Everyone held their breath at the beginning of the San Diego Chargers vs. San Francisco 49ers game on Sept. 1 to see if QB Colin Kaepernick would continue to protest police brutality and racism by refusing to stand during the National Anthem again. As soon as the song began, the star player (while rocking an afro) took a knee. He was joined on the ground by friend and teammate Eric Reid while others stood with their hand over their heart. After the song, the players hugged.
San Diego is home to world-famous military bases, and they are very serious about supporting the troops. Plus, “The Star Spangled Banner” was being sung by an African-American soldier, so everyone was curious to see if Colin would show him and the city respect by standing up. When he didn’t the crowd’s boos were deafening! Then the crowd broke out into a thunderous chant of “USA! USA!”
This isn’t the first time Colin had refused to stand during the song. As a matter of fact, he sat out the National Anthem in San Francisco’s first three preseason games, but it seems like no one really noticed until he did it before Aug. 9 game against the Green Bay Packers. He also wore visible socks at practice that looked like pigs wearing police uniforms, and cops did not take well to that.
However, the peaceful form of protest is beginning to gain popularity. Along with Eric following in Colin’s footsteps, Seattle Seahawks cornerback Jeremy Lane made his own show of solidarity by refusing to stand at his own game. Wow!
Folks, what do you think of Colin refusing to stand again? Are you proud of him standing up for what he believes or shocked that he would disrespect the flag again after the backlash? Share your thoughts with us!
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