It was the first game since a national debate erupted following the San Francisco quarterback’s last preseason game when he remained seated during the pregame national anthem last Friday.
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While the National Football League was waiting to provide an official response to Kaepernick’s choice of apparel until after the completion of 49ers’ preseason game versus San Diego on Thursday night, the quarterback took to social media to defend himself.
Kaepernick was thrilled to be joined by Reid, the 49ers’ starting safety and a fourth-year veteran from Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Kaepernick has said his protest is not aimed at the military, and on Thursday he stood and applauded as veterans were honored during the game.
Before the game, Reid wrote several tweets commenting on police use of force against African Americans, and aired support for Kaepernick.
“Many will tune in at 10 p.m. ET to see what happens when the national anthem plays at the game billed as the 28th Annual Salute to the Military”. The controversy started after Kaepernick sat during the national anthem August 26 when the 49ers played the Green Bay Packers at home in Santa Clara, Calif.
The controversial quarterback took to the field at Qualcomm Stadium a week after he sparked fury for refusing to stand up during the singing of The Star Spangled Banner. Though I’m sure the Niners would love to not have the distraction, it’s hard to tell, Colin Kaepernick has been steadfast in his beliefs to this point. “Super Flag” and a sailor performed the national anthem, Kaepernick stood, too.
Kaepernick, who has been limited this preseason because of tightness in his throwing shoulder, also is expected to start the game.
San Francisco 49ers cornerback Keith Reaser, right, tackles San Diego Chargers wide receiver Dom Williams during the first half of an NFL preseason football game Thursday, Sept. 1, 2016, in San Diego.
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“I have great respect for the men and women that have fought for this country”, Kaepernick said on Sunday. This week, media outlets have begun to notice the socks Kaepernick wears to practice – the pattern contains images of pigs wearing police hats, which echoes a derogatory term for law enforcement. Boyer and Kaepernick had a conversation before the game and exchanged their views and ideas on Kaepernick’s stance. He later said, “I knew what I was walking into”.
