Colin Kaepernick Refuses To Stand For National Anthem

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick didn't stand during the National Anthem before a preseason game on Friday night, and it's the most notable thing he's done in two years.

Colin says it's about police brutality and racism.  He didn't want to show pride for a country that "oppresses black people and people of color."  And, before you mention his $126 million contract, he wasn't talking about himself.  He thinks he's making a statement for people who don't have his platform.

He says, quote, "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."

The NFL says players are not required to stand during the National Anthem, and Colin says he doesn't plan to stand in the future until things change, and he feels like "the country is representing people the way it's supposed to."

NFL players were also split.   Giants receiver Victor Cruz said, "You've got to respect the flag...you have to stand up with your team, and understand that this game and what's on around the country is bigger than just you."

And Colin's former teammate Alex Boone said, quote, "We're out here playing a game, making millions of dollars.  People are losing their life, and you don't have the common courtesy to do that?  That just drove me nuts."

Colin says he means no disrespect to the military, and the people dying for the country... he's standing up for the black people who are being killed without consequences. And he says, quote, "I don't see it being a distraction...it's something that can unify this country.  If we have these conversations, there's a better understanding of where both sides are coming from...and make sure that everyone is treated equally and has the same freedom."

(Freedom Daily)