49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s refusal to stand during the national anthem isn’t sitting well with Vikings offensive lineman Alex Boone.
“It’s hard for me, because my brother was a Marine, and he lost a lot of friends over there,” Boone told USA TODAY Sports. “That flag obviously gives him the right to do whatever he wants. I understand it. At the same time, you should have some (expletive) respect for people who served, especially people that lost their life to protect our freedom.
“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.”
Why Kaepernick is doing it
In an interview with NFL Media, Kaepernick exlained his decision to sit during the anthem (he’s sat during every anthem this preseason).
“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 said. “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.”
Kaepernick added that he knows he put his football career at risk by taking a stand.
On Sunday, Kaepernick spoke at length and said he’s not going to stand until he feels the government represents people “the way it’s supposed to,” while adding that it’s not his intent to disrespect the military.
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick isn't changing his tune: https://t.co/zGSgF9WdU0 pic.twitter.com/UI2cHVz6Xc
— USA TODAY (@USATODAY) August 29, 2016
Other NFL players have had mixed reactions. Dolphins running back Arian Foster told the Miami Herald that he understands what Kaepernick did while Giants receiver Victor Cruz said Kaepernick needs to respect the American flag.
