Across the USA, people are talking about symbols of American patriotism after San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick refused to stand for the national anthem.
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A woman from Longview, Texas, who is a direct descendant of Francis Scott Key – yes, the man who wrote the lyrics to “The Star-Spangled Banner” – has slammed Colin Kaepernick for his protest of the national anthem.
“I think he cares about some real, legitimate issues that have to be talked about”, said the president during a news conference.
“Oh, no question. I truly believe it will”, Oladipo told Russ Bengtson of Complex Sports. “Because at the end of the day it’s a sport, and people are gonna be looking at some guys in the National Basketball Association to see what they’re gonna do as well”, Oladipo said. This is a stance Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Draymond Green and other National Basketball Association players have all agreed with and support. When she looks at the Stars and Stripes, she says, she feels pride, instilled in part by her parents, who “more than anything wanted us to believe in our country”.
If I did such a thing, no one would have cared almost as much.
He has been joined by players across the NFL, along with US women’s national soccer team star Megan Rapinoe and a number of lesser-known athletes.
“We want to make sure that our students have the space and safety to share their thoughts, their beliefs, their perspectives on different things that are happening within their community, within our society and so this is no different”, he said.
Greg Hill, head football coach at Mission High, remained standing while his players knelt last Saturday and plans to continue to stand during the anthem throughout the season. Kaepernick has been outspoken about the “stand” he is taking.
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Some NFL players have joined in the protest as Denver Broncos’ Brandon Marshall, Seattle Seahawks’ Jeremy Lane, and Miami Dolphins’ Arian Foster, Jelani Jenkins, Michael Thomas and Kenny Stills didn’t stand for the anthem. Don’t get me wrong, we do need change in our country. “I think there’s plenty of Americans that would say this is not the way to do it”. I respect it and I respect what is going on and I have some personal opinions on that.
