Kaepernick has become the focus of intense scrutiny for not standing during the playing of the national anthem in the 49ers’ last two preseason games as a form of protesting racial injustice in the United States. He was joined by teammate Eric Reid, who also knelt down. Mr Boyer stood for the anthem as Kaepernick kneeled in protest. It feels like he made a decision to change his position, by taking a knee, to be more respectful to the military, be more respectful to the Anthem, but still wanted to raise awareness to the issues he believes harm this country, and that I wholeheartedly agree with exist in this country.
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After that game, in an interview with NFL Media’s Steve Wyche, Kaepernick addressed why he was protesting.
Thursday night’s game in San Diego was billed as “military night”, a tribute to the hundreds of thousands of military personnel who live in a city well known for its patriotism and military bases.
After the game, Kaepernick said he would donate the first $1 million he earned this season to organizations that work with the community.
Meanwhile, Seahawks cornerback Jeremy Lane showed his support for Kaepernick by remaining on the bench during the national anthem before Seattle took on Oakland.
“It’s something that’s been on my mind all week and after talking to Colin many times, I talked to him today before the game”, Reid told reporters on Thursday night (via CSN).
“The 49ers organisation has taken no action to stop or prevent Mr Kaepernick from continuing to make inaccurate, incorrect and inflammatory statements”, it said after being obtained by NBC Bay Area. I support what your message is.
“I just like what he’s doing, and I’m standing behind him”, Lane told ESPN.
“We have cops that are murdering people”. Veterans and military members tweeted their support for Kaepernick in recent days under the hashtag “VeteransForKaepernick”.
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Kaepernick also said Thursday that he plans to donate $1 million to organizations that will help communities in need. “I want to help make America better”, he said. “And we talked about it at length, and we wanted to make sure the message that we’re trying to send isn’t lost with the action that’s coming along with”. As sports games have nothing to do with reverence for, or love of, this country, other than to line the pockets of some wealthy individuals, why should the “Star-Spangled Banner” even be played at these events?
