San Francisco 49ers

Jerry Rice reverses course, comes out in support of Colin Kaepernick

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

foxsports

After criticizing Colin Kaepernick’s decision to protest during the national anthem in late August, 49ers legend Jerry Rice came out in support of Kaepernick on Tuesday.

“I support @Kaepernick7 for bringing awareness for injustice !!!!” Rice tweeted. “As Americans we all have rights! Im (sic) hoping we all come together#solution”

The former San Francisco wideout had previously tweeted that “All lives matter” and Kaepernick shouldn’t “disrespect the flag.” In the weeks following the message, he had defended his stance.

Kaepernick was the first NFL player this season to stage a national anthem protest over racial inequality and police brutality. He initially sat down during the anthem before preseason games, but later decided to take a knee instead after speaking with former Seahawks long snapper and Army veteran Nate Boyer.

The comment from Rice comes after a weekend in which more NFL players chose to kneel for the playing of the anthem prior to games.

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I support @Kaepernick7 for bringing awareness for injustice !!!! As Americans we all have rights! Im hoping we all come together#solution
— Jerry Rice (@JerryRice) September 20, 2016