Colin Kaepernick wasn’t alone when he protested the national anthem on “Salute the Military” night in Qualcomm Stadium on Thursday night.
Boos rained down from the stands as Kaepernick dropped to one knee while the national anthem played prior to the 49ers-Chargers preseason game. He was joined by teammate Eric Reid, who also knelt down on one knee.
450 miles away, Seattle Seahawks cornerback Jeremy Lane (pictured right) sat alone on the bench as the national anthem played prior to the start of the Seahawks-Raiders preseason game in Oakland on Thursday.
Kaepernick, who is biracial, told reporters he is protesting the flag because black people are oppressed in America. He said he will refuse to stand during the anthem until America changes its ways.
Kaepernick may have taken a knee (rather than sit) in support of black veterans who say they were discriminated against because of their race while serving in America’s armed forces.
Black military veterans around the country expressed their support for Kaepernick, who told reporters he plans to donate $1 million to community organizations.
Lane, who doesn’t know Kaepernick personally, said, “I just like what he’s doing, and I’m standing behind him”.
He added: “It’s something I plan on keep on doing, until I feel like justice is being served.”
The NFL doesn’t require its players to stand during the national anthem. But a few head coaches have made it clear they expect their players to “respect the flag”.
