Controversial 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick reportedly did not appear Sunday morning at a San Francisco church where he had been scheduled to speak about his recent protests of racial injustice. Across the league, the jersey is now the third-most popular in the NFL’s online store, jumping 17 places from where it ranked just over a week ago, ESPN reported.
Advertisement
The embattled quarterback took to Instagram today to acknowledge the occasion and thank fans for their ongoing support, despite the controversy surrounding him.
“I feel very strongly of being able to say what you want to say in your way, about you’re upset about things”, he said.
Kaepernick kneeled during the anthem last Thursday in San Diego with teammate Eric Reid in a move meant to show more respect to some military members who had been critical of the protest.
“I wasn’t expecting my jersey sales to jump to number one because of [my protest], but it shows the people’s belief that we can achieve justice and equality for ALL!” “And we can make this country better, and that they believe I was someone who could help that change”.
“I need a Colin Kaepernick jersey asap”, tweeted Oliver Ellison on Tuesday. Mixing politics and sports has often been seen as hard since teams don’t want to alienate any fans.
According to the Atlanta Black Star, Kaepernick had previously announced that he would donate his first $1 million dollars earned this seasons to organizations working to tackle issues near and dear to his heart.
Via the Associated Press on Wednesday, Goodell said, “I don’t necessarily agree with what he is doing”. “On the other hand, we believe very strongly in patriotism in the NFL”.
Obama said Monday that he had no doubt that the San Francisco 49ers quarterback is honest and “cares about some real, legitimate issues”.
President Obama on Monday defended Kaepernick, saying the athlete is “exercising his constitutional right”. “If nothing else, he’s generated more conversation about issues that have to be talked about”.
It seems like much longer given all that’s happened with Kaepernick and the 49ers, but he’s referring to the 2012 season when Alex Smith opened the season as the starter before giving way to Kaepernick after suffering a concussion in the second half of the season.
Advertisement
He is expected to continue to protest there.
