Posted on September 2, 2016

On Bended Knee, Kaepernick Sits for Anthem Surrounded by Troops

CBS Los Angeles, September 1, 2016

A sea of military and football fans stood for the National Anthem at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego Thursday night, but San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick did not, and he wasn’t alone.

Last week, Kaepernick first sat during the National Anthem before a game saying he wouldn’t stand for a country that oppresses black people and people of color.

Teammate Eric Reid joined Kaepernick on his knee for the anthem even after the 28th annual salute to the military. Retired Navy Seals parachuted into the stadium while 240 Marines, sailors and soldiers presented an American flag.

In a military town, it’s no surprise there was very strong reaction.

“It’s extremely disrespectful,” a fan at the game said. “He shouldn’t be playing football if he can’t stand up for his country and support the men and women who put their lives on the line for you.”

In Oakland, Seattle Seahawks cornerback Jeremy Lane also didn’t stand for the anthem before the start of that game Thursday night.

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