When the national anthem was performed before the Giants-Jets preseason game on Saturday night, every Giants player stood at attention on the sideline. When U.S. -based teams play against Canadian teams, both anthems are played, with each team’s starters lined up along the blue line and the others standing on the benches.
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“You should have some f–ing respect for people who served, especially people that lost their life to protect our freedom”, Alex Boone said.
But at the same time, you have to show some respect, especially in this position that we’re in, where we’re playing a game for a living – it’s nearly disrespectful. It’s the land of the free and the home of the courageous, and people sacrifice their lives so Americans can have the freedom of speech that he chose to use – regardless of how people feel about it. “That just drove me nuts”.
Harbaugh was asked what side of the controversy he sits on and said, “I acknowledge his right to do that, but I don’t respect the motivation or the action”, Harbaugh said. You got to respect the flag, and you got to stand up with your teammates.
Kaepernick said “police brutality” was one of the reasons he sat during the anthem. “I have family. I have friends that gone and fought for this country”. His Monday afternoon press conference wasn’t exclusively about the game as his former quarterback with the San Francisco 49ers caused a stir over the weekend.
Kaepernick said he plans to continue his national anthem protest until he sees changes with how black people are treated.
“I think it’s something that can unify this team, it’s something that can unify this country”, he continued. I have to stand up for people that are oppressed. “To me this is something that has to change”, he says. That’s something, that, this country stands for liberty, freedom, justice for all.
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Boone’s words are in stark contrast to those of another former 49er, wide receiver Anquan Boldin, who supported Kaepernick’s right to protest. The fact it has blown up like this is a good thing. “I was rooting for the guy to have a great comeback”.
