Santa Clara Police said they may not work at San Francisco 49ers games as a counter protest against team quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s continued refusal to stand for the USA national anthem.
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It was the second straight game that Kaepernick refused to stand up for the national anthem in what the quarterback said was a response to strained race relations in America and, specifically, police brutality against African Americans. He has also been accused of being anti-military, ungrateful and “too rich to protest”. He was joined by teammate Eric Reid in the most recent protest.
Kaepernick subsequently wore socks depicting policemen as pigs at practice this week.
The San Francisco 49ers quarterback, who has attracted attention and criticism for refusing to stand during the national anthem, said he will donate the first $1 million he earned this season to organizations that work with the community.
“I thought about it for a week or so and I just think it’s okay for me to do it”, Lane told theSeattle Times. Local police agencies invited Kaepernick over to see their work in action, while numerous quarterback’s colleagues in the National Football League said they disagree with his decision not to stand – though some of said they support him. “Someone that’s holding a curling iron has more education and more training than people that have a gun and are going out on the street to protect us”.
Two days after his refusal to stand, Kaepernick explained his decision.
“Those conversations are important to have because the better we understand each other, the better we know each other, the better we can deal and communicate with each other which ultimately makes everyone, puts everybody in a better position”.
“I pray that he stays on the team”, Reid said.
“We talked about issues that are taking place in this country and how to prompt change, but I also reminded him the great freedoms and luxuries we have in America”.
Then Kaepernick, who sat in protest during the anthem August 26 before the 49ers’ game against the Green Bay Packers, kneeled before the national anthem.
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Officers are angered by Kaepernick’s comments about police brutality and accusations that officers “murder minorities”. He stood next to Kaepernick during his protest and then hugged him. After the game, he said, “It’s something I plan to keep doing until I feel like justice is being served”.
