San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick knelt with his arms folded during the performance of the U.S. national anthem during a pre-season game in San Diego on Thursday (Friday NZ time), continuing his protest against racial injustice and police brutality.
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While many National Football League executives interviewed this week feel he should be cut and never play in the National Football League again, Kaepernick – now the backup quarterback – may be playing his way into contention for the starting lineup; he looked fairly sharp in game action Thursday, leading the 49ers on a touchdown drive in their first possession.
Meanwhile, Kaepernick says his refusal to stand during the national anthem is not meant to be disrespectful to the military but to bring attention to what he calls injustice in America because of police brutality. They were showered with boos as, ironically, the game was also the Chargers’ annual “Salute to The Military” night.
He stood next to Kaepernick during his protest and then hugged him.
“I’ve been very blessed to be in this position and to be able to make the kind of money I do”, Kaepernick said.
“I have great respect for the men and women that have fought for this country”, Kaepernick said of the criticism, according to ABC News.
In Oakland, Seattle Seahawks cornerback Jeremy Lane also didn’t stand for the anthem before the start of that game Thursday night.
This was the third time Kaepernick had sat during the anthem, with the first two coming when he was wearing street clothes and not participating in the game.
When Kaepernick lined up to begin the game, the crowd in San Diego booed. Kaepernick impressively directed a 15-play touchdown drive on the opening offensive series of the game.
Kaepernick sat during last weekend’s protest. “I’m going to continue to stand with the people that are being oppressed”.
Kaepernick wore the socks to a practice at Kezar Stadium on August 10.
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At a practice earlier this month, Kaepernick wore socks that had cartoon pigs wearing police hats on them. “So, we’ve got to move forward and see if we can get him some more snaps here”.
