Skip to content

49ers hold players-only meeting to discuss Kaepernick protest

Kelley L Cox / Reuters

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick has made it clear he intends to keep sitting during the American national anthem prior to NFL games.

That decision, which Kaepernick made to protest injustice, discrimination, and oppression of "black people and people of color" within the country - and specifically by police - has been met by mixed reactions around the league.

Former teammate and current Minnesota Vikings guard Alex Boone ripped Kaepernick's decision, calling the move "shameful" and disrespectful to the military, though Kaepernick maintains that was not his intention.

The 49ers held a players-only meeting Sunday to discuss the issue, hoping to avoid creating friction within the team, .

"Before anyone can try to separate us as a team, we went ahead and attacked it," safety Antoine Bethea said, according to ESPN's Nick Wagoner. "We spoke on it, Kap got in front of us and he spoke on it, and that's all that needs to be said. We're going to keep that in the room, and if Kap wants to say anything else about it, that's his choice. But as a team, we spoke on it and continue to move forward and get ready for the season."

As with the general public, some of Kaepernick's teammates agreed with his stance, while others were less receptive. Center Daniel Kilgore was among those who disagreed with Kaepernick, but who came away from the meeting with a better understanding.

"Colin made it clear that he wasn't trying to discriminate against the military," Kilgore said. "But I can see where some people take offense to that. Personally, I have family and friends who are currently serving, so I mean, when it came out, to be honest with you, I took offense to it when it came out.

"After Kap stated his case today and seeing where he is coming from, I do stand with Kap when he says enough is enough against crime and the violence and discrimination and racism. I believe that enough is enough. But I could see why people would think it's bad with the national anthem and the military."

Others - including wide receiver Torrey Smith - may agree with Kapernick's stance, but feel the quarterback could have made his point in a different way.

"I think everyone has the right to stand up for what they believe in, so I respect that first and foremost," Smith said. "I agree with what he did but not the way he did it. That's not for me. But he has that right. Soldiers have died for his right to do exactly what he did."

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox