Colin Kaepernick will be known by most casual NFL fans as the star quarterback who nearly guided Jim Harbaugh's San Francisco 49ers to two Super Bowls. Kaepernick is also one of a number of American athletes who have been vocal on social media in recent months after an alarming spate of killings of African-Americans at the hands of police officers.
Kaepernick's social media accounts speak loudly to the sense of injustice that many African-Americans feel about their treatment in American society.
Kaepernick made his preseason debut for the 49ers last night in Santa Clara but today people are not talking about his stats but rather his decision to sit out the 'Star Spangled Banner'.
Zoom-in of @jenniferleechan photo during national anthem that shows Colin Kaepernick sitting on the bench. #49ers pic.twitter.com/c6F10yIIRE
— Matt Barrows (@mattbarrows) August 27, 2016
Today Kaepernick confirmed he was indeed sitting out the national anthem as a protest.
I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses Black people and people of color. 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."
These are very strong words from Kaepernick. The 49ers issued the following statement to NFL.com this morning about Kaepernick's protest.
"The national anthem is and always will be a special part of the pre-game 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."
It remains to be seen if Roger Goodell will take action and suspend Kaepernick. In 1995, NBA player Mahmoud Abdul Rouf was suspended for one game when he refused to stand for the national anthem as a political protest, sparking a national discussion about the merits of playing the national anthem before American sporting events.
Last year, James McClean found himself embroiled in controversy when 'God Save The Queen' was randomly played before a preseason West Brom game in the States.
UPDATE - There has been a loud, and racist, reaction to Kaepernick's statement on social media today.
Yeah. How dare Colin Kaepernick criticize the treatment of black people in America. pic.twitter.com/64gLmEfRJo
— Erik (@SikkCaden) August 27, 2016
