Kaepernick kneels during national anthem

Kaepernick has captured national headlines for refusing to stand Friday for the national anthem prior to a preseason game against the Green Bay Packers, which he said is a symbol of his political activism on behalf of oppressed minorities. Photos also show that Kaepernick wore the same socks for a joint practice with the Houston Texans on August 12 and the following week in a practice with the Denver Broncos. Images of the socks were posted on social media Wednesday night and quickly created a stir. “But I just don’t think it’s significant enough for me to get up and start booing him because he’s exercising his rights like that”. Expect more players around the league to take a knee in the coming weeks.

Later, Kaepernick said the encouragement he heard was especially meaningful because of the people from which it came. “I have family, I have friends that have gone and fought for this country. So before these socks, which were worn before I took my public stance, are used to distract from the real issues, I wanted to address them immediately”. Most of the people I talk to say the same thing. “It brings awareness”, he said.

“So yeah, I think that is something that they are trying to get recognized and looking for people to make a change too”. What’s really going on in this country.

“There is police brutality”.

Kaepernick said last Sunday he would continue sitting during the playing of the anthem. “So that’s a large part of it and they’re government officials. It’s not right that they’re not put in a position to succeed or given those opportunities to succeed”. “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”. He would not specify which groups he’s looking to support, saying only, “We’ve had a lot of discussions in that area”. Make those standards higher.

Many will tune in at 10 p.m. ET to see what happens when the national anthem plays at the game in San Diego, billed as the 28th Annual Salute to the Military.