Hero in a helmet: Kaepernick takes a knee against police brutality and American exceptionalism
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, America's most courageous, or hated, athlete, depending who you ask, went into the belly of the beast Thursday and took a knee during the national anthem in advance of a "Salute to the Military" game.
Backed by teammate Eric Reid, the two players protested silently before a pre-season game in the military town of San Diego while a US Navy Officer sang about “bombs bursting in air” and a land that’s supposedly free.
Standing fans used the bully pulpit of a corporately-sponsored sporting event to boo the pair for protesting police who kill innocent, unarmed civilians.
Colin Kaepernick and Eric Reid each took a knee during tonight's national anthem in San Diego. pic.twitter.com/8SULdVvM0J
— ESPN (@espn) September 2, 2016
Last month Kaepernick sparked this now ongoing controversy when he wore socks during team practice depicting police officers as pigs.
He defended the socks saying the “rogue cops that are allowed to hold positions in police departments” are putting both community and “cops that have the right intentions” in danger.
To all of these sports folks commenting on @kaepernick7's socks, why aren't y'all talking about racist text messages by San Francisco cops?
— rolandsmartin (@rolandsmartin) September 1, 2016
Kaepernick refused to stand during the US National Anthem at another preseason game last week against the Green Bay Packers.
He told the NFL, "I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color. 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."
💀 #KilledByPolice
— #AfricansUnlimited (@Son_of_Carthage) August 17, 2016
So far in 2016:
2016 (Jan to present) 728 citizens https://t.co/u4xZFEn6Pp
Kaepernick says he's trying to start a public dialogue about the extrajudicial killings by law enforcement: “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.”
I wish people were even 1/10th as upset about racial injustice in America as they are about a very peaceful @Kaepernick7 taking a seat.
— andy lassner (@andylassner) September 2, 2016
The 28 year old's actions are resonating across America and social media, and even prompted a reaction from Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump.
Seizing yet another opportunity to build on his pro-police-brutality base, the billionaire weighed in on the controversy when he told Seattle radio station KIRO: "I think it’s a terrible thing, and you know, maybe he should find a country that works better for him, let him try, it’s not gonna happen."
Kaepernick’s refusal to stand for the national anthem has also angered NFL officials, who themselves have been criticized in the past for politicizing games through "paid patriotism" deals with the Pentagon.
Patriotism is bought and paid for by the government. pic.twitter.com/GP3uu1FLSd
— Nash (@Nasharchy) September 2, 2016
The Trumpsters yelling at Kaepernick said nothing when the Pentagon paid the Patriots to pretend to be patriotic. https://t.co/RlbJIMEpck
— Harry Siegel (@harrysiegel) September 1, 2016
The "patriotic" propaganda was in full force Thursday night when 240 military personnel unfurled a giant US flag before the game.
#Kaepernick is bringing out the good and the bad out of these Americans...the flag and the anthem were NOT made for all...know the facts
— HJoseph (@HjRock) September 2, 2016
Was yall mad when Dylan Roof disrespected the flag? 🤔 nah probably not. Selective outrage #Kaepernickpic.twitter.com/cHOoHYnVkv
— Nicole (@MzDivah67) August 31, 2016
Reid and Kaepernick took a knee for the entirety of the Star-Spangled Banner Thursday before hugging each other when it ended.
Later in the game, the star QB stood and applauded during a moment of appreciation for service members and veterans, and also for the singing of God Bless America, suggesting he doesn’t view members of the world’s deadliest military as badly as the nation’s police.
The booing continued throughout the game when Kaepernick came on to the field, even while the exhibition game was in play.
Perspective #VeteransForKaepernick
— steve (@SAS0620) August 31, 2016
If one offends you but the other doesn't, reevaluate your life pic.twitter.com/2JrbDsN5dJ
In a post-game interview, he said he would donate $1m to help raise awareness of issues facing minority communities.
Colin Kaepernick, on plans to donate $1 million to communities & how today's kneel-protest emerged pic.twitter.com/NMsp2gqZM7
— Cam Inman (@CamInman) September 2, 2016
The biracial NFL star has received plenty of support from America’s military veterans with #VeteransforKaepernick trending after many tweets of support.
@harto@Kaepernick7 This says it all...... pic.twitter.com/VUbLO5gxSs
— Chris Lamrock (@ChrisLamrock) September 2, 2016
Colin Kaepernick was joined by teammate Eric Reid & SEA DB Jeremy Lane in sitting during national anthem tonight. pic.twitter.com/n7zHdgcGLc
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) September 2, 2016
Because we demand our country protect all its citizens equally. THAT is what I defended! #VeteransForKaepernickpic.twitter.com/xOqLAO0b1f
— Robert Young (@robertcyoung) August 31, 2016
I served this country honorably for his right to protest the way he saw fit. #VeteransForKaepernickpic.twitter.com/b2LiyAXa2q
— Miss B. (@brittneeraebaby) August 31, 2016
Do not "support" me when convenient and do not assume that you know why I do what I do #VeteransforKaepernickpic.twitter.com/CSYF1SWAVP
— Immortal Ali (@RetroBomaye) August 31, 2016
Many of his critics accuse him of not respecting America with some offering to buy him a one-way plane ticket to a destination of his choice.
Just like that I will never watch a @49ers games again. #ProudAmerican#Kaepernick#idiot#USA
— Tim Kennedy (@TimKennedyMMA) August 27, 2016
To not stand during the Anthem is unpatriotic. To do so while looking like a stereotypical terrorist is just stupid. #Kaepernick#idiot
— Kerrick Whisenant (@kwhisenant) August 27, 2016
Yo Kaepernick, people of every race died for that flag. Don't respect America? Then get the fuck out.
— Steady Dippin' (@SteadyDippin1) August 28, 2016
The 49ers should protest Mr. Kaepernick's paycheck if he can't just shut the fuck up and respect the national anthem
— Dizzy Dean (@Denver_Dean01) August 27, 2016
Hey #kaepernick, a person who has never worked a day in his life, made millions, has not been oppressed. That's you idiot.
— ☘☘Web☘☘ (@don_hill31) August 28, 2016
If this country is so awful please tell me where you'd prefer... I'll buy your plane ticket. One way.
— Tomi Lahren (@TomiLahren) August 30, 2016