Colin Kaepernick: Taking a Stand by taking a Seat
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick sat during the national anthem this past weekend to take a stand against systemic racism against African-Americans.
Kaepernick told NFL Network on Friday night that he chose not to stand because: “I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color. 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 backlash has been swift from fans and NFL players alike. Fans are burning his jersey while his colleagues are angry and critical of his decision.
Former San Francisco teammate Alex Boone shared his frustration. “It’s hard for me, because my brother was a Marine, and he lost a lot of friends over there,” Alex Boone told USA TODAY Sports. “That flag obviously gives (Kaepernick) the right to do whatever he wants. I understand it. At the same time, you should have some (expletive) respect for people who served, especially people that lost their life to protect our freedom.
Just like the racial divide facing our country, opinions on his behavior also broke along racial lines. This from WTHR-TV Sportscaster Bob Kravitz in Indianapolis:
“I found it interesting, but completely understandable, that when I posed the Kaepernick question on Twitter, the responses broke along racial lines.
From whites: “If you don’t like America, go somewhere else. Leave. We’ll help you pack.”
From African-Americans: “He is speaking for the oppressed everywhere. Good for him. Stay strong.”
This isn’t the first time in recent history where sports and personal expression of beliefs clashed with public opinion. In 2004 baseball player Carlos Delgado made a point to stay in the dugout every time they played “God Bless America,” as an expression against the Iraq War.
And in 1996 Denver Nuggets point guard Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf’s refusal to stand for the National Anthem due to religious reasons drew not only boos but hate mail, and even a one game suspension from the NBA. The impact from that controversy led to the end of his playing days in the NBA. “It was close to impossible to play in the U.S. after that,” Abdul-Rauf said. “The doors were shut, but I said the NBA wasn’t the only show in town and I was going to make use of my God-given talent even if it meant playing in Timbuktu.”
Kaerpernick stands to lose endorsements, fans, and possibly risks putting his future in the NFL at risk yet he believes it’s worth it. “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.”
I believe this was not only a courageous act but is also a reminder of the freedoms we have as Americans. Yes, Americans fought and died for this country. Yes, our flag deserves respect. But respect isn’t just standing before the national anthem. I believe the ultimate respect is acknowledging what the flag stands for which is our individual and collective freedoms including our right as Americans to stand, sit, curse, or even burn the flag before us. And if you don’t agree, well that’s your God-given prerogative in this country.
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