When fans spotted No. 7 in a 49ers jersey loping out for warmups before San Francisco’s preseason game at San Diego on Thursday night, many started booing.
But not everyone showed their displeasure for embattled quarterback Colin Kaepernick. Many spectators wearing red 49ers jerseys clapped and cheered.
Kaepernick, dressed in a white jersey and gold pants, didn’t acknowledge the crowd. Instead he got down to the business of warming up for the final preseason game of the year.
It still wasn’t clear if Kaepernick was going to start the game, but the bigger question was would he continue his protest of racism in the United States by sitting during the national anthem?
That anthem, by the way, will be performed by Petty Officer 1st Class Steven Powell from the US Navy on what is billed by the Chargers as the 28th Annual Salute to the Military.
The quarterback, who is biracial, has said he’ll again refuse to stand during the song as he’s done for the first three preseason games, because he will not “show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color.”
The quarterback told the Mercury News of San Diego on Tuesday that he doesn’t fear for his safety.
“No, because if something happened, you’d be proving my point,” Kaepernick said, according to the report. He later said, “I knew what I was walking into. That’s why it’s a sacrifice.”
Kaepernick addresses socks
There’s a new wrinkle to the Kaepernick saga. Photos have surfaced on social media of him wearing socks that depict pigs in police hats.
According to USA Today, Kaepernick wore the socks as early as August 10. USA Today also reports that the head of a national police organization ripped Kaepernick for the socks, saying the quarterback is “dishonoring police officers with what he’s wearing on the field.”
“It doesn’t seem like he’s thought through or bothered to educate himself about the way (law enforcement officers) are out there trying to do a very difficult job and the vast majority of the time get the job done right,” said Bill Johnson, who is the executive director of the National Association of Police Organizations.
Kaepernick addressed the socks in an Instagram post on Thursday afternoon, explaining that he began wearing them before he took a public stance on the anthem.
“I wore those socks, in the past, because the rogue cops that are allowed to hold positions in police departments, not only put the community in danger, but also put the cops that have the right intentions in danger by creating an environment of tension and mistrust.” Kaepernick said. “I have two uncles and friends who are police officers and work to protect and serve ALL people. So before those socks, which were worn before I took my public stance, are used to distract from the real issues, I wanted to address this immediately.”
Chargers to celebrate the military
As was previously scheduled, the Chargers will celebrate their annual salute to the military Thursday, paying tribute to the hundreds of thousands of current and retired military personnel who live and work in San Diego.
The Marine Band San Diego will perform pregame along with the Frog X parachute team, featuring retired Navy SEALs who will float down into Qualcomm Stadium.
According to a statement from the team, 240 sailors, Marines and soldiers will present a US Super Flag and service emblems from all branches of service during the national anthem, and color guards from the Navy, Marine Corps and Army will present the flag.
“At halftime the Chargers will recognize six Vietnam War veterans as a remembrance of the 50th anniversary of the war and will also have wounded warriors as special guests and a patriotic fireworks show to wrap up halftime.
“At the start of the third quarter, Petty officer 1st Class Steven Powell will return to the field where he will perform “God Bless America,” the Chargers statement said.
Amid the controversy over Kaepernick’s protest, some members of the military and veterans have taken to social media using the hashtag #VeteransforKaepernick in support.
Sunny Anderson, Food Network personality and a veteran, tweeted: “I took an oath & served so players on a team I don’t even like could have freedom of speech.”
‘It’s his right as a citizen’
On Tuesday, 49ers head coach Chip Kelly said that he will rest quarterback Blaine Gabbert, who is the presumptive favorite to be named the starter for Week 1. Kaepernick has had an extended layoff while recovering from surgery in November on his non-throwing shoulder.
“Unfortunately because of Colin’s injury and missing those first two preseason games, he’s only got 13 snaps,” Kelly said. “So we’ve got to move forward and see if we can get him some more snaps here.”
Kelly said Tuesday he hopes to name a starter sometime after the Chargers game. He also said that Kaepernick is one of the best two quarterbacks on the roster.
“My dealings with Colin since April is when he’s here, he’s all about ball and he’s been great with that,” Kelly said. “So, that’s what I deal with, and that’s how we interact, and he’s been great. You guys watch him. When he’s not in, he’s mirroring the quarterback. He’s getting as many mental reps as he can. He obviously had a setback in camp because of the shoulder, but from a football standpoint, he’s been excellent.”
As for the quarterback’s stance on the national anthem, Kelly said he hasn’t asked Kaepernick about it.
“No, and it’s his right as a citizen,” Kelly said.