NFL Quarterback Sits for US National Anthem to Protest Racism

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick refused to stand during the playing of the U.S. national anthem during a pre-season game against the Green Bay Packers on Friday to protest racism in the country.

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After the game he was asked why he sat down and stated that he was not going to “stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses Black people and people of color.” 

“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," Kaepernick added. 

Kaepernick’s team also issued a statement saying they respect the player's decision.

"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," the San Francisco 49ers said. 

The team also added that is not the first time that Kaepernick do so. The player has been conducting this kind of protest as he has been using social media to express anger and frustration with racial injustices in the United States.