Obama: Kaepernick’s national anthem protest a ‘tough thing’ for service members

The outgoing president recognized Kaepernick’s sincerity and said he would rather have young people engaged in the democratic process than not paying attention at all.

Kaepernick sparked major controversy last month when he stayed sitting during the national anthem at a game between his team San Francisco 49ers and the Green Bay Packers.

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. Asked if he expects any teammates to join him, Lane said, “I don’t know”.

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.

But other fans have heckled and booed Kaepernick, and the Santa Clara police union has threatened to boycott their usual security duties at the 49ers games. Asked by The Associated Press about Kaepernick’s decision not to stand before games when the national anthem is played, Goodell says: “I support our players when they want to see change in society, and we don’t live in a ideal society”.

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

On Sunday night, U.S. women’s soccer star Megan Rapinoe knelt during the national anthem before the Seattle Reign’s game against the Chicago Red Stars in what she said was “a little nod”‘ to Kaepernick, the BBC added.

Lane said he hasn’t noticed much in terms of negative response for the decision and that he feels he has support of the team and his teammates in expressing his stance. “I don’t want to put pressure on no one. There’s definitely some issues in America that a lot of people are starting to recognize”, Bennett said.

“The only thing I would love for everyone to really think about is: What does the American flag mean to them?”

“Once again, I’m not anti-American”, Kaepernick said Thursday.

“I support our players when they want to see change in society”, Goodell told the AP, “and we don’t live in a ideal society. I think there’s a long history of sports figures doing so”, Mr Obama said. They all see it, and we talk about it.

Kaepernick added he will donate the first $1 million he makes this season to two organisations that help promote awareness of social concerns. “Not saying I won’t but I haven’t thought about it”.