Per Rovell, Kaepernick was “disliked a lot” by 29 percent of those polled, and ranks ahead of other prominent National Football League players like Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (22%) and Dolphins defensive end Ndamukong Suh (21%).
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One team of youths in Texas said they had received death threats too.
“It would be loud and clear for everyone why it happened”, said Kaepernick. Granted, I don’t want that to happen. “So it’s not something I haven’t thought about”.
The 49ers’ backup quarterback became a polarizing figure when his protest became public following a preseason game against the Packers on August 26, when he sat on the bench during the national anthem in protest of racial oppression and police brutality.
Kaepernick said: “His vehicle was broken down, he was looking for help and he got murdered”.
People may not have initially agreed with Kaepernick’s method of protest, but he has started a conversation that many have needed to hear.
Kaepernick also commented on the shooting of Terence Crutcher in Tulsa, Oklahoma on Friday. If people aren’t willing to make themselves uncomfortable, they’ll never be willing to understand others and grow. He added that he had no plans to bring the threats to security’s attention. “I just hope people open up their eyes and see that there’s really a problem going on, and something needs to be done for it to stop”. Eventually, during the 49ers’ last preseason game, Kaepernick kneeled during the anthem after meeting with former Green Beret Nate Boyer, who spoke with Kaepernick about getting his message back on track.
Since Kaepernick began his protest, other players (including players from other sports) have chosen to stand behind him and follow his lead – taking a knee, raising a fist or sitting during the anthem as a sign of solidarity and protest.
He addressed those who continue to be detractors.
“They shot and killed a man and walked around like it wasn’t a human being”, Kaepernick said, via the Sacramento Bee.
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Kaepernick said he would donate $1 million to local communities over the next 10 months, and will set up a website to show where his monthly $100,000 is spent to be “transparent”.
