In recent months, professional athletes have been boldly and bravely speaking out on the racial injustices that affect America. San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick has used his popularity as a catalyst to announce social issues.
Speaking out on racial injustices made Kaepernick’s No. 7 jersey the highest selling jersey on the NFL Shop website. The quarterback responded to the sales via social media, stating how he will donate the proceeds.
Colin Kaepernick’s action has been a major topic in the NFL before the season officially started. A photo from reporter Jennifer Lee Chan showed the nation his act protest on August 26. He sat through the National Anthem for every game in the preseason.
After San Francisco lost to Green Bay in a 21-10 rout, his comments on why he sat down became the main focus.
“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.
His remarks brought both joy and backlash. Many saw a hero, echoing the WNBA player’s act of wearing black shirts to support the Black Lives Matter movement and the four NBA superstars who introduced the ESPYS with a call to action to end gun violence.
Others saw the act of sitting as “Unpatriotic,” and “Ignorant.” People believed his stance showed disapproval of the Military and their protection over America. Videos surfaced of people burning Kaepernick’s jersey.
The media swarmed around Kaepernick after a 49er’s practice session two days later. The quarterback stood before the press with his hair in a crown of natural curls, showing his support for the Military and vowed to continue his act of protest.
“I have great respect for men and women that fought for this country,” Kaepernick said. “I’ve seen circumstances where men and women that have been in the military have come back and been treated unjustly by the country they fought for.”
To add on to the controversy, Kaepernick had been wearing socks with pictures of pigs in police officer hats at practices.
Voices throughout the NFL rose up, explaining personal views of Kaepernick’s National Anthem protest. Teammates, like safety Antoine Bethea respected his motives. Even head coach Chip Kelly said that Kaepernick was within his “right as a citizen” to sit. Some like Alex Boone also noted their disapproval for the signal caller’s methods of bringing his message to light.
Military veterans took to Twitter to show their support for the quarterback with the hashtag #VeteransForKaepernick. News organizations researched the National Anthem, learning that lyrics in the second verse show how the Star Spangled Banner promotes racism.
“No refuge could save the hireling and slave/ From the terror of flight or the gloom of the grave” the lyrics stated, referencing how slaves would fight for the British in the Civil War in order to earn their freedom.
NFL legend Jim Brown shared his opinion, saying that he agrees with Kaepernick’s views.
“I listen to him and he makes all the sense in the world,” Brown said on NFL Networks. “He’s within his rights and he’s telling the truth as he sees it and I am with him 100 percent.”
Los Angeles Lakers icon Kareem Abdul-Jabbar also weighed in on NPR about the issue.
“The fact that Mr. Kaepernick is willing to engage and willing to risk so much in order to bring attention to the issue,” Abdul-Jabbar said. “We have to admire him for that and respect his need to make the statement that he’s making.”
And there were risks. After San Francisco came in last in the NFC West last season with a 5-11 overall record, Kaepernick’s position as starter quarterback was in question. Back in 2012, Kaepernick led the 49ers to the Super Bowl.
Kelly placed Kaepernick as the No. 2 quarterback for this season, rumors swirled about how the controversy was the reason why he was not a starter.
The controversial action Kaepernick took inspired others to sit out the National Anthem. At the final preseason game, 49ers safety Eric Reid kneeled next to his teammate who sported an even Afro.
World Cup Champion Megan Rapinoe took a knee during a National Women’s Soccer League to stand in solidarity of Kaepernick.
Commentary continues to swirl around Kaepernicks’ actions. Many become passionate about his action but fail to address motives for sitting. Celebrities and other athletes, like singer Trey Songz and Milwaukee Bucks forward Jabari Parker has shown their support.
Baltimore Ravens Tight End Benjamin Watson expressed that he will continue to stand to preserve Kaepernick’s right to sit down.
“From the country’s inception, such displays against the status quo are distinctly American,” Watson stated via Facebook. “My hope, though is that these actions bring more attention to the PROBLEM than the PROTESTOR.”
Kaepernick noted how he is not pressuring other players and teammates to join him in his protest.