Colin Kaepernick Explains Why He Refused To Stand For National Anthem

It doesn't look like Colin Kaepernick is going to begin the season behind center for the San Francisco 49ers.

But he became the center of attention after the the Niners 21-10 preseason loss to Green Bay because he had remained sitting on the team’s bench as the Star-Spangled Banner played at Levi's Stadium.

Kaepernick explained his stance after the game.

"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." "This is not something that I am going to run by anybody," He continued. 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."

"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.”