When an NFL star chose to protest the discrimination of black Americans by remaining seated throughout the national anthem at a game last week, he was met with widespread criticism.
Many of the remarks accused San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick of disrespecting the country’s returned servicemen and women, but now veterans themselves are speaking out in support of Kaepernick's protest.
Taking to Twitter overnight under the hashtag “#VeteransForKaepernick”, a number of former military personnel have shared photos of themselves in uniform to highlight their support for the footballer’s position.
“I didn't serve this country for my son to be afraid to walk down the street at night,” one army officer wrote.
Another said, “#VeteransForKaepernick because I didn't volunteer to defend a country where police brutality is swept under the rug”.
Other commentators defended Kaepernick’s right to freedom of expression, even if they did not agree with his position.
“Protesting is EVERY Americans right. regardless of what for,” one veteran tweeted.
Earlier this week, fellow NFL quarterback Drew Brees, said he was “wholeheartedly” against Kaepernick’s method of protest as it disrespected the flag his family members served to protect.
“He can speak out about a very important issue, but there's plenty of other ways that you can do that in a peaceful manner that doesn't involve being disrespectful to the American flag,” he told ESPN.
New Orleans Saints star Kenny Vaccaro agreed, saying, "I respect his decision to stand up for how he feels, but I don't think you do it in that manner".
“You've got people fighting for our lives, fighting for our country every day," Vaccaro said.
"And I think there's other ways that you can handle it.”
Kaepernick remained on the player’s bench as the anthem was played during a pre-season match on Friday and said at the time, "I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of colour”.
"To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way," he said.
"There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder."
He later said he would continue to sit as, “ultimately it’s to bring awareness and make people realize what’s really going on in this country”.
“There are a lot of things that are going on that are unjust, people aren’t being held accountable for, that’s something that needs to change,” he told the San Jose Mercury News.
“This country stands for liberty, freedom, justice for all. And it’s not happening ‘for all’ right now.”
The 49ers next game will be played tomorrow.
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