San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick guided his team to the Super Bowl in 2012. Since deciding to kneel rather than stand during the playing of the American national anthem before a game in 2016 to protest systemic racism, he has gained further notoriety for having been briefly suspended by the league. Millions of people protesting the loss of George Floyd have embraced the nonviolent protest sign of kneeling.
Black Lives Matter protesters have been marching around the US with the kneeling crowds, and the Premier League’s return game last night featured kneeling players and officials too. The gesture has shown to be incredibly effective in conveying angry sentiments about racial violence. However, it has also caused division, with some viewing it as disloyal or an insult to American soldiers.
Protests during the US patriotic anthem
He kneeled during the US patriotic anthem at sporting events in 2016 to protest racism and police brutality making the gesture famous. Colin, the quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, started the protest in August 2016 by choosing to sit during the playing of the national anthem at a preseason game rather than stand as is customary.
The athlete declared, that he is not going to stand up to display pride in a nation that persecutes people of colour and persons of colour. Later, Mr Kaepernick chose to kneel rather than sit, seeking to demonstrate greater respect toward military veterans. This position would become much more recognizable.
The incident sparked criticism from some who labelled the behaviour vulgar and disloyal or objected to the perceived politicization of athletic events. People who were outraged at Nike for using the quarterbacks as the head of its 30th campaign threatened to boycott the brand, and the NFL said it would punish teams whose players took part in the protest. President Donald Trump spoke out on the subject in 2017 and demanded that athletes who took the knee be fired.
Wouldn’t it be great to hear one of those NFL owners yell, Have that son of the b**** off the ground right now, out, he’s fired? When someone disrespects our flag? During a campaign in Alabama, Mr Trump declared, He’s fired. Some football teams responded by entirely refusing to take the field. Many people believe that this speech transformed the motion into a protest against Mr Trump’s presidency.
Mr Trump separated the protest from racial persecution by characterizing it as a message against the American flag & US service personnel. A rule mandating all players and team employees to stand during the anthem was overwhelmingly passed by NFL owners in 2019. Those who object may do so while still in the locker room; otherwise, the team may be fined.
Was this kind of sports politicization unusual?
Mr Kaepernick follows a long line of Black sportsmen who have utilized their platforms to draw attention to the injustices that minorities in the US experience.
Black athletes Tommie Smith & John Carlos, who raised their fists together in Black Power gestures even during the 1968 Olympics awards ceremony were deprived of their medals.
Boxer Muhammed Ali had to give up his heavyweight championship the year prior because he objected to the Vietnam War on moral grounds.
Where did Kaepernick end up?
After the campaign, Kaepernick was a free man but was not signed. He then sued the NFL for conspiring to prevent him from joining the league. In February 2019, a private settlement was made. Many of Kaepernick’s admirers contend that even if he isn’t on the list of NFL players, he is still among the finest quarterbacks playing. Last year, he said he was available to play for any team that wanted to sign him.
Meanwhile, he has established a Legal Assistance Initiative for covering the legal costs of the George Floyd-inspired protestors in Minnesota.
The activist career of Colin Kaepernick
In 2016, NFL players protested racism & police brutality by kneeling while playing the national anthem.
Comparatively, Collin compelled Nike to end their July Fourth collection in 2019.
The Betsy Ross Flag on the Nike sneakers offended Colin & a few other individuals. The Know Your Rights initiative and a campaign had been initiated by Colin & his wife Nessa. In the same way, Kaepernick donated $100,000 to the COVID-19 pandemic victims’ organization in 2020.
Colin Kaepernick’s estimated net worth
Kaepernick’s quarterback pay was around $43 million from 2011 to 2016. Since Colin put in a lot of effort to get where he is now, it is clear that he lives a luxurious lifestyle.
Conclusion
It may be a tribute to how Kaepernick initiated a cultural shift that has had almost a continuing impact on the NFL’s public image and prompted a national conversation about racial issues, sports, and protests. While Kaepernick’s football career prospects are still unclear, this alteration will be hard to undo.