Will Defiant Kaepernick Stand at Next Performance of National Anthem?

Outrage is growing over San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s refusal to stand for the national anthem.

Kaepernick, 28, sat on the team’s bench during the anthem before the 49ers played host to the Green Bay Packers in a pre-season game, saying he didn’t stand because of “racism” that causes “oppression” in the United States.

His protest comes amid increased scrutiny over police use of force against African-American men and other minorities.

Kaepernick said “police brutality” was one of the reasons he sat during the anthem.

“I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color,” Kaepernick told NFL Media in an exclusive interview after the game.

“To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way,” he said. “There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder.”

Defiant and determined to be a conduit for change, Kaepernick plans to sit through the national anthem for as long as he feels is appropriate and until he sees significant progress, specifically when it comes to race relations in the United States.

Kaepernick, who is bi-racial, insists whatever the consequences, he will know he did “what’s right.”

“No one’s tried to quiet me and, to be honest, it’s not something I’m going to be quiet about,” he said. “I’m going to speak the truth when I’m asked about it. This isn’t for looks. This isn’t for publicity or anything like that. This is for people that don’t have the voice.

“And this is for people that are being oppressed and need to have equal opportunities to be successful, to provide for families and not live in poor circumstances,” he said.

Team coach Chip Kelly said the quarterback’s stance is his “right as a citizen.”

“We recognize his right as an individual to choose to participate or not participate in the national anthem,” Kelly continued.

The NFL said in a statement Saturday, “Players are encouraged but not required to stand during the playing of the national anthem.”

Yet the NFL recently denied a request by the Dallas Cowboys for players to wear a sticker on their helmets to show support for five Dallas police officers killed last month.

Some have criticized Kaepernick’s gesture, saying his actions were disrespectful to veterans.

“That flag obviously gives (Kaepernick) the right to do whatever he wants. I understand it. At the same time, you should have some … respect for people who served, especially people that lost their life to protect our freedom,” Minnesota Vikings guard Alex Boone said.

Some 49ers fans have taken to burning Kaepernick’s jerseys. One fan played “The Star-Spangled Banner” as he set fire to the shirt.

An image of a wounded veteran holding himself upright in his wheelchair for the national anthem despite having no legs has become a viral sensation in light of Kaepernick’s protest.

Former Jets and Raiders safety Burgess Owens said Kaepernick’s political statement is a “wake-up call for the country.”

“We fail to teach our kids, our young people, anything about our history,” Owens said. “They’re ignorant about our country and they’re totally unappreciative of the freedoms that have been gained by people that have paid the price for them.”

Meanwhile, some argue that Kapernick should be forced to stand for the national anthem while others suggest he be cut from the team.

Kaepernick says he is prepared for whatever comes. {eoa}