Colin Kaepernick heard the criticism about his decision not to stand during the national anthem before the 49ers’ four preseason games.
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At the September 1 preseason game between the San Francisco 49ers and San Diego Charges, safety Eric Reid, 24, and Colin, 28, stayed on their knees during “The Star Spangled Banner”, instead of standing in support of their country.
“I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color”, he said after Friday night’s game.
How many people burning jerseys with Kaepernick’s number have spent time in harm’s way in defense of this country, which grants them the so-called liberties that they love? They’re put in place by the government, so that’s something that this country has to change.
The idea of kneeling came from Kaepernick’s discussion with ex-Green Beret and former Seattle Seahawk Nate Boyer. As we were talking about it, we talked about taking a knee. “Let’s think about how we can do this together, ‘” Kaepernick said.
After once leading the team to two NFC Championship Games and a Super Bowl appearance, Kaepernick’s performance on the field has dipped and he has battled injuries. Teammate Eric Reid kneeled beside him while Seahawks Jeremy Lane also did not stand before his team’s game Thursday.
“I wasn’t trying to say anything”.
Kaepernick said he meant to donate the first $1 million he earns this year to different organizations that help communities, although he did not name specific ones.
“I spend 10, 11, 12 hours a day on football”, Kaepernick said.
“I think that’s something that’s hard for this country to address, is what the real issues are”. I support what your message is. We have a lot of people that aren’t treated equally, that aren’t given equal opportunities. I’m very much in support of them in how we handle it.
Addressing the issue in the letter, the SCPOA wrote, “following the game, your employee explained to the media that his actions were an attempt to get public attention to the oppression of African-Americans and minorities in the United States by police officers”.
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Now the union wants the 49ers to take “corrective actions” to stop Kaepernick’s protest.
