National Football League

Colin Kaepernick on why he sat during the national anthem

Published Aug. 28, 2016 2:10 p.m. ET

foxsports

San Francisco 49ers Colin Kaepernick came under fire from fans, analysts and fellow players after he chose to sit during the national anthem in a preseason game against the Packers Friday night. The 49ers addressed the issue after the game, and said in a statement it is Kaepernick's right to observe the pregame ceremony however he wants. Kaepernick told NFL.com that he chose to sit during the anthem to make a statement about the social issues affecting black people in the United States.

Via NFL.com:

Many current and former had mixed feelings over Kaepernick's protest.

One fan went as far as to burn a Kaepernick jersey while the national anthem played in the background.

Not condoning it, but You'll be hard pressed to find an African American that chastises @Kaepernick7 for his actions https://t.co/8VOAVc6ltJ
— Emmanuel Acho (@thEMANacho) August 27, 2016

Easy way to make sure you're NOT the starting QB on opening day. #Sept11 https://t.co/DyQrIOGGO5
— Matthew Hasselbeck (@Hasselbeck) August 27, 2016

Kaep is using his platform & brand to make a compelling & polarizing point, which is his right, even if it's met with ire!#idontagree
— Tiki Barber (@TikiBarber) August 27, 2016