The letter also stated: “The board of directors of the Santa Clara Police Officer’s Association has a duty to protect its members and work to make all of their working environments free of harassing behavior”.
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But the demonstration has also drawn fierce criticism from a wide range of people, including the San Francisco Police Officer’s Association, which, in a statement, called him “misinformed” and demanded an apology.
It says that if the team “fails to take action to stop this type of inappropriate behavior it could result in police officers choosing not to work at your facilities”.
Saunders said the officers aren’t just upset that Kaepernick refuses to stand for the national anthem, but because the 28-year-old quarterback says he’s not standing to protest police killings. “I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses Black people and people of color”, Kaepernick said in an interview with NFL Media after the August 26 game.
It says that Kaepernick’s protest has “threatened our harmonious working relationship” with the 49ers.
Outlining the plan further, the quarterback, who is reportedly set to earn $11.9 million in salary this year, said: “I’m now working with organizations to be involved, and making sure I’m actively in these communities, as well as donating the first million dollars I make this year to different organizations to help these communities and help these people”.
Kaepernick, who led San Francisco to the 2013 Super Bowl but has since been demoted to backup, has said he would not show pride in the flag of a country that oppresses people of color, citing police brutality. Veterans and military members tweeted their support for Kaepernick in recent days under the hashtag “VeteransForKaepernick”. National Football League defense player and Kaepernick’s teammate Eric Reid also joined him.
Kaepernick’s decision to sit for the national anthem and to wear socks in practice depicting pigs as cops has drawn much scrutiny from the Santa Clara officers.
The team reiterated Friday night that it stands behind Kaepernick and respects his right not to participate in celebrating the national anthem.
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The 49ers are scheduled to open the season at Levi’s Stadium against the Los Angeles Rams on Monday, Sept. 12 as part of a national television doubleheader.
