Colin Kaepernick’s decision not to stand during the national anthem before the start of an NFL preseason game Friday has created an international firestorm of controversy along with polarizing debates that carry along social and racial lines.
“I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color,” Kaepernick said to 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.”
NFL hall of famer and former Mississippi Valley State standout Jerry Rice expressed displeasure with Kaepernick’s protest by tweeting: “Colin, I respect your stance but don’t disrespect the flag.”
Kaepernick’s protest and comments come within days of the start of the college football season with a large slate of HBCU football games included.
With the national anthem likely to be played before the start of most of the games scheduled, how likely (or unlikely) are those in attendance to follow Kaepernick’s lead?
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