Colin Kaepernick sits during national anthem read more at here www.spinonews.com/index.php/item/723-colin-kaepernick-sits-during-national-anthem

The team 49ers explained in a statement that Kaepernick sat on the team's bench during the national anthem before San Francisco's game against the Green Bay Packers in Santa Clara, California.

 

Remembering the moment of recent shooting deaths of African-Americans by police, he told NFL Media that his conscience would not allow him to partake in the pre-game ceremony Friday against the Green Bay Packers.

 

Colin Kaepernick sat in protest during the national anthem for a pre-season game, saying he would not honor a song nor "show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color."

 

"The national anthem is and always will be a special part of the pregame ceremony,"  . "It is an opportunity to honor our country and reflect on the great liberties we are afforded as its citizens.

 

In respecting such American principles as freedom of religion and freedom of expression, we recognize the right of an individual to choose to participate, or not, in our celebration of the national anthem." He said

The athlete is active on Twitter, usually re tweeting other users' posts on race relations in the US. His decision not to stand has elicited comments both in support and against his decision