What a
frigging hypocrite “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. He’s a mulatto and make over $11 Million a year that’s some
oppression.
SANTA CLARA, Calif. —
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick is refusing to stand for the
national anthem before games because he believes the United States oppresses
African Americans and other minorities.
Kaepernick sat on the team’s bench Friday night during the
anthem before the Niners played host to the Green Bay Packers in an exhibition
game. He later explained his reasoning in an interview with NFL Media .
“I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a
country that oppresses black people and people of colour,” Kaepernick said. “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 after Pro Football Talk
initially reported on Kaepernick’s stand, saying that Americans have the right
to protest or support the anthem.
“The national anthem is and always will be a special part of
the pregame ceremony,” the team said. “It is an opportunity to honour 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 to participate,
or not, in our celebration of the national anthem.”
Kaepernick, who is biracial, was adopted and raised by white
parents. He has been outspoken on his Twitter account on civil rights issues
and in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.