What a dumbass. He used to be a pretty good QB, but then slowly fizzled out. I hope he now fizzles away from the NFL.
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San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick has been a lightning rod for attention in his career, and his latest statements surely could make him an even more polarizing figure.
Kaepernick explained his unwillingness to stand for the playing of the national anthem, which of course happens before the kickoff of every NFL game. It happened in last night’s preseason game at Levi’s Stadium against the Green Bay Packers, one in which he struggled in his first action since last season.
Colin Kaepernick, left, explains why he’s refusing to stand during the national anthem
“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 told NFL Network’s Steve Wyche after the game against Green Bay. “To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder.”
The 49ers issued a statement on the matter:
“The National Anthem is and always will be a special part of the pregame ceremony. It is an opportunity to honor our country and reflect on the great liberties we are afforded as its citizens. In respecting such American principles as freedom of religion and freedom of expression, we recognize the right of an individual to choose and participate, or not, in our celebration of the national anthem.”
Kaepernick is right to have his own opinion on the matter. He’s right to view his country any way he chooses. But he also must be willing to face the likely backlash. If USA Olympic gymnast Gabby Douglas can get ripped for unintentionally forgetting to put her hand over her heart during the anthem, then Kaepernick clearly refusing to stand up during it will be treated far more harshly one would imagine.
It appears Kaepernick is aware of what he will face.
“This is not something that I am going to run by anybody,” he said. “I am not looking for approval. I have to stand up for people that are oppressed. … If they take football away, my endorsements from me, I know that I stood up for what is right.”
https://www.yahoo.com/sports/news/co...145653015.html