>props to anyone standing up for what's right, but don't think
>its gonna get the type of attention/response he's looking
>for...
>
>http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000691077/article/colin-kaepernick-explains-protest-of-national-anthem
>
>SANTA CLARA, Ca. -- Forty Niners quarterback Colin Kaepernick
>has willingly and knowingly immersed himself into controversy
>by refusing to stand for the playing of the national anthem in
>protest of what he deems are wrongdoings against African
>Americans and minorities in the United States.
>
>His latest refusal to stand for the anthem -- he has done this
>in at least one other preseason game -- came before the 49ers
>preseason loss to Green Bay at Levi's Stadium.
>
>"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."
>
>The 49ers issued this statement: "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."
>
>By taking a stand for civil rights, Kaepernick, 28, joins
>other athletes, like the NBA's Dwyane Wade, Chris Paul, LeBron
>James and Carmelo Anthony and several WNBA players in using
>their platform and status to raise awareness to issues
>affecting minorities in the U.S.
>
>However, refusal to support the American flag as a means to
>take a stand has brought incredible backlash before and likely
>will in this instance. The NBA's Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf of the
>Denver Nuggets, formerly Chris Jackson before converting to
>Islam, refused to acknowledge the flag in protest, citing
>similar reasons as Kaepernick and saying that it conflicted
>with some of his Islamic beliefs.
>
>Abdul-Rauf drew the ire of fans and was briefly suspended by
>the NBA before a compromise was worked out between the league
>and player, who eventually stood with his teammates and
>coaches at the playing of the national anthem.
>
>Kaepernick said that he is aware of what he is doing and that
>he knows it will not sit well with a lot of people, including
>the 49ers. He said that he did not inform the club or anyone
>affiliated with the team of his intentions to protest the
>national anthem.
>
>"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."
>
>Kaepernick said that he has thought about going public with
>his feelings for a while but that "I felt that I needed to
>understand the situation better."
>
>He said that he has discussed his feelings with his family
>and, after months of witnessing some of the civil unrest in
>the U.S., decided to be more active and involved in rights for
>black people. Kaepernick, who is biracial, was adopted and
>raised by white parents and siblings.
>
>Kaepernick's Twitter feed is filled with civil rights Tweets
>and messages.
>
>The former Super Bowl starting quarterback's decision to go
>public comes while he is fighting for his football life with
>the 49ers, who drafted him in the second round in 2011. He
>lost his starting job last season after being one of the most
>promising players in the NFL during his run under former coach
>Jim Harbaugh.
>
>Over the past few months, his relationship with management has
>turned sour. He requested a trade last spring, which never
>came to fruition. He also has spent most of the offseason
>rehabilitating from operations to his left (non-throwing)
>shoulder, his hand and knee. That left him unable to fully
>compete with Blaine Gabbert for months and now, just weeks
>before the regular season starts, has him seemingly in a bind
>to regain his starting job.
>
>He made his preseason debut against the Packers and played for
>the second quarter, completing two of six passes for 14 yards.
>He looked as rusty as you'd expect from someone who has not
>played since last November.
>
>Following the game and without any knowledge of Kaepernick's
>non-football behavior, coach Chip Kelly said that there has
>never been any discussion about cutting Kaepernick.
>
>
>-----------
>you think we playing chess, but i'm playing mad-making.
>Basaglia