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.
Advertisement
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. I have to help these communities.
“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”.
Seattle Seahawks cornerback Jeremy Lane also sat down for the national anthem before the preseason game against the Oakland Raiders, who said he did it as a show of support for Kaepernick.
49ers safety Eric Reid, who did not take part in the final pre-season game, took a knee next to Kapernick during the anthem.
On Thursday night at Qualcomm Stadium, Kaepernick added a little more clarity to that statement, playing well enough to show that he is one of the team’s two best quarterbacks but also that he’s clearly No. 2 behind Blaine Gabbert. “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”. “I don’t mean no disrespect to anybody but I’m just standing behind what I believe in”.
Those actions have now expanded, as Kaepernick on Thursday pledged to donate $1 million of his salary to community organizations focused on social justice causes.
“A lot of stuff that has happened in this country touches close to home”, he said.
“I’m already hearing it this week that next week on Monday Night Football, some officers are not going to work”, said Frank Saunders, president of the Santa Clara Police Officers Association, according to NBC Bay Area. “Taking a knee is worth doing, because it’s people’s lives and issues that are far bigger than the game”.
Advertisement
When asked if he will continue to kneel, Reid said, “I think I will”.
