San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick says he refused to stand during the national anthem Friday against the Green Bay Packers due to his views on the country's treatment of racial minorities.
"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 after Friday's game. "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 49ers released a statement on the matter.
"The national anthem is and always will be a special part of the pregame ceremony," the statement said. "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 to participate, or not, in our celebration of the national anthem."
Kaepernick also told NFL Media that he did not tell the team he was planning to protest the national anthem.
"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."
Kaepernick made his preseason debut in the ame after sitting out the first two exhibition games because of tightness in his right shoulder. He went 2-for-6 for 14 yards and added 18 yards on four carries in the 21-10 loss for his team.
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