Kaepernick, 49ers teammate kneel during national anthem

The “All of Me” singer is supporting American footballer Colin Kaepernick, who recently stirred up controversy by announcing he would not stand for the Star Spangled Banner before games until there is a “significant change” in the oppression of US people due to their race, and he insists it’s time to change the tune.

The gesture drew scattered boos and angry shouts at San Diego’s Qualcomm Stadium at the Chargers’ Salute to the Military preseason game. Police brutality is a huge thing that needs to be addressed.

“The media painted this as I’m anti-American, anti-men-and-women of the military and that’s not the case at all, ” Kaepernick said after playing the first half of the 49ers’ 31-21 victory over the Chargers.

“Very interesting issues that we’re dealing with right now”, Carroll said. Especially as students, we must seize every opportunity to cultivate our habits of inquiry and critique, especially in regards to our own beliefs. Over in Oakland, Seattle Seahawks cornerback Jeremy Lane, 26, sat down during the national anthem.

“It’s not for me, ” he said before ducking into the tunnel and heading to the locker room. “I believe in what he’s doing”.

“I wasn’t because I know how Eric is”, Reid Sr. said.

Kaepernick started the game at quarterback, and led the 49ers to a touchdown on the game’s opening series. Standing next to the pair was Nate Boyer, a former long snapper for the Seattle Seahawks who earned a bronze star for his military service as a Green Beret.

During the singing of God Bless America he remained standing and applauded.

Donald Trump was among the legions that skewered Kaepernick for the quaterback’s actions, while Kareem Abdul-Jabbar called Kaepernick’s protest “highly patriotic” and was among many who praised the quarterback. “He wanted to make it clear that he wasn’t trying to be disrespectful to the military or the national anthem, so he made a decision to change his position to be more respectful, but still bring awareness to the issues that he believes are going on in this country, and that I wholeheartedly believe exist in this country”.

After Thursday night’s game, Kaepernick told reporters he’d donate $1 million to charities that supported social justice causes.

While negative reactions have been strong, Kaepernick also has been widely praised for his commitment to his stance.

Kaepernick hasn’t been idle in recent days. “I want to help make America better”, he said.

“I want to be able to effect change, ” he said, talking about how people, groups and communities can impact the changes he seeks.