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Colin Kaepernick Rumored to End National Anthem Protest Next Season

By | Published on March 2, 2017
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Colin Kaepernick has given $100,000 monthly to organizations nationwide over the course of 10 months. (KPIX screen shot)

Colin Kaepernick is reportedly ending his national anthem protest next season and many Twitter users think it’s only because he’s becoming a free agent.

While the San Francisco 49ers quarterback doesn’t want “his method of protest to detract from the positive change he believes has been created,” sources told ESPN Thursday, March 2, that Kaepernick believes the national news coverage on racism and support from other athletes affirmed his message. That belief is supported by the fact that his teammates honored him with the Len Eshmont Award, which recognizes the 49er who “best exemplifies the inspirational and courageous play of Len Eshmont, an original member of the 1946 49ers,” according to the team.

Kaepernick began sitting as the “Star Spangled Banner” played during the 2016 preseason, saying he would not “show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses Black people and people of color.” He later shifted to taking a knee during the song, causing many patriotic NFL fans to call for a boycott of the league.

The footballer said all people should be included in the conversation about social inequality and he will keep raising funds for the underprivileged groups. He’ll also continue putting on the “Know Your Rights” camps he introduced last year, presenting it around the country.

Sources told ESPN the athlete will opt out of his contract with the 49ers, becoming a free agent next week. Many on Twitter pointed to Kaepernick’s need for employment as the reason he is ending his protest.

https://twitter.com/Krisp_y/status/837375883027574784

Others weren’t convinced about Kaepernick’s explanation that America has made progress since the beginning of his demonstration.

Some defended Kaepernick’s stance, noting his $1-million donation to charities serving underprivileged communities and gifting $60,000 worth of backpacks to New York schools.

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