The San Francisco 49ers quarterback is fed up with racism and police violence in the U.S., saying recently, “I mean, you have Hillary [Clinton], who’s called black teens or black kids superpredators. You have Donald Trump who’s openly racist … what is this country really standing for?”

From The Washington Post:

Kaepernick, a sixth-year man out of Nevada, initiated his stance in protest of police violence earlier this month at the start of San Francisco’s preseason slate, and told NFL Media, “There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder,” following a game against the Green Bay Packers on Friday night.

Speaking to reporters at the 49ers’ training facility for more than 18 minutes, Kaepernick didn’t back down from his position as he passionately elaborated on his stance. Per Tim Kawakami of the San Jose Mercury News, Kaepernick did not duck any of the 30-plus questions that came his way.

Kaepernick said he will continue to sit during the playing of the anthem before games until “there’s significant change and I feel like that flag represents what it’s supposed to represent in this country — is representing the way that it’s supposed to.” When asked what he is trying to accomplish with his stance, he said that, “Ultimately it’s to bring awareness and make people realize what’s really going on in this country. There are a lot of things that are going on that are unjust, people aren’t being held accountable for, and that’s something that needs to change. That’s something that — this country stands for freedom, liberty, justice for all. And it’s not happening for all right now.” … When asked if he feels that his position could be seen as a distraction to the 49ers, Kaepernick said no and added that he feels it’s something that can “unify this team.” He also admitted to being aware that the situation may cost him his job or any endorsements, saying that “those are things I’m prepared to handle and those are things that, you know, other people might not be ready for. At this point, I’ve been blessed to be able to get this far and have the privilege of being in the NFL and making the kind of money I make and enjoy luxuries like that.”

— Posted by Natasha Hakimi Zapata

 Wait, before you go…

If you're reading this, you probably already know that non-profit, independent journalism is under threat worldwide. Independent news sites are overshadowed by larger heavily funded mainstream media that inundate us with hype and noise that barely scratch the surface. We believe that our readers deserve to know the full story. Truthdig writers bravely dig beneath the headlines to give you thought-provoking, investigative reporting and analysis that tells you what’s really happening and who’s rolling up their sleeves to do something about it.

Like you, we believe a well-informed public that doesn’t have blind faith in the status quo can help change the world. Your contribution of as little as $5 monthly or $35 annually will make you a groundbreaking member and lays the foundation of our work.

Support Truthdig
In this Article:
#2016 election#activism#colin kaepernick#donald trump#hillary clinton#police brutality#race#racism