Reports say Kaepernick began wearing the socks long before he began his controversial protest. “I don’t like that he is sitting during the national anthem, but I appreciate what he is standing for”.
Advertisement
49ers safety Eric Reid, who was not in uniform because many starters don’t play in the fourth preseason game, took a knee next to Kaepernick during the anthem and hugged Kaepernick when it was over, according to Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle.
The Chargers, coincidentally enough, held their 28th annual “Salute to the Military” for Thursday night’s game.
Before the two West Coast games kicked off, there were no reported instances of any other player sitting down during the national anthem on Thursday night.
As Petty Officer 1st Class Steven Powell sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” while 240 military officers held the USA flag on the 28th annual Salute to the Military night, Kaepernick and Reid noticeably stood out at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego. Though hard to tell from the video, that is safety Eric Reid by his side. But after some-including top National Football League executives-were outraged by the gesture and accused Kaepernick of lacking respect for the country, he modified his approach.
“I’m not anti-American. I love America”, said Kaepernick, who stayed on the field long after the game to sign autographs for enthusiastic fans.
If he does, we should all stand with him.
Kaepernick’s protest led to a week of debate, with strong views on both sides.
One sign in the crowd read: “You’re an American”. He stood and cheered during “God Bless America”, and clapped when military members were honored at the game. However, Kaepernick has clarified that his protest wasn’t aimed at members of the military but that it was raising issues with how police treat people of color.
“I realize men and women of the military go out and sacrifice their lives and put their selves in harm’s way for my freedom of speech and my freedoms in this country and my freedom to take a seat or take a knee”.
Advertisement
And while many veterans came to Kaepernick’s defense this week, using #VeteransForKaepernick on Twitter to express their support, there are still some who are disappointed in his actions. “So I have the utmost respect for them, and I think what I did was taken out of context and spun a different way”.
