Colin Kaepernick on why he sat during the national anthem
San Francisco 49ers Colin Kaepernick came under fire from fans, analysts and fellow players after he chose to sit during the national anthem in a preseason game against the Packers Friday night. The 49ers addressed the issue after the game, and said in a statement it is Kaepernick's right to observe the pregame ceremony however he wants. Kaepernick told NFL.com that he chose to sit during the anthem to make a statement about the social issues affecting black people in the United States.
Via NFL.com:
Many current and former had mixed feelings over Kaepernick's protest.
One fan went as far as to burn a Kaepernick jersey while the national anthem played in the background.
Not condoning it, but You'll be hard pressed to find an African American that chastises @Kaepernick7 for his actions https://t.co/8VOAVc6ltJ
— Emmanuel Acho (@thEMANacho) August 27, 2016
Easy way to make sure you're NOT the starting QB on opening day. #Sept11 https://t.co/DyQrIOGGO5
— Matthew Hasselbeck (@Hasselbeck) August 27, 2016
Kaep is using his platform & brand to make a compelling & polarizing point, which is his right, even if it's met with ire!#idontagree
— Tiki Barber (@TikiBarber) August 27, 2016
Salty 49ers fan burns #Kaepernick's jersey. Oh brother... pic.twitter.com/zp9aLasYAW
— Erick Fernandez (@ErickFernandez) August 28, 2016