Football player's act of protest duringanthem has fans red-hot

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick runs with the football during the first half of an NFL preseason gameagainst the Green Bay Packers in Santa Clara, California, August 26, 2016. Photo: AP Photo/Tony Avelar

Colin Kaepernick is a quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers football team. Recently, heupset some people by refusing to stand as the national anthem played. The nationalanthem, or "The Star-Spangled Banner," plays before most big sports events. MostAmericans stand with their hands over their hearts while they listen to it. It is a sign ofrespect and of patriotism, or love of the country.

As a sign of protest, Kaepernick refused to stand up during the anthem. Some peoplesupported Kaepernick's decision, but others were angry. Even fans of the 49ers becameupset with Kaepernick.

Shane White says he is a lifelong 49ers team fan. In a Facebook post, he included video ofhimself destroying a football jersey while the national anthem is played. "Well, Colin, here'smy salute to you," he said.

A fan who calls himself Nate3914 told the quarterback, "if you don't love our country, getout of it. You should never play another down in the NFL. Move to Canada." The NFL is theNational Football League.

By Washington Post, adapted by Newsela staff on 09.01.16 Word Count 584

Protesting Police Actions

Kaepernick did not break the law or team rules by refusing to stand. The 28-year-oldKaepernick is half-black. He was adopted and raised by white parents who encouragedhim to be proud of being black. Kaepernick, who sat back by the water coolers during thesong, said he was well aware that people would react.

"I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country" that keeps black peopleand people of color down, Kaepernick told NFL Media's Steve Wyche. "To me, this isbigger than football," he said. "It would be selfish on my part to look the other way," headded. He spoke about the concerns with policing in the United States.

Lately, the news has focused on the shootings of black people by white police officers. Agroup called Black Lives Matter is trying to raise awareness. People who support BlackLives Matter believe that some police and courts treat black people unfairly.

49ers Have No Official Rule

Kaepernick's team spoke of the symbolism of the song while also pointing outKaepernick's right to protest. The team said it was in keeping with such American ideals asfreedom of speech. His coach, Chip Kelly, also supported his right to express himself.

The NFL, in a statement, said that players are "encouraged but not required" to stand forthe song.

Ian O'Connor works for ESPN, a sports TV channel. He spoke out for Kaepernick. Hewrote, "This is what American servicemen and women have defended," his right to sing thenational anthem loudly or refuse to sing it. As long as Kaepernick is not keeping histeammates from their rights "to make their own red, white and blue choices, what's theproblem here?"

Former Teammate Speaks Up

People reacted in different ways.

Anquan Boldin used to be on the same team with Kaepernick. His cousin was shot by apolice office just last year. Still, as a football player for the Detroit Lions team, Boldin stoodup for the anthem on Saturday. He told the Detroit Free-Press newspaper, however, that hesupported Kaepernick's right to make the statement.

Boldin said he was sure some people would not agree with Kaepernick. However, he saidthe great thing about America is that you have a chance to protest.

Kaepernick told reporters that he knows he did the right thing. He must stand up forpeople who are kept down, he said.

Quiz

1 Which sentence from the article BEST supports the idea that Kaepernick had the right to sitdown as the national anthem played?

(A) Recently, he upset some people by refusing to stand as the national anthemplayed.

(B) As a sign of protest, Kaepernick refused to stand up during the anthem.

(C) Kaepernick did not break the law or team rules by refusing to stand.

(D) He must stand up for people who are kept down, he said.

2 Based on information in the article, which statement is TRUE?

(A) The national anthem is usually not played at sports games.

(B) Most football fans support what Kaepernick did at the game.

(C) Kaepernick did not stand during the national anthem because he could nothear the anthem.

(D) Most Americans stand with their hands over their hearts when they hear thenational anthem.

3 Based on the introduction [paragraphs 1-4], which sentence BEST explains how fans ShaneWhite and Nate3914 feel about what Kaepernick did?

(A) They both respect what Kaepernick did.

(B) They both believe that what Kaepernick did was wrong.

(C) White is supportive of what Kaepernick did, but Nate3914 is not.

(D) White salutes what Kaepernick did, and Nate3914 does not care whatKaepernick did.

4 How is Kaepernick's point of view about refusing to stand during the national anthem similar ordifferent from his team's point of view?

(A) It is similar because both Kaepernick and his team think he has the right toprotest.

(B) It is similar because both Kaepernick and his team want to show support oftheir country.

(C) It is different because Kaepernick says he does not want to show pride in hiscountry's flag, and the team thinks he should.

(D) It is different because Kaepernick feels it is selfish to stand and the teamthinks it is important to stand.

Answer Key

1 Which sentence from the article BEST supports the idea that Kaepernick had the right to sitdown as the national anthem played?

(A) Recently, he upset some people by refusing to stand as the national anthemplayed.

(B) As a sign of protest, Kaepernick refused to stand up during the anthem.

(C) Kaepernick did not break the law or team rules by refusing to stand.

(D) He must stand up for people who are kept down, he said.

2 Based on information in the article, which statement is TRUE?

(A) The national anthem is usually not played at sports games.

(B) Most football fans support what Kaepernick did at the game.

(C) Kaepernick did not stand during the national anthem because he could nothear the anthem.

(D) Most Americans stand with their hands over their hearts when they hearthe national anthem.

3 Based on the introduction [paragraphs 1-4], which sentence BEST explains how fans ShaneWhite and Nate3914 feel about what Kaepernick did?

(A) They both respect what Kaepernick did.

(B) They both believe that what Kaepernick did was wrong.

(C) White is supportive of what Kaepernick did, but Nate3914 is not.

(D) White salutes what Kaepernick did, and Nate3914 does not care whatKaepernick did.

4 How is Kaepernick's point of view about refusing to stand during the national anthem similar ordifferent from his team's point of view?

(A) It is similar because both Kaepernick and his team think he has theright to protest.

(B) It is similar because both Kaepernick and his team want to show support oftheir country.

(C) It is different because Kaepernick says he does not want to show pride in hiscountry's flag, and the team thinks he should.

(D) It is different because Kaepernick feels it is selfish to stand and the teamthinks it is important to stand.

Football player's act of protest during anthem has fans red-hotProtesting Police Actions49ers Have No Official RuleFormer Teammate Speaks UpQuizAnswer Key