As the Chargers celebrated “Salute to the Military” night, Kaepernick took a knee, a deviation from his previous decision to sit, while a black Navy veteran sang the national anthem.
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Earlier this week, Kaepernick was spotted at practice wearing socks depicting police officers as pigs, sparking additional outrage.
After last night’s final preseason game, Kaepernick told the media that he plans to “take it a step further” by donating the first $1 million he makes this year to two different charities that support racial equality. “I want to help make America better”, he said. And Kaepernick wasn’t alone in his protest; he was joined by teammate Eric Reid.
Kaepernick has been accused of being unpatriotic after he refused to stand during the national anthem as a mark of protest to hold government institutions more accountable for racism and the injustice associated with it that plagues the country. Nonetheless, many in the crowd of 47,407 booed as the quarterback dropped to a knee on the 49ers’ sideline.
Colin Kaepernick #7 of the San Francisco 49ers attempts a pass against the Seattle Seahawks during their National Football League game at Levi’s Stadium on October 22, 2015 in Santa Clara, California. Kaepernick later applauded members of the military who were celebrated during San Diego’s military appreciation night. I wouldn’t pressure anybody to do anything that they don’t feel comfortable doing.
Kaepernick changed his protest slightly, kneeling instead of sitting through the anthem.
For all of the criticism he’s faced, Kaepernick has also been buoyed over the last few days by the ‘#VeteransForKaepernick’ movement, many of whose members have stood behind the embattled quarterback, citing that they fought for the very freedom of expression Kaepernick has demonstrated.
“We have a lot of issues in this country that we need to deal with”, he said after the game.
Without providing specifics, Kaepernick said he is working with organizations in communities of need that will get the $1 million he makes this year. “I don’t mean no disrespect toward anybody, but I’m just standing behind what I believe”.
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Following the game, he told reporters: “I’m not anti-American“. “There are people that actually put their lives on the line for this country to give us freedom”. The game against the Chargers was billed as the pre-season finale showdown but the real focus was on Kaepernick.
