NFL Player From San Francisco Refuses To Stand For National Anthem

When I was in the military I tried to bring charges against a junior non-com for not standing for the national anthem (in uniform).

I couldn't because there was nothing in the military code. When is was drafted no-one thought such a thing would ever happen.

I might not have been able to do anything, but his annual fitness report wasn't up to much, and every senior non-com on the base made sure life was pretty miserable!
 
Guess we'll have to watch what happens with that. If someone choses to do that, I doubt if anything can be done-- remember the flag-burning protest of the 60's? However, he's in a prickly situation with the team, fans and sponsors. What he is doing may actually hurt his cause but he's entitled to his own feelings
 

There's a time and place for everything. It's called professionalism and discretion. A professional can put personal feelings aside to do their job while on the job. The workplace or place of business is not the place to protest non workplace related issues.
 
Watch the $$$ :eek:nthego: when the stadium tickets start to dwindle. Then, this dork will finally realize that his political
stance is causing a lot of problems. He even looks like an extremist.
 
He says that he is prepared to face the consequences of his actions.
It sounds like a genuinely held conviction to me.

Not unlike this silent protest, Mexico City 1968.

black power salute.JPG
 
Standing is not mandatory, here are the statements given by the NFL and the 49ers. More here.


It has been 12 hours since the story dropped that Colin Kaepernick did not stand during the National Anthem. The NFL has now issued a statement on the matter, keeping things pretty simple.

"Players are encouraged but not required to stand during the playing of the National Anthem."
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There had been some question as to how the NFL would respond to Kaepernick’s decision to sit in protest during the Anthem. Given the inconsistency in NFL punishment, I don’t think any response would have surprised me. They could have fined or suspended him, or they could have done nothing, and it would all have been par for the course. But it would appear there will be no punishment by the league.

The 49ers issued a statement to Pro Football Talk when the story first broke, and they too recognized his right to express himself:


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 to participate, or not, in our celebration of the national anthem.
Click to expand...
 
"What he is doing may actually hurt his cause but he's entitled to his own feelings"

Yes, but like all sports stars, he is a role model to tens of thousands of impressionable youngsters.

Teaching disrespect for flag and country is not acceptable.
 
Kaepernick was born to an unmarried 18 year old black lady. With no father in the picture, his unwed Mother gave him up for adoption. He was adopted by a white couple who gave him love and the opportunity to play sports. He rec'd a college education without spending a dime thanks to his athletic ability. He will make $19 million this year and made $20 million last year playing a game. The blessing of being born in this County, raised by loving parents, and, having the opportunity to use his athleticism to become a multi-millionaire are a testament to how great America is. In my opinion, he's a dirt bag. However...

Every man and woman who has sacrificed in the U.S. Military to preserve the freedoms and liberties we enjoy, have handed him the freedom to express his freedom of speech. Even though I would like to see him cut from the team and never draw another huge paycheck playing a game on television, he still has the right in America to not stand for the National Anthem. Were I to walk up to him today, I'd give him a piece of my mind. I should be able to express my freedom of speech and tell him what a dreg of society I believe he is, just as he has express his similar freedom.
 
WhatInThe said:
There's a time and place for everything. It's called professionalism and discretion. A professional can put personal feelings aside to do their job while on the job. The workplace or place of business is not the place to protest non workplace related issues.
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Agreed. I also note he doesn't seem to mind taking all that money for what he does in a country he despises.
 
Grumpy Ol' Man said:
Kaepernick was born to an unmarried 18 year old black lady. With no father in the picture, his unwed Mother gave him up for adoption. He was adopted by a white couple who gave him love and the opportunity to play sports. He rec'd a college education without spending a dime thanks to his athletic ability. He will make $19 million this year and made $20 million last year playing a game. The blessing of being born in this County, raised by loving parents, and, having the opportunity to use his athleticism to become a multi-millionaire are a testament to how great America is. In my opinion, he's a dirt bag. However...

Every man and woman who has sacrificed in the U.S. Military to preserve the freedoms and liberties we enjoy, have handed him the freedom to express his freedom of speech. Even though I would like to see him cut from the team and never draw another huge paycheck playing a game on television, he still has the right in America to not stand for the National Anthem. Were I to walk up to him today, I'd give him a piece of my mind. I should be able to express my freedom of speech and tell him what a dreg of society I believe he is, just as he has express his similar freedom.
Click to expand...

Absolutely. I do not condone what he did any more than I condoned the burning of our flag. It is disrespectful but most likely protected under freedom of speech, something we all share in this country. I hope at least somebody gave him a piece of their mind! I mean, it's also a distraction for the team. They make good money and should be extremely grateful for that opportunity.
 
Laurie said:
"What he is doing may actually hurt his cause but he's entitled to his own feelings"

Yes, but like all sports stars, he is a role model to tens of thousands of impressionable youngsters.

Teaching disrespect for flag and country is not acceptable.
Click to expand...

I don't think he teaches disrespect. He probably offended everyone there as the act offends me also. I'm a little surprised NFL issued that statement but if they don't require it as a condition of employment, it was the only call they could make. He is entitled to his feelings even if we don't like it. Freedom has to work for us all.
 
The NFL has gone radical PC. They allow this, they allow the Rams to play the "hands up don't shoot" game, but they will not let the Cowboys express support for the police.
 
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