It appears San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick was looking to make a statement on Friday night when he chose not to stand during the national anthem.
Before his team’s preseason game against the Green Bay Packers, Kaepernick remained seated during the playing of national anthem. In a statement to Pro Football Talk, the Niners said they respect Kaepernick’s right to not partake in the tradition.
“The national anthem is and always will be a special part of the pre-game ceremony,” the team said. “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 to participate, or not, in our celebration of the national anthem.”
It wasn’t merely an oversight from Kaepernick, either. If it was, the 49ers would have said as much. Not to mention, PFT notes that Kaepernick retweeted a message earlier in the day that accompanied images of the American and Confederate flags.
“The fact that you really believe that there is difference in these flags means that your [sic] ignoring history,” the tweet said.
As you might expect, Kaepernick is already getting trashed on social media over his decision. Given what we saw happen with Gabby Douglas and her national anthem controversy during the Olympics, we know how serious folks take national anthem etiquette.
For Kaepernick’s explanation of why he is protesting the national anthem, read this.
