San Fransisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick refused to stand for the national anthem Friday night against the Green Bay Packers.
“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 dual-threat quarterback told the NFL following the game.
The 49ers’ management released their own statement about Kaepernick’s actions.
The statement reads:
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.
It is unclear if the NFL will punish Kaepernick for his decision to not stand for the national anthem.
The quarterback has earned almost $30 million in his short career so far.