Colin Kaepernick Refuses to Stand for National Anthem Due to Treatment of Minorities

Colin Kaepernick refused to stand for the National Anthem during a pre-season football game on Friday (August 26) and he is speaking out about his decision.

The 28-year-old San Francisco 49ers quarterback protested it during a game against the Green Bay Packers to show his support for the Black Lives Matter movement.

“I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color,” Colin 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.”

“I am not looking for approval. I have to stand up for people that are oppressed,” he added.

Here is what the NFL said in response: “The national anthem is and always will be a special part of the pre-game ceremony. 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 and participate, or not, in our celebration of the national anthem.”

WHAT DO YOU THINK of Colin Kaepernick’s decision not to stand for the National Anthem?