Colin Kaepernick has been all over the news – partially because it seems that his football career maybe on life support, but more because of his choice not to stand during the National Anthem during a preseason football game. His choice not to stand during the anthem doesn’t break any laws, and was a decision he made in order to raise awareness to police brutality and unfairness/racism in the United States. Though I love that he is standing up for a very important issue in our society, I believe that Kaepernick’s decision not to stand during the anthem only showed disrespect for the men and women who have risked their lives, left their loved ones and died for our country to give him (and everyone) the opportunities they have in the U.S. today.

One of my very best friends is currently deployed in Afghanistan; he is in a foreign country, away from his friends and family, fighting for every. single. person. in this country. His choice to help defend our freedom allows each of us to go on with our everyday lives. To me, Kaepernick’s decision not to stand during the National Anthem is disrespectful to all of the men and women who fight or have fought for our country; if it wasn’t for them, Kaepernick may have never had the opportunity to play professional football. Regardless of sex, race, sexual orientation and religion, if someone put their life on the line to fight for our freedom then they deserve the upmost respect from everyone.

I love the right of free speech – believe me, I am never shy to express my opinion on anything. However, I believe that there are millions of other ways to for Kaepernick to get his important message to the public. Kaepernick is a well-known professional athlete who has significant influence, especially through social media. Why not take a different approach?

So here is my personal message to Colin Kaepernick: I understand that you’re taking a stance for something that you greatly care about. I understand that you are exercising your right of free speech. I understand that you are building your personal brand. I understand the fight you are trying to stand up against. I have read the dozens of articles recently released about how you will donate the money from your increased jerseys sales. I understand that you feel as if you need to be a leader… However, I do not understand why you chose to take a stance that is deemed disrespectful to those who fought for our freedom. I don’t know how you can think of anyone you may know who has been a part of our armed forces, and not think about how they would feel about this?

Now my message to you: Please understand the disrespect of this action to our military men and women. Please understand that there are more ways to protest this conflict that can be much for effective. Please do not let this influence your actions.

I support the conflict that Kaepernick is fighting, I just do not support this action.