Last season the NFL world was shocked by then San Francisco 49ers player Colin Kaepernick’s peaceful protest against police brutality. Taking a knee during the national anthem became his silent way of denouncing racial injustice in America. As the movement grew and was adopted by other athletes, so did the backlash. Kaepernick was met with opposition from people offended by his expression of freedom of speech.
Colin Kaepernick #7 and Eric Reid #35 of the San Francisco 49ers kneel in protest during the national anthem prior to playing the Los Angeles Rams in their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium on September 12, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Ultimately, he was cut from the 49ers and despite being a solid performing quarterback, was not picked up by another team for the 2017 season.
“Anybody who has a basic knowledge of football knows that his unemployment has nothing to do with his performance on the field,” says 49ers player and fellow national anthem kneeler Eric Reid in a recent New York Times article. “It’s a shame that the league has turned its back on a man who has done only good.”
Reid said it best. This has nothing to do with the his performance as a quarterback and everything to do with the racist and cavalier attitude toward athletes that started way before the anthem protests and has continued to escalate.
Now, many players have joined Kaepernick in his protest. During the first wave of protests Indianapolis Colts player Antonio Cromartie knelt and put his fists in the air during the national anthem at a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the 2016 season. He lost his job two days later.
Running back Thomas Rawls #34 of the Seattle Seahawks stands with center Justin Britt #68, right, to join defensive end Michael Bennett #72 on the bench during the national anthem before the game at CenturyLink Field on September 17, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr /Getty Images)
More and more players are having personal experiences that are leading them to use their platform to stick up for what they believe. Most recently Seattle Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett had a personal experience that brought him closer to the cause.
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Last season the NFL world was shocked by then San Francisco 49ers player Colin Kaepernick’s peaceful protest against police brutality. Taking a knee during the national anthem became his silent way of denouncing racial injustice in America. As the movement grew and was adopted by other athletes, so did the backlash. Kaepernick was met with opposition from people offended by his expression of freedom of speech.
Colin Kaepernick #7 and Eric Reid #35 of the San Francisco 49ers kneel in protest during the national anthem prior to playing the Los Angeles Rams in their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium on September 12, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Ultimately, he was cut from the 49ers and despite being a solid performing quarterback, was not picked up by another team for the 2017 season.
“Anybody who has a basic knowledge of football knows that his unemployment has nothing to do with his performance on the field,” says 49ers player and fellow national anthem kneeler Eric Reid in a recent New York Times article. “It’s a shame that the league has turned its back on a man who has done only good.”
Reid said it best. This has nothing to do with the his performance as a quarterback and everything to do with the racist and cavalier attitude toward athletes that started way before the anthem protests and has continued to escalate.
Now, many players have joined Kaepernick in his protest. During the first wave of protests Indianapolis Colts player Antonio Cromartie knelt and put his fists in the air during the national anthem at a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the 2016 season. He lost his job two days later.
Running back Thomas Rawls #34 of the Seattle Seahawks stands with center Justin Britt #68, right, to join defensive end Michael Bennett #72 on the bench during the national anthem before the game at CenturyLink Field on September 17, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr /Getty Images)
More and more players are having personal experiences that are leading them to use their platform to stick up for what they believe. Most recently Seattle Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett had a personal experience that brought him closer to the cause.