In an NFL pre-season game on Friday, August 26, 2016, between the San Francisco 49ers and the Green Bay Packers, one of the most disrespectful acts that a United States citizen could commit happened when 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick refused to stand for our countries National Anthem because of an opinion he has. Colin said "I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color, to me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder." The 49ers quarterback in entitled to his own opinion, just like everyone else in this country is, but not standing up during the National Anthem is the wrong way for him to express his opinion.
What Colin Kaepernick did that not is not only disrespectful to the flag and our country but to all the people who are in the military and put their lives at risk to protect our beloved country. It is a slap in a face to all the veterans who have served their time and it is just the most disrespectful thing someone could do. Roger Goodell and the NFL need to take a stand on this situation, they must suspend Kaepernick indefinitely and serve him a large fine. No matter what opinion someone has about the United States of America, they should always at least be a decent enough person to stand up, put their hand over their heart, and respect the flag. San Francisco fans have already started to burn their Kaepernick jerseys, and rightfully so. Although the actions committed by him are unforgivable, he must at least come out and apologize. To add insult to injury, San Francisco travels to San Diego to take on the Chargers next week. Why is this an insult? It is an insult because San Diego happens to have one of the largest Navy bases in the country and if the 49ers quarterback does not stand for the anthem again, there will for sure be hell to pay for him during and after the game. Colin, it is in your best interest you start standing for our countries National Anthem. Do not do it just to make people happy, but do it to show some respect. God Bless America.
