Colin Kaepernick #7 of the San Francisco 49ers attempts a pass against the Seattle Seahawks during their National Football League game at Levi’s Stadium on October 22, 2015 in Santa Clara, California. “If they take football away, my endorsements from me – I know that I stood up for what is right”.
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Kaepernick has been the recipient of widespread condemnation for opting not to stand during the national anthem.
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 has cited racial injustice and police brutality among the many reasons for his protest and said he plans to continue into the regular season. Kaepernick subsequently wore socks depicting policemen as pigs at practice this week.
The letter from the union runs counter to a statement recently issued by the Santa Clara Police Department, which said its officers “will continue to provide a high level of service at all stadium events to ensure the safety of the fans, players and referees”.
“The 49ers organisation has taken no actions to halt or prevent Mr Kaepernick from continuing to make wrong, wrong and incendiary statements”, it said.
“If the 49ers organisation does not take actions to stop this type of inappropriate workplace behavior, it could result in officers choosing not to work at your facilities”.
“Our members have the right to do their job in an environment free of unjustified and insulting attacks”. Teammate Eric Reid also kneeled during the national anthem, while Seahawks cornerback Jeremy Lane sat on the bench during the “The Star-Spangled Banner” before Seattle’s game against the Oakland Raiders.
Kaepernick made headlines across the world last week when he sat down during the national anthem.
He afterwards told the News Tribune: “I was not attempting to say anything, just standing behind Kaepernick”.
Kaepernick’s protest has drawn strong reactions both in opposition and support.
But military members and some veterans tweeted their support with the hashtag #VeteransForKaepernick for Kaepernick.
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“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.
