The letter accuses the quarterback of making “obviously insulting, inaccurate and completely unsupported” statements about law enforcement that has threatened an otherwise “harmonious working relationship” between the team and union.
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Kaepernick, who was joined in his protest by 49ers teammate Eric Reid and later by Seattle Seahawks player Jeremy Lane, says he will continue his campaign.
Kaepernick has refused to stand for the national anthem in a protest against the plight of black people in the US.
“I’m already hearing it this week that next week on Monday Night Football, some officers are not going to work”, said Frank Saunders, president of the Santa Clara Police Officers Association, according to NBC Bay Area.
Colin Kaepernick’s decision to wear a pair of “pig cop” socks earlier this month isn’t sitting well with the executive director of one of the largest police unions in the country.
After drawing disapproval from fans for refusing to stand during the “The Star-Spangled Banner” in all three of his team’s preseason games, San Francisco 49ers’ Colin Kaepernick is defending his patriotism in the best way possible – his pockets.
“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”.
He knelt in protest for the team’s preseaon finale Thursday vs. the Chargers in San Diego. “Not only does he show an incredible lack of knowledge regarding our profession and ‘officer involved” shootings, but also shows a naivety and total lack of sensitivity toward police officers”.
The San Francisco 49ers said Friday that the organization continues to stand by its original statement recognizing Kaepernick’s right to choose whether to participate in the national anthem or not, according to NBC Bay Area.
“We have cops in SFPD that are racist and that’s something that needs to be addressed”, Kaepernick said.
“I’ve been very blessed to be in this position and make the kind of money I do, and I have to help these people”. They have not released a statement following the police union’s letter at this point.
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The Santa Clara Police Department and the Santa Clara Police Officers’ Association did not immediately respond to BuzzFeed News requests for comment.
