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#VeteransForKaepernick Trends On Social Media In Support Of 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick

ST. LOUIS, MO - NOVEMBER 1: Michael Brockers #90 of the St. Louis Rams sacks Colin Kaepernick #7 of the San Francisco 49ers in the second quarter at the Edward Jones Dome on November 1, 2015 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Michael B. Thomas/Getty Images)

Colin Kaepernick appears to be one of the most discussed players in the NFL, after the San Francisco 49ers quarterback controversially protested by refusing to stand for the national anthem during a preseason game on Friday.

#VeteransForKaepernick Trends On Social Media

Notable names in the sports world have voiced both positive and negative opinions on his action. Some, like Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman, stated that they believe Kaepernick’s intention or message became misinterpreted.

“You can’t ever stand against the flag,” Sherman said. “A lot of people have sacrificed for it, but there is also a deeper meaning to what he did. He’s talking about the oppression of African-Americans in this country, and that has been going on for a long time. I think a lot of the focus has shifted away from his message…. I think there’s also things in this nation that people need to remember and take heed of and also acknowledge.”

Sherman continued: “This country is the same country that had ‘whites’ and ‘colored’ signs on the bathroom. We’re still in that country, we’re still in that nation. And that needs to be acknowledged and that needs to be changed. There are people with that mentality that still exists, and that needs to change. There are people that still treat people of color with subjectivity. They treat them a certain way. They categorize them. They put them in a certain category.

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“There are certain statistics that are put out there to make sure that police profile certain people in certain neighborhoods, and that needs to change. So there is some depth and some truth to what he’s doing.”

Sherman also stated that he thinks Kaepernick could have chosen “a better platform and a better way to do it,” adding that whenever any athlete takes a stand either verbally or through actions, he or she is immediately harshly criticized by a lot of people.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, for his part, referenced American pole vaulter Sam Kendricks in order to voice his opinion. Kendricks was on his way down the runway at the Rio Olympics when he completely stopped while the national anthem began playing. He was widely praised for his patriotism.

Abdul-Jabbar noted, however, that Kaepernick’s form of protest was also patriotic.

“In truth, both men, in their own ways, behaved in a highly patriotic manner that should make all Americans proud,” Abdul-Jabbar said.

Abdul-Jabbar goes noted that Kaepernick’s stance could negatively impact his career and could potentially cost him millions in endorsements.

“What should horrify Americans is not Kaepernick’s choice to remain seated during the national anthem, but that nearly 50 years after Ali was banned from boxing for his stance and Tommie Smith and John Carlos’s raised fists caused public ostracization and numerous death threats, we still need to call attention to the same racial inequities,” Abdul-Jabbar said. “Failure to fix this problem is what’s really un-American here.”

Kaepernick shared his views on his Twitter and Instagram profiles and clearly articulated them after the game.

One group in particular who seems to stand behind the QB is military veterans. On Tuesday, they decided to express their support for him on social media using the hashtag #VeteransForKaepernick, which became the No. 1 trending topic on Twitter.

On Monday, Kaepernick addressed the concerns of those who view the American flag as largely symbolic of those who have served in the armed forces.

“I have great respect for men and women that have fought for this country,” Kaepernick said. “I have family, I have friends that have gone and fought for this country and they fight for freedom. They fight for the people. They fight for liberty and justice for everyone and that’s not happening. I mean, people are dying in vain because this country isn’t holding its end of the bargain up.”

Here are some of the social media posts he received from military men and women:

Clearly, Kaepernick is not alone in his desire to make a statement.

ST. LOUIS, MO – NOVEMBER 1: Michael Brockers #90 of the St. Louis Rams sacks Colin Kaepernick #7 of the San Francisco 49ers in the second quarter at the Edward Jones Dome on November 1, 2015 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Michael B. Thomas/Getty Images)

Pablo Mena

Writer and assistant editor for usports.org. NY Giants and Rangers fan. Film and TV enthusiast (especially Harry Potter and The Office) and lover of foreign languages and cultures.