San Francisco 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick refused to stand for the National Anthem in their preseason game against the Green Bay Packers on Friday night. In a statement to the NFL’s Steve Wyche, Kaepernick said:
“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 told NFL Media in an exclusive interview after the game against Green Bay. “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.”
Unclear as to whether or not Kaepernick considers our black President and black head of the Justice Department as in on the racist cabal. That story coming later, probably. Actually, probably not.
Kaepernick’s statement shouldn’t be much of a surprise though, given how his Twitter timeline basically reads like a Black Lives Matter site. Including one instance where Kaepernick retweets someone who is basically saying most white people are racists.
Kaepernick told Wyche that he wanted to wait before speaking out, and learn more about the issue:
“This is not something that I am going to run by anybody,” he said. “I am not looking for approval. I have to stand up for people that are oppressed. … If they take football away, my endorsements from me, I know that I stood up for what is right.”
Of course Kaepernick’s football was due to be taken away, in all likelihood, in addition to any endorsements, due to the fact that he’s not good at football anymore. He almost assuredly will be the odd man out in the 49ers quarterback competition. So, Kaepernick’s “learning time” was more than likely a strategic wait until what was likely his final game. Or, second to final game as a 49ers quarterback, in order to minimize any potential fallout prior to making his “brave stand.”
This is especially rich coming from Kaepernick, who is of mixed race, adopted by two white parents. In addition, he was drafted by a white coach and general manager, replaced a white quarterback, and was paid millions of dollars by an organization that is owned by white people.
However, of more importance, Kaepernick’s Twitter timeline didn’t just start retweeting racists yesterday. He’s actually been at it for quite a while. An inconvenient truth that the sports media will now try to pretend they didn’t realize, and will in no way confront him about. While they “respect his decision, and his right” to not stand for the Anthem.
