Kaepernick

Taryn Anderson
December 14, 2018

On August 14 2016, former 49er’s Quarterback, Colin Kaepernick dreamed crazy. Shortly after warming up for a preseason game, Kaepernick decided to sit down on the bench during the National Anthem. After receiving advice from an United States Army Veteran, Kaepernick decided to kneel instead of sit. This simple action brewed a storm throughout the NFL. Because Kaepernick decided to use his platform to bring awareness to social justice, the NFL black balled him, basically ending his career in the NFL.
Since 2016 Kaepernick has become a controversial figure in the sports world as well as politics. After sitting during the anthem, Kaepernick received immediate criticism. His action was the top conversation on every sports and news outlet. A majority of people assumed the meaning behind his actions before taking the time to understand his purpose. Kaepernick explained his actions as a response to the oppression of blacks and other people of color in the U.S.A.
“

,” Kaepernick said during a post game interview in 2016.
Individuals who don’t understand his purpose see it as a way of disrespecting soldiers that have fought and continue to fight for our country. President Trump went as far as to say it is disrespectful to our whole nation.
“Maybe he should find a country that works better for him. Let him try. It won’t happen,” Trump said during one of his rallies.
Trump has made other statements on Twitter and in interviews with Fox News. Immediately after Trump’s comments over 200 players decided to kneel during the anthem. The players knew it was their right to kneel during the anthem and they wanted to speak out with Kaepernick in support.
Kaepernick experienced a lot of backlash from the NFL and eventually played his last NFL game on January 1, 2017. Kaepernick still expressed his interest for playing in the NFL, as well as many coaches and GM’s expressing interest in signing him. Although many teams showed interest in Kaepernick, multiple team owners prevented them from signing him. Less than a month after this information was released Kaepernick filed a lawsuit against the NFL based on regarding claims that he’d been black balled and owners colluded to keep him out of the game of football.
Despite not being in the NFL, Kaepernick still continues to be an activist. He pledged to donate $1 million to community groups and social justice causes throughout the country. Kaepernick was named “Citizen of the Year” by GQ Magazine and was later named a finalist for Time’s “Person of the Year” in 2017. Recently on September 3, 2018 Nike revealed their new advertising campaign featuring Kaepernick with the slogan “Believe in something, Even if it means sacrificing everything.”
Immediately following the release of this advertising campaign controversy rushed through the nation. Many people were highly upset with Nike even to the point where they were cutting and burning Nike apparel and posting videos of it on social media. Others were just ultimately done with Nike and claimed they will boycott Nike because of their support for Kaepernick. People were concerned with how sales would be affected following the release of this advertisement. Nike was negatively affected following the advertisement but being a multi billion dollar business they were not drastically affected. LeBron James who currently has a lifetime contract with Nike, tweeted in support of the brand and Kaepernick. Although Nike may have taken a hit by making this advertisement but it was in support of a great human being and a great cause.
Kaepernick has been a consistent figure in the world of social justice and activism. He has made many sacrifices for the voiceless and lost his job because he stood up before what he believes in. It is unfortunate that a man with such good intent has been targeted in such a negative way. Many people look beyond Kaepernick’s intentions and automatically associate them with disrespect towards the flag and veterans of the United States. One of Kaepernick’s former teammates Eric Reid said they “chose to kneel because it’s a respectful gesture.” Kaepernick has even had several veterans in support of his protests because they believe he has every right to stand up for what he believes in.
I believe everything behind Kaepernick’s actions were meant with good intent. Many people that oppose his views do not understand because it doesn’t personally affect them so they don’t take the time to understand. I believe everyone should take time to understand the reasoning behind why he took a knee in protest. Veterans fought for Kaepernick’s right to protest which is why they should support is actions even if they do not agree with his beliefs.