The NFL season started over a week ago, and the story that is still grabbing the headlines comes from Colin Kaepernick of the San Francisco 49ers. It is not because of what he has done on the field; more it’s what he did on the sidelines of a preseason game that is still gaining interest across the nation.
Before the start of a preseason game against the Green Bay Packers this summer, Kaepernick decided to take a knee during the national anthem and not stand like is typically done by people. Since it happened, there has been a ton of backlash to him that has been mixed. There have been people who support him, and there are people who think he should not play another down in the National Football League again. It seems there is another politician who has decided to give his opinion on the situation and begin his fifteen minutes of fame.
United States Rep. Steve King of Iowa has gone on record to say that what Colin Kaepernick did is a sign of “ being sympathetic to ISIS.” He did an interview with Newsmax and felt that Kaepernick has no right to protest the national anthem. He would go on to say, “Well, if somebody is working for me and they represent me, that’s the same legal scenario they have on a football team.”
The woman who is dating the NFL Quarterback is Nessa who is a radio host in California and is Muslim. I think it is getting a bit ridiculous even to think that Kaepernick is sympathetic towards ISIS. I think if anything, it is basically from one extreme to another by saying that he is an ISIS supporter. We now have turned into a country where we assume the worst case about everyone. I am starting to feel that this has gone on too far.
Back on August 27, Colin Kaepernick sat down with the NFL.com and explained his actions. He said, “I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color.” He would go on to say, “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.” Chip Kelly, the head coach of the 49ers even went on record to say, “his right as a citizen.”
He said that in regards to what he thought of the situation. Ian Rapoport was able to get a hold of the NFL’s statement on the situation, and it said, “Players are encouraged, but not required to stand during the playing of the National Anthem.” I don’t feel it was the opportune time to do it, but I don’t blame him for what he did. He felt strong about this and decided to use his platform to address how he feels.
I don’t understand people when they are saying that he is disrespecting the men and women who fought for the flag. If you look at what Kaepernick said after it happened, nowhere in there did he mention that he disrespects or does not like the military. I applaud him for standing up or taking a knee on something he believes in.
I would like to know where people come off to tell Kaepernick that he is wrong. Last I checked, we are allowed to do what we want without having to explain our reasoning. We have gone from a country that gives people opportunities, and there was no problem with it for now that if you’re not white, then people should be suspicious. Again, I am not saying the way he did it was the best, but that he stood up for what he believes, and I applaud him for it.
Since the incident happened, Kaepernick, who is the backup QB for the San Francisco 49ers, has had his jersey become one of the most popular jerseys in the National Football League. I will say this again and again, when did America become a country of not giving people opportunities or not questioning everything that is done out of line.
My comment to the representative of Iowa who made the comments, there are certain areas that politicians should not touch. I feel personally this hate of Muslims began with Trump. I know many Muslim people and they are all hard-working people. But unfortunately, we have become a country where if you’re Muslim, then you are part of ISIS. Am I the only one who thinks that is a bit ridiculous. Yes, there are some bad Muslims, but I think to say that most Muslims are bad is pushing it a bit far.
Going back to Kaepernick, I think to even think that he is an ISIS supporter is a bit far. He is an American who stood up for what he believes in. How many of you would stand up for what you believe in, even if it meant you would get a lot of hate. I figure it won’t be that many because of the getting heat for it.