San Francisco 49ers

Floyd Mayweather: Colin Kaepernick should focus on starting

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

Floyd Mayweather believes that “All Lives Matter” and San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick should focus on his career more than taking a knee during the national anthem, the boxer tells Essence.

“Kaepernick needs to try and get the starting job,” Mayweather said. “Stand up, and get the starting job. That’s what he needs to focus on. But I can’t knock him. If that’s what he believes in and the people stand behind him, so be it.”

The interview with Mayweather took place on Oct. 9 before San Francisco elected to move away from Blaine Gabbert at starting quarterback. Kaepernick will be the 49ers starting quarterback for Sunday's game against the Buffalo Bills. Kaepernick has not played in any game this season.

Kaepernick has drawn criticism and support for his decision to sit and later kneel during The Star Spangled Banner in a preseason game and regular season in hopes of raising awareness of racial injustice in America. Players throughout the league have followed his lead and joined in the demonstration.

Mayweather remains retired and unbeaten with a 49–0 career record after his last fight in September 2015.

This article originally appeared on