Kaepernick to donate money from jersey sales to charity

Obama said he has not closely followed the controversy surrounding Kaepernick’s actions while he has been overseas, but he said he was aware of the public response, which has been sharply divided.

After sitting during the anthem in the Seahawks’ final preseason game last Thursday, Lane said San Francisco quarterback Colin Kaepernick thanked him for his support and his matching gesture.

Although some American football fans have demanded that the National Football League punish Kaepernick, the NFL has issued a statement saying it encourages players to stand during the anthem but does not require them to do so.

Lane said he hasn’t received indication if any teammates will join in his action.

Kaepernick, who is biracial and was adopted by white parents, first created an uproar August 26 when he remained seated before the 49ers’ exhibition game with the Green Bay Packers.

A number of 49ers fans have taken to social media to share videos of Kaepernick jerseys being burned after his actions – but it has also led to leap in sales of his merchandise. “I think having these conversations helps everybody have a better understanding of where everybody is coming from”.

The 49ers open their season at home against the Los Angeles Rams on Monday night.

“I think it’s actually pretty disgusting the way he was treated and the way a lot of media has covered it and made it about something it actually isn’t”, Rapinoe said. He hasn’t stood for the anthem at any of the preseason games, at first choosing to sit and then, on Thursday, kneeling along with teammate Eric Reid.

After the exhibition against the Raiders, Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said he was supporting Lane’s individuality and right to express his views.

“It’s his right to be able to protest, and I think it’s alright”, Bennett said. I don’t want to put any pressure on anyone. “I think there’s a long history of sports figures doing so”, Mr Obama said.

Nevertheless, his stance has also led to numerous expressions of support, with backers arguing that his protest is a worthy statement on the troubled status of United States race relations.

“We don’t need to be the leading voice, of course, but standing in support of them is something that’s really powerful”.

Kaepernick announced last week his intent to give $1 million of his 2016 football earnings to charities dedicated to the issues he is spotlighting. “Not saying I won’t, but I haven’t thought about that”.