The lines have been drawn in the days since Colin Kaepernick's refusal to stand for the National Anthem, during last week's pre-season game against the Green Bay Packers. Those who have an opinion on the matter have come out in opposition or in approval of his stand, with others expressing some semblance of neutrality. Rap mogul T.I. has added his voice to the growing chorus of support for the San Francisco 49'ers QB, taking to Instagram with a meme quoting Kaepernick, followed by a photo that labels Francis Scott Key a white supremacist slave owner. "I'm rockin with bruh!!!!," the caption of the initial post reads.
"Listen, I respect the troops. I respect their efforts. However, I also acknowledge that black soldiers fought & died in WW2 to defend freedoms & liberties overseas that they couldn't even receive for themselves when they made it back home as veterans," he went on to write, after identifying Key as the composer of the Star-Spangled Banner, and making reference to his having called African-Americans inferior. "Me standing UP (or not standing) for mines shouldn't be taken as an insult against yours," he added.
While reactions to Kaepernick's protest have varied, the loudest response has come from those shaming the 28-year-old Milwaukee native. Fans have gone as far as burning Kaepernick's jersey, with many vowing to boycott 49'er games until he is cut from the roster. Most statements from players around the league are in disagreement with his method of protest, with such players as Victor Ortiz saying that the flag ought to be left out of the conversation, and others interpreting his stance as an insult. Former teammate Alex Boone even implied that had Kap remained seated during the pledge while they played together, he would have confronted him with physical aggression. As the days go on, however, more and more people have come to his defense, with ESPN journalists Bomani Jones and Stephen A. Smith taking Kaepernick's side, and Myke Tavarres of the Philadelphia Eagles vowing to follow in the QB's footsteps by sitting during the anthem as well.
Source: sohh.com
