NFL star Colin Kaepernick refuses to stand during national anthem

NFL star Colin Kaepernick explained his reasons for refusing to sing the US national anthem. That didn’t stop the backlash.

SAN Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick divided fans when he refused to stand during his national anthem before a preseason game against the Green Bay Packers on Friday night.

The 28-year-old NFL star later explained that his decision to stay seated on the bench while his teammates stood for the ‘Star-Spangled Banner’ was to protest oppression of black and other minority communities in the United States.

“I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of colour,” Kaepernick told NFL Media in a post-game interview.

“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,” he added.

Kaepernick can be seen here, seated between the orange water dispensers while the US national anthem plays. Picture: Twitter / @jenniferleechan

Kaepernick’s protest was denounced as unpatriotic and “disrespectful” by some, including members of the football community. The New York Giants’ Justin Pugh tweeted his reaction on Saturday.

I will be STANDING during the National Anthem tonight. Thank you to ALL (Gender,Race,Religion)that put your lives on the line for that flag

— Justin Pugh (@JustinPugh) August 27, 2016

To clarify I'm not saying I know what it's like to walk in someone's shoes, I don't. Just stating what the National Anthem means to me

— Justin Pugh (@JustinPugh) August 27, 2016

It blows my mind how many people hate the country they live in.

— T.J. Yates (@TJ_Yates) August 27, 2016

49ers fan responds to Colin Kaepernick by burning his jersey to the National Anthem #49ers #ColinKaepernick pic.twitter.com/b6XlQ5K17y

— The Fanatics View (@thefanaticsview) August 28, 2016

But Kaepernick, who joined the 49ers in 2011, said that he wasn’t concerned about any backlash to his decision.

“This is not something that I am going to run by anybody,” he said. “I am not looking for approval. I have to stand up for people that are oppressed.

“If they take football away, my endorsements from me, I know that I stood up for what is right.”

Many fans booed the player when he took to the field. Some began posting videos of them burning their Kaepernick jerseys in the hours following his interview with the league.

But the most powerful response to Kaepernick’s act came from the mother of a fallen American soldier, whose words were shared by CNN’s Jake Tapper.

“My heart is exploding, my lungs are without air, by blood is boiling, my body is shaking and tears are running down my face. Colin Kaepernick of the San Francisco 49ers is refusing to stand for the national anthem,” the mother said.

“His comment stated that he would not stand and show pride in the flag that represents an oppressive nation “while there are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder”.

49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick after their preseason match against the Green Bay Packers. Picture: Tony Avelar

“Mr Kaepernick, I am sitting in my living room looking outside at my American flag - flying at half staff. You see, my son’s body lay in the street after an IED blew up the vehicle he was fighting in. His blood stains the sands of Afghanistan. He died protecting the ideals of the flag you refuse to respect. He died so that ungrateful, privileged, arrogant men like you can be just that - ungrateful, privileged and arrogant. Men and women willing to die to protect you because they believed in the ideals this country was founded on. Men and women of all races and religions.

“Ask them, sir, about pride in the American flag. Ask them how their heart feels when they hear the national anthem being sung.

“Shame on you. Shame on you for your disresect towards those who are true examples of honesty, integrity, pride and leadership. Shame on you for disrespecting my son and his life. His sacrifice.

Whatever you may think about Colin Kaepernick's decision, here's how it impacted one Gold Star Mom. pic.twitter.com/3uaUxNsFoM

— Jake Tapper (@jaketapper) August 28, 2016

The 49ers issued a statement after the exhibition game, which saw San Francisco lose to Green Bay, 21-10.

“The national anthem is and always will be a special part of the pre-game ceremony. It is an opportunity to honour our country and reflect on the great liberties we are afforded as its citizens,” the club said.

“In respecting such American principles as freedom of religion and freedom of expression, we recognise the right of an individual to choose and participate, or not, in our celebration of the national anthem.”

Kaepernick, who is bi-racial and was adopted and raised by white parents, has been outspoken on social media about racial injustices and is a supporter of the Black Lives Matter movement.

There’s nothing in NFL policy mandating that players must stand for the national anthem, but that didn’t stop people from weighing in on the player’s protest on social media.

Idiot @Kaepernick7 earns nearly $20 million a year. He's so oppressed.

— Dan Gainor (@dangainor) August 27, 2016

Much respect for @Kaepernick7 @carmeloanthony and the athletes that won’t be silenced for the sake of endorsements. We need you.

— Bas (@FiendBassy) August 27, 2016

@Kaepernick7 the flag that you disrespect, is the same flag that gives you the RIGHT to sit if you choose to. Be proactive, but with Respect

— Brad Ball (@Bullet546) August 27, 2016

Person of color #ColinKaepernick signed a 6 year $114,000,000 NFL contract yet protests America's oppression of people of color.

— Carolina Girl (@carolinagirl63) August 27, 2016

. @Kaepernick7 I hope you're able to overcome the hardships of a country that allows you to make millions of dollars to be bad at football.

— Faux John Madden (@FauxJohnMadden) August 27, 2016

.@Kaepernick7 is just a man doing what he THINKS is right. We, of course, have right to disagree. But we shouldn't want to see him destroyed

— Jason Howerton (@jason_howerton) August 27, 2016

Earlier this month at the Rio Olympic Games, American gymnast Gabby Douglas drew criticism over her stance during her team’s medal ceremony. The gold medallist was condemned on social media for not placing her hand over her heart during the national anthem. She was later forced to apologise, saying: “I never meant any disrespect”.