Those actions have now expanded, as Kaepernick on Thursday pledged to donate $1 million of his salary to community organizations focused on social justice causes. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar called Kaepernick’s decision “highly patriotic” while encouraging him to take further steps to build dialogue between law enforcement and blacks.
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In a letter obtained by KNTV, the Santa Clara police union told the 49ers organization that officers wouldn’t work at the stadium if it doesn’t “take action” against Kaepernick over his protest.
He’ll make at least $11.9 million this season, with a cap of about $15.9 million. “I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses Black people and people of color”, Kaepernick said in an interview with NFL Media after the August 26 game. “I have to help these communities”, he said.
“Those conversations are important to have because the better we understand each other, the better we know each other, the better we can deal and communicate with each other which ultimately makes everyone, puts everybody in a better position”.
The 49ers have previously stated that they stand behind Kaepernick’s choice to express his individual freedoms.
“I’m very happy, I’m very proud of him for doing that, ” Kaepernick said after the 49ers’ 31-21 victory over the Chargers in a preseason game. “And I have to help these people”.
“The 49ers are allowing this to come out from an employee and it’s making for a hostile work environment for us at the stadium”, Saunders said.
The protest was met with heavy boos from the fans in San Diego, who jeered each time Kaepernick took the field.
“I just wanted to show my support for him”, Reid said. “We have a lot of people who aren’t treated equally”, he continued.
Kaepernick also explained why he made a decision to kneel during the national anthem instead of sitting down. “Police brutality is a huge issue that we need to address”.
Kaepernick kneeled next to Nate Boyer, a former Green Beret who went to training camp with the Seahawks a year ago as a long snapper.
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When asked if he will continue to kneel, Reid said, “I think I will”.
