbert will be the starting quarterback for the regular season. Kaepernick has had an extended layoff while recovering from surgery in November on his non-throwing shoulder.
His silent protest – sitting on the bench while the national anthem is played – is aimed at his view of race relations in America. But Kaepernick is the most hated person he’s ever seen? The Chargers are expected to hold their 28th annual “Salute to Service” at the game.
He later said he would continue to sit as, “ultimately it’s to bring awareness and make people realize what’s really going on in this country”. This game will provide the last, best analysis for which guys make the cut. He’s getting as many mental reps as he can.
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I give him props for not seeking approval; I guess that shows he is passionate, especially if he claims to be willing to give up his career. You have so many people that have fought and been overseas or had family members who have fought and been overseas.or they’re in San Diego because their grandfather ended up there after World War II.
