Colin Kaepernick is not done stirring up controversy.
The San Francisco 49ers quarterback has become a household name, as well as a subject of major national debate, after he took a scandalous stance last Friday.
During the playing of the national anthem prior to a preseason football game, Kaepernick did not get up off the bench.
He simply sat their quietly, refusing to show respect for the United States while its theme song played overhead.
The arrow in the photo below is pointing at Kaepernick while he committed this act of defiance:
Referencing the tragic rash of African-American deaths at the hands of police officers over the past several months, Kaepernick made it very clear why he’s taking this measure.
“I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color,” he told NFL Media.
“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.”
Now, with opinions divided between those disgusted over Kaepernick’s lack of patriotic respect and those who appreciate the attention he’s brought to a pressing national issue… a new controversy has arisen.
Over an old topic.
Photos surfaced today of Kaepernick wearing socks on the field that depict police officers as pigs.
The photos are actually from training camp of this year, but Kaepernick did not hesitate to address the basis for this attire on Instagram.
He was very upfront over why he made this fashion statement at the time.
“I wore these socks, in the past, because the rogue cops that are allowed to hold positions in police departments, not only put the community in danger, but also put the cops that have the right intentions in danger by creating an environment of tension and mistrust,” he wrote.
“I have two uncles and friends who are police officers and work to protect and serve ALL people.
“So before these socks, which were worn before I took my public stance, are used to distract from the real issues, I wanted to address this immediately.”
You’ve gotta admire Kaepernick for just coming right out and speaking his mind.
He’s not beating around any bushes, he’s sticking up for what he believes in.
Well, not everyone has to admire this, we guess. But some folks out there do.
Kaepernick actually led the 49ers to the Super Bowl in 2013.
His stock has fallen tremendously since then, as he actually lost his starting job to Blaine Gabbert last year.
But no one is talking about Kaepernick’s failings as a quarterback now. They’re focused on his political beliefs instead.
Do you agree with his stance… of sitting down?
Do you think too much attention is being paid to the messenger and the way he chose to convey his message, as opposed to the message itself?
Or do you just think Colin Kaepernick sucks as a human being?
