NFL Quarterback Colin Kaepernick of the San Francisco 49ers refused to stand for the national anthem before a preseason game last Friday, drawing boos from some fans and criticism on social media, but his team said they backed his right to protest.
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And after many questioned Kaepernick’s methods of protesting social injustices, racial inequality and police brutality by sitting on the bench during the anthem, the quarterback chose to put his money on the line.
“I have two uncles and friends who are police officers and work to protect and serve ALL people. There are a lot of issues that need to be talked about”.
Seattle Seahawks player Jeremy Lane also sat for the national anthem when the Seahawks played the Oakland Raiders. “It’s not right that they’re not put in the position to succeed, or given the opportunities to succeed”.
The letter finished by criticising the 49ers for “failing to address your employee’s inappropriate workplace behaviour”, and said: “If the 49ers organisation fails to take action to stop this type of inappropriate workplace behaviour, it could result in police officers choosing not to work at your facilities”.
“I love America”, he said.
Kaepernick explained at the press conference that he made a decision to kneel, rather than sit, during the national anthem after he and Reid had a conversation with Nate Boyer, an NFL free agent who served as a U.S. Army Green Beret. I just wanted to show him I support him.
Reid told Kaepernick before the game of his intention to join him.
“The media painted this as I’m anti-American, anti-men-and-women of the military and that’s not the case at all, ” Kaepernick said.
“At the start of the third quarter, Petty officer 1st Class Steven Powell will return to the field where he will perform “God Bless America”, the Chargers statement said”.
Meanwhile, around the league, support for Kaepernick’s cause also grew in numbers.
The former LSU star said he knelt beside Kaepernick because he believes in what his quarterback is doing. Veterans and military members tweeted their support for Kaepernick in recent days under the hashtag “VeteransForKaepernick”.
But against the Chargers, Kaepernick took 34 offensive snaps – the most since his injury and shoulder surgeries.
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“I’m going to continue to stand with the people that are being oppressed”, Kaepernick said.
