Showing no respect for the United States of America.

Colin Kaepernick, San Francisco 49ers quarterback, has recently sent shock waves around the world as he sat on the bench during the national anthem before a preseason National Football League (NFL) football game.

Kaepernick decided to not stand as an act of protest against racism in the country. He said he will continue to sit until he was satisfied with the changes made toward ending racial oppression in the United States. This had enraged many fans over his decision.  

Kaepernick’s’ fellow teammate, Eric Reed, is also joining his quarterback as they are now kneeling on the sidelines by the games during the national anthem. Fans from all around the country have displayed hatred toward the NFL quarterback, but some has said that it’s his choice and let him do what he wants if that gets his point across to people. During an ESPN interview, Reed said, “He [Kaepernick] saw that it hurt people that he sat during the national anthem. There are people that actually put their lives on the line for this country to give us freedom. We talked for a couple days, to figure out a way to be more respectful of those people and the national anthem of the country while still maintaining the stance that there needs to be things done about these issues. And it was just today actually, a couple hours before the game, we were like, hey, why don’t you take a knee and that way you’re not isolated from the team, you’re not sitting down during the national anthem, you’re just changing your physical position, being more respectful to those people while still maintaining your stance on these issues.”

His actions have started a buzz around the NFL, and other players have decided to join him. Seattle Seahawks cornerback Jeremy Lane also joined Kaepernick’s protest up the coast in Oakland, taking a seat Thursday night during the anthem before a game against the Raiders.

Brandon Marshall of the Denver Broncos also is not standing for the national anthem as he is supporting Kaepernick. This decision impacted Marshall more than he expected as he lost an endorsement deal with Air Academy Federal Credit Union. The company ended its working relationship with the fifth-year pro. President/CEO Glenn Strebe announced the decision to cut ties with Marshall in a Facebook post on Friday. Air Academy Federal Credit Union said, “Although we have enjoyed Brandon Marshall as our spokesperson over the past five months, Air Academy Federal Credit Union (AAFCU) has ended our partnership. AAFCU is a membership-based organization who has proudly served the military community for over 60 years. While we respect Brandon’s right of expression, his actions are not a representation of our organization and membership. We wish Brandon well on his future endeavors.”

Veterans, active military, first responders, and other citizens have voiced their anger and disappointment to the athletes. When Kaepernick left the field following pregame warm-ups, he was greeted with profanity and obscene gestures from Leo Uzcategui, a 20-year Navy veteran in a military-green Chargers jersey. The veteran told ESPN, “I was in the Navy, and I saw men and women bleed and die for this flag,” Uzcategui said, “If he wants to do something, go to some outreach program where he can do some good. And I get it, his First Amendment right. But you don’t sit during the presenting of the colors, and you don’t sit during the national anthem. That is not the way to do it.”

USA women’s soccer player, Megan Rapinoe, took a knee during the national anthem before her Seattle Reign team played the Chicago Red Stars to show support to Kaepernick.
Overall, this may be a way to protest but it is the wrong way. No one black, white, hispanic should ever disrespect the American flag. As a son of an Air Force veteran, I have no respect for the athletes that flat out disrespected the flag and America. All the athletes wanted was popularity and to get people talking about them and the issues, but this is cold and not right. There is so many ways they can peacefully protest and get their message across like peace walks, social media posts, talking to local and national leaders, and many more. Yes, African Americans and the minority is often in conflicts with the law and want equality but everyone is still Americans and we all live in a free and strong country. I agree we do have problems and struggles but look around at the other countries….. We are Americans, the home of the free, land of the brave, and everyone from all around the world wants to live in America. We should be blessed and grateful to be in a country to protects us with strong military and government. We don’t live in a utopia and no one does; but at least we have strong and stable, independent country that is the leader.