Colin Kaepernick makes his first start of the season at quarterback Sunday when the San Francisco 49ers take on the Buffalo Bills in Orchard Park, New York. This early-season QB change wouldn’t normally make so much news—but Kaepernick is no ordinary football player.
During the NFL preseason, Kaepernick ignited a controversy when he refused to stand for the national anthem. Players in other professional and amateur leagues followed suit, drawing cheers among some fans and jeers from others.
“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 explained. “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.”
Last month, I sat down with David Bozell, president of ForAmerica, to explore how sports became so politicized. Watch our interview and let us know what you think in the comments below.
