Colin Kaepernick Refuses to Stand During National Anthem: ‘I’m Not Going to Stand Up to Show Pride in a Flag for a Country That Oppresses Black People’

Colin Kaepernick refused to stand during the National Anthem ahead of the 49ers vs Green Bay preseason game at Levi’s Stadium on Friday night.

He addressed his decision after the game — while wearing a Malcolm X hat and shirt.

“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 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.”

As you can imagine, the backlash from those who disagree with his stance came swift and full of racist comments.

https://twitter.com/JoshNicholson16/status/769579200177139713

https://twitter.com/bigmiked2/status/769585309973618688

https://twitter.com/BearsFanBeaber/status/769587248283131904

https://twitter.com/RealMcDaniel/status/769577929244225538

One quick look at Colin’s Instagram and you can see that he’s been ‘woke’ for a minute.

A photo posted by colin kaepernick (@kaepernick7) on Jul 9, 2016 at 12:51pm PDT

“Turning my back on Malcolm was one of the mistakes that I regret most in my life. I wish I’d been able to tell Malcolm I was sorry, that he was right about so many things. But he was killed before I got the chance. He was a visionary ahead of us all. …I might never have become a Muslim if it hadn’t been for Malcolm. If I could go back and do it over again, I would never have turned my back on him.” – Ali Rest In Peace

A photo posted by colin kaepernick (@kaepernick7) on Jun 4, 2016 at 2:45pm PDT

Did you know?

A photo posted by colin kaepernick (@kaepernick7) on Jan 18, 2016 at 2:47pm PST

Colin said that he is aware of what he is doing and that he knows it will not sit well with a lot of people, including the 49ers. He said that he did not inform the club or anyone affiliated with the team of his intentions to protest the national anthem.

“This is not something that I am going to run by anybody,” he said. “I am not looking for approval. I have to stand up for people that are oppressed. … If they take football away, my endorsements from me, I know that I stood up for what is right.”

Thankfully, the 49ers organization is standing behind Colin’s decision and freedom of expression.

“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,” said the 49ers in a statement.

Shoutout to Colin for choosing to take a stand.

Will someone point Cam Newton to Colin’s Twitter mentions and ask him to explain what he meant by the US being ‘beyond racism’?